Revolutionary

I loved this book. I always appreciate it when the protagonist develops, changes, evolves, grows, or comes to some sort of realization about herself/himself. Deboarah/Robert did all of these. This historical novel was set in the waning days of the American Revolution. Although I used to teach American history, this era between the battle of Yorktown (1781) and the signing of the Treaty of Paris (1783) was typically skipped over in most syllabi. Indeed, as this novel points out, much went on, and Deborah, a young woman trying to escape her downtrodden life as a young woman, used it to enlist in the army as a man. Author Alex Myers followed the path of this real-life heroine to examine many themes: the role of women in society, sexuality, and prejudice among them. Deborah's internal dialogue was believable and often times heart-rending. At the end, I shed more than one tear, as the finale was both satisfying and appropriate. Kudos to Mr. Myers. Roger Smith

I would recommend this piece of historical fiction to anyone who likes to think about gender roles in society, to anyone who is interested in this early period of our nation's history, and to anyone who truly enjoys a well told story.REVOLUTIONARY was a first and foremost a great story. I really enjoyed the use of depth of character development and the journey that Deborah Sampson undertakes. I am looking forward to reading more by this author in the future.REVOLUTIONARY helped me think more critically about society's gender assumptions and expectations. This topic was one of the main threads carefully woven into this novel. I am sure it is at least a little better now, but at that time, women were little better than chattel. I appreciated Deborah's desire to buck the system and escape to lead her own life. Sometimes it was a little tough to keep up with the constant pronoun changing (him/her) in the novel, but, looking back on it, I think this purposeful confusion reflected the identity struggle going on for the protagonist.REVOLUTIONARY was a novel with well written descriptions and great details. When Myers described the tavern patrons as "well into their cups" I get a great mental picture of the scene. As someone who lived in New England for well over a decade of my life, I also recognized all the towns in the book and I know the distances marched. It is clear that a great deal of careful research went into this book and all of it helps enrich the story.I do not read much historical fiction. I usually stick to straight history or biography, but this novel was well worth my time.

I LOVED this book; could hardly put it down! ! I'd read about it a year ago in a description of a MFA program I was looking into because Alex Myers was one of the presenters. I was especially intrigued because my spouse is a transwoman (see my book: MY HUSBAND'S A WOMAN NOW) and I found Mr. Myers' personal story compelling and the subject of the book fascinating. I finally ordered and read it this summer and was delighted with every aspect of the story! It's beautifully written, imaginative, and offers thrilling, "nail-biting" moments as well as tenderness, introspection, and a grand look at life in the 18th century. I recommend this book without reservation!

Revolutionary was a masterpiece. Alex Myers has an incredible mastery of the English language. I was impressed with the flow of the book. The character seemed so strange to be actually true, but Deborah/Robert was a true American hero. As the read, I could not help but feel for this soldier.This is a must read for any man. This is a must read for any woman. This is for anyone who can identify with both or neither. The changes of perspective in the book was absolutely fascinating. I felt myself nodding by the author's description of the way each gender acts and the expectations of being a certain gender. I really enjoyed the protagonist's description of women as a "separate species." When you read the book, you will understand how this description was so well stated.I did not know what to expect when I purchased this book. It was worth every cent. The book made me uncomfortable, happy, sad, mad, relieved, and tense. It brought me out of my comfort zone because the author's words really made me think about my own points of view and how I would have felt if I were fighting next to the main character. After reading the book, I wonder why we are not taught about true American heroes like Deborah Sam(p)son.If you know nothing about this special soldier who fought for our country, this is must read. If you want to learn more about breaking social norms to be all that you can be, this is a must read. If you are looking for a well-written book by a fantastic revolutionary author, this is a must read.

We chose this book because my daughter needed to read a historical fiction around the revolutionary war for 8th grade. We struggled to find an interesting topic. The facts about the authors ties to the real person who inspired this novel were interesting to us. I would not recommend this book for another 8th grade student. Most of the book is appropriate, however, there are two scenes in particular, which are adult in nature. All in all, I enjoyed this story. The fact that it is reportedly based on a true story is fascinating and the author does inspire the reader to consider what it must have been like for her.

Great book. Easy read. Had difficulty putting it down...I didn't want it to end. Myers created a wonderful potrail of Robert/Deborah. I would loved to have been that character. Miss the book already. The only let down for me was the ending. The energy and excitement carried through out the book turns into just emotionaless descriptive verbage...almost as though Meyer just wanted to hurry up and finish. Other than that it's a great read.

A very interesting and compelling novel about a very clever and courageous female soldier in the Continental army. Inspiring story!

Beau cadeau pour ma petite soeur qui fut très satisfaite!