2010 November 22

Book Review: The Passionate Brood by Margaret Campbell Barnes

Title: The Passionate Brood: A Novel of Richard the Lionheart and the Man Who Became Robin Hood
Author: Margaret Campbell Barnes
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark; Reprint edition
Publication Date: October 1, 2010
Paperback: 368 pages
ISBN: 978-1402242052
Genre: Historical Fiction

From the Publisher:

In this compelling novel of love, loyalty, and lost chances, Margaret Campbell Barnes gives readers a new perspective on Richard the Lionheart’s triumphs and tragedies. Drawing on folklore, Barnes explores what might have happened if King Richard’s foster brother were none other than Robin Hood, a legendary figure more vibrant than most in authentic history. Thick as thieves as Richard builds a kingdom and marshals a crusade, the two clash when Robin Hood so provokes the king’s white hot temper that Richard banishes him. The Passionate Brood is a tale of a man driven to win back the Holy Land, beset by the guilt of casting out his childhood friend, and shouldering the burden of being the lionhearted leader of the Plantagenets.

My Review:

The Passionate Brood by Margaret Campbell Barnes is a re-release of a brilliant work of historical fiction, which focuses on Richard I, the Plantagenets, and the legend of Robin Hood. Campbell Barnes writes exquisite historical novels and this one is not an exception. Her choice in writing about the rather early years of the rise, struggles, tragedies and triumphs of the Plantagenets is quite well done. In The Passionate Brood, the reader is introduced to real and quite fictional characters, creating an exceptional story of King Richard I’s reign, the crusades, the man who becomes known as Robin Hood, and also the struggle of the Plantagenets. Campbell Barnes’ characters are well written and one is easily transported back to the twelfth century through her descriptive and vivid imagery. The Passionate Brood is a thrilling and fast paced novel, which brings together history with folklore to create an exceptional book. I would highly recommend The Passionate Brood to all readers, especially those who enjoy a well-written historical fiction novel.

I received a complimentary copy of The Passionate Brood by Margaret Campbell Barnes from Sourcebooks. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

Book Review: The Imperial Cruise by James Bradley

Title: The Imperial Cruise: A Secret History of Empire and War
Author: James Bradley
Publisher: Back Bay Books; Reprint edition
Publication Date: November 8, 2010
Paperback: 400 pages
ISBN: 978-0316014007
Genre: History

From the Publisher:

On the success of his two bestselling books about World War II, James Bradley began to wonder what the real catalyst was for the Pacific War. What he discovered shocked him.

In 1905 President Teddy Roosevelt dispatched Secretary of War William Taft, his daughter Alice, and a gaggle of congressmen on a mission to Japan, the Philippines, China, and Korea with the intent of forging an agreement to divide up Asia. This clandestine pact lit the fuse that would-decades later-result in a number of devastating wars: WWII, the Korean War, and the communist revolution in China.

In 2005, James Bradley retraced that epic voyage and discovered the remarkable truth about America’s vast imperial past. Full of fascinating characters brought brilliantly to life, The Imperial Cruise will powerfully revise the way we understand U.S. history.

My Review:

The Imperial Cruise by James Bradley is an in-depth look at the Imperial ambitions that had dire consequences later on in history. The reader is taken back to 1906 and brought aboard the SS Manchuria, a historical voyage carrying the largest delegation ever, comprised of 23 members of Congress, Howard Taft, the Secretary of War, and Alice Roosevelt, daughter of Theodore Roosevelt. The Imperial Cruise is a look at historical accounts through the eyes of author James Bradley. For those readers who do not know, Bradley’s father, John Bradley, was one of the men to raise the American flag on Iwo Jima. While Bradley uses copious citations and documents his research, what I believe is not captured fully in this book is how the meaning of specific words still used today convey different messages. What Bradley makes quite evident in the fact that this was not an entirely sanctioned mission and the repercussions did not come swiftly, but when they did, they were catastrophic. Bradley is quite descriptive, his assertions are supported through citations, and he includes pictures from this historic time in history. While I enjoyed reading this account of the mission to the Pacific Rim, I would not cease with this book, but delve deeper into further historical accounts for a more balanced view. With that said, The Imperial Cruise makes for an interesting and enlightening book about a time period in US History that is quite important and often ignored unless one goes on to study history or political science, of which I did both. I would recommend The Imperial Cruise to those who enjoy history or groups wanting to discuss historical events.

I received a complimentary copy of The Imperial Cruise by James Bradley from Hachette to review. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.