A different and very engrossing slant on the American Revolution, emphasizing the role of a black slave in the colony of Rhode Island, Guy Watson, property of the Hazzard family and a talented carpenter. He is rented out to Samuel Ward, an officer in the Continental army and accompanies him on the disastrous march on Quebec, brainchild of then-Col. Benedict Arnold [before his treachery]. We also follow Ward and the Hazzard family through the whole revolution. Much space is taken up with descriptions of battles in which the First Rhode Island Regiment takes part. I actually skimmed over some of that. Guy finally becomes a soldier with other black men; all are now freed. At the Battle of Turkey Hill he fights valiantly against Hessians and the British. Young John Hazzard, for cowardice under fire, and Guy, accused of spying, are both hauled up before a court martial. The court martial frames the whole story. Will Guy be acquitted?

I learned a lot about the nitty-gritty of military life back then and the lives of the common citizenry. I had not known, for instance, there were slaves in New England at that time. I thought the best part was the march to Quebec, dangers and obstacles faced. In a way, the novel reminded me of those of Kenneth Roberts, but it was much more readable. This author's research was meticulous.

Highly recommended. ( )