Smolens, John

Smolens's (The Schoolmaster's Daughter; The Anarchist) lastest novel offers an accurate portrait of a post-Colonial New England community, but his promising story line gets pulled under by the lack of a strong central figure. The weak hero gets overshadowed by some of the supporting actors. Readers who enjoy tales of early America and can overlook the mostly sketchily drawn characters should enjoy the mix of history, ravaging illness, and avarice.

Despite the inclusion of famous historic figures and several of the major battles of the American Revolution, Smolens's plot and characters remain uninvolving. A tepid love triangle among Abigail, a British colonel, and a young American doctor adds little to the story and ends abruptly. Readers are advised to look elsewhere.