Meticulously researched, compellingly told, and engaging; historical fiction at its best.
Award-winning author Zucker’s latest novel is a taut and engrossing portrait of a man and a nation in transition. Set during John Quincy Adams’ tenure as Secretary of State in the so-called Era of Good Feelings, the novel intertwines his political triumphs—such as acquiring Florida and crafting the Monroe Doctrine—with the private struggles of a man torn between ambition, virtue, and self-doubt. Zucker humanizes Adams, presenting a statesman renowned for his diplomatic brilliance alongside an introspective, flawed individual striving for moral perfection. The novel juxtaposes Adams’ public achievements with his internal conflicts, exploring strained relationships with family and colleagues. Rich in historical detail, the book vividly reconstructs early 19th-century America, offering sharp insights into its political complexities, including Adams’s uneasy alliances with figures like Monroe and Jackson. Zucker examines the darker undercurrents of the era—slavery, inequality, and corruption—while highlighting Adams’s vision for unity amid rising sectionalism. Zucker’s elegant prose balances grandeur and nuance, capturing the era’s ideological clashes and the subtleties of human emotion. Sharp dialogue and meticulous research bring the story to life without overwhelming the narrative.
A richly detailed and evocative tale that seamlessly merges personal and political drama.
Pub date November 7, 2023
Liopleurodon Publishing LLC
ISBN 978-1956569124
Price $29.99 (USD) Hardcover, $18.99 Paperback, $5.99 Kindle edition
