Washington and Caesar

As an historian/author/interpreter of the Revolutionary War I give this book a stamp of approval. I usually shy away from fiction novels on history because they have a tendency to re-write history and take poetic license with facts. Nothing upsets a historian more than ready a story and having to correct every other paragraph. No one was more surprised than I that this was a wonderful book to read. Are there historic inaccuracies in the book? Yes, but not bad enough so as to take away from the overall content or flow of the story. As a previous reviewer wrote, "I found myself rooting for Caesar." I did the same thing and took it one step further, cheering for the Continental soldier, George Lake. The story was marvelous, pulling you in and taking you on ride that brought both up and down. A great villain in the book that really gets your blood boiling, beauties that the men are attracted to, but no steamy sex scenes and action that makes you feel like you are a British, Hessian or Continental soldier on the battlefields of Colonial America. I can pay this book and its author only my best compliment. Look for another book written by Christian Cameron.

As a Canadian with ancestors in the infamous Butler's Rangers and many relatives in the United States, I find this book fascinating, relevant today and holding me to the end. Cameron's research brings out the character of Washington and Caesar, two military men from classes at the opposite ends of society, with credibility. And in the dialogue with the captured British Captain Stewart comes close to making Patrick Henry's concluding remark in his famous speech, "Give me liberty or give me death" seem hypocritical. Douglas R. Kinsman

What a very enjoyable story. The battle scenes are gripping, the villains are immensely hate-able, the heroes and heroines are hugely heroic AND human, and there is an air of authenticity to the setting and details that is just plain satisfying. I love that the story deals with some aspects of the American Revolution that are downplayed elsewhere. I love that the protagonist is a former slave. The compelling everyday detail in city scenes and camp scenes makes you feel that you can smell the setting. Cameron's command of the historical big picture is enticing. I hope there will be a sequel. I can hardly wait to find out what happens next.

Cameron's book is not only historically accurate but a great read as well. The novel's parallel and intersecting storylines between Washington (portrayed here in very human and historically plausible terms without the mythic quality so often attributed to him) and one of his slaves, aptly named "Julius Caesar" who escapes to join the British Army are compelling and offer a unique and welcome glimpse into the ironies of 18th century life. Cameron's well-developed characters represent the relative views "freedom" as it was interpreted by American rebels and their slaves in very different ways. As a fan of Jeff Shaara's historical novels on the Civil War, I rate Cameron's attention to historical detail and writing style on an even higher plane. Military and social historians alike, as well as the casual reader just looking look for a great story, will enjoy this book.

Washington and Caesar is one of the finest pieces of historical fiction that I have ever read. Cameron's knowledge of the period is outstanding (I am speaking as a history teacher and Revolutionary War reencator of over eight years experience). W+C is filled with wonderfully developed characters and dramatic action sequences. I hope that Cameron plans to follow up W+C with more Revolutionary War period novels.