Sergeant Lamb's America

This is an historical novel mainly about the early years of the American Revolution, based on an actual account of the real Lamb's experiences. Graves writes authentically of the period, giving a British slant, of course (Lamb was a British soldier), and is always interesting. The Founding Fathers, the mob mentality of Boston's colonists, and Yankee fighting techniques all are severely questioned. The book ends at Saratoga. I am not usually a big fan of historical fiction, preferring my history straight and factual, but this book is definitely one of the better works in that genre. I really enjoyed it.

In 1914, while serving as an officer of the Royal Welch Fusiliers during WWI, Robert Graves was instructing his men in regimental history when he came across the name of a Sergeant Roger Lamb, who had served in the Fusiliers during the American War of Independence. Later, while living in Princeton, NJ, he was struck by the pride residents took in the local connection to Revolutionary War history, specifically, Washington's triumph over the Hessians. The result of these two happy coincidences is this terrific historical novel.The subtitle of the book is: "A novel of the American Revolution told in the stirring words of an enemy who was also a good soldier." I doubt that description can be improved upon. Drawing on actual events and characters, Graves' Sergeant Lamb narrates the Fusiliers role in events up to the British defeat and the capture of his unit at Saratoga. Lamb is a wise and witty observer, as well as a professional soldier. His running critique of the Colonists and the obstacles they faced, particularly the difficulties presented by the rag tag nature of the Continental Army, only serve to deepen our sense of wonder at what they accomplished. And Lamb serves to remind us of the fundamental decency and professionalism of the British soldiers.GRADE: B+

Sgt Lamb is an awsome character! Robert Graves bases this novel on the actual life of a British soldier in the American War of Independence. Sgt. Roger Lamb wrote his memoirs of the war that serve as the basis for this book which is a good read on its own. The novel has the added elements that keep those who dislike dry historical works excited and interested in the story. There are some minor historical errors but overall it is a great novel. I found the book so great that I searched all over the east coast for a used copy of the sequal "Proceed Sgt. Lamb" which tells the remaining story of Roger Lamb. I eventually found a copy and eagerly read it. This book is out of print but is a must read if you read the first book because the ending of "America" leaves the reader hanging. I highly recommend this novel and the sequal.

Continuing his life-long work writing some of the best historical fiction ever, Graves turned his attention to the American Revolutionary War. He follows the adventures of Roger Lamb as he enlists for the British army in Ireland and ends up on the losing end of the Battle of Saratoga.Along the way, Graves fascinatingly describes the world of the British colonies -- both Canadian and future American -- as well as the life of the Indians, although the beginning is a bit bogged down with Lamb's theories regarding the war itself. Except for the beginning, Graves keeps the book at a fairly brisk pace as we witness the often moving adventures that Lamb experiences, both in battle and out.Interestingly enough, Sergeant Lamb was a real person, and his regiment -- the Welsh Fusiliers -- was the same as Graves' was in WWI.There is a sequel to this book, the publication of which I am anxiously awaiting.