Dream West

What a powerful novel. Anyone seeking to either whet their historical appetite or emerse themselves in well written, well researched and well balanced account of the early pioneering days of the USA should get this novel and settle into a damn good read.

DREAM WEST captures the spirit of the turbulent mid-1800's and the nearly forgotten stories centering around the remarkable Captain John Charles Fremont (the Pathfinder). This was a refreshing look at one of America's great explorers who pioneered and mapped much of America's western regions. This book includes such historic characters as: the legendary explorer Kit Carson, and Fremont's wife the famed novelist Jessie Benton Fremont, her father the famous Missouri senator Thomas Hart Benton, cameos appearances from almost every famous politician during the mid-1800 through the Civil War (Lincoln, Grant, Polk, Clay, etc.). John Charles Fremont was one America's most magnetic personalities. Just to list a few of many remarkable accomplishments, such as:* He was California's first Governor (albeit for a very short period). * After California's statehood is approved he was the first Senator for California.* Became rich during the famed gold rush. Later lost it in a swindle. * On the Republican ticket as an antislavery advocate he ran for President in 1956,. In fact he becomes a perennial presidential candidate. * He achieves the rank of major general during the Civil War where he loses most of his battles and resigns. * Later he becomes a Governor of Arizona and passes much ground breaking legislation. The only complaint I have with this book (very minor) is the author's lenient treatment of Fremont's war record. In fact Fremont was demoted because he couldn't beat Stonewall Jackson. He lets Fremont off rather easily. Notwithstanding, John Charles Fremont truly was an extraordinary man. This story captures his spirit.

The people come alive in the book. Exciting to read about the life of the old west.

Author of the romantic historical, The Rebel's Pledge, a 5 star rated novel of the colonial period.Dream West is one of the best novels I have ever read. It is powerfully and skillfully written. The story is based on truth about the brave men and women who forged westward. Dream West will move you, inspire you, and enrich your knowledge of America's history.

Dream West, by David Nevin, personalizes the American persona in Charles Fremont, an American Explorer from the mid 1800's. Fremont's character is exhibited in the historic journeys he undertakes in an effort to map the path to the western U.S. His determination, perservance and stubborn integrity is as heroic and tragic as Vincent Van Gogh. Fremont's strength of character draws the reader west as surely as the pioneers of the early mid 1800's. His spirit and drive are matched by his wife's as they tackle the political establishment and the nay sayers of their time. They are one of the first enlightened couples of our country that find both personal and professional success. Their personal triumphs carry them over and past any public setbacks. The contentment with which they approach old age leaves the reader with a love for the couple. The lack of public support for such magnificient people leaves a taste of cynicism toward the march of US history and the many less than gratious politicians.