REVIEWS+

The Schoolmaster's Daughter

A Novel of the American Revolution
by John Smolens
The Schoolmaster's Daughter: A Novel of the American Revolution. Pegasus. Nov. 2011. c.400p. ISBN 9781605982526. $25.95. F
COPY ISBN
Smolens's (The Anarchist) latest novel opens in Boston in April of 1775. Abigail Lovell, the daughter of the Boston Latin School headmaster (a loyal subject of George III), is spying with her two brothers for the American cause. Abigail's willingness to take risks leads her into danger when she is falsely accused of murdering a British sergeant then later when she helps her brother sabotage the British artillery before the Battle of Bunker Hill.
VERDICT 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.
Reviewed by Carly Thompson, Chicago Ridge P.L. , Sep 01, 2011
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?