LAMAR'S FOLLY by Jeffrey Stuart Kerr, *REVIEW* Lone Star Book Blog Tour
LAMAR'S FOLLY
by
Jeffrey Stuart Kerr
Genre: Texas Historical Fiction
Publisher: Texas Tech University Press
Date of Publication: November 15, 2017
Number of Pages: 320
Mirabeau Lamar seeks nothing less than a Texas empire that will dominate the North American continent. Brave exploits at the Battle of San Jacinto bring him rank, power, and prestige, which by 1838 propel him to the presidency of the young Republic of Texas and put him in position to achieve his dream. Edward Fontaine, who works for and idolizes Lamar, vows to help his hero overcome all obstacles, including the substantial power of Sam Houston. Houston and Lamar are not only political, but personal enemies, and each man regards the other with contempt.
Edward's slave Jacob likes and admires his master, but cannot share his hatred of Sam Houston. The loyalties of both Jacob and Edward are tested by President Lamar's belief that a righteous cause justifies any means necessary to sustain it. Lamar becomes infatuated with a married woman who resembles his deceased wife. He sends the woman's husband on the ill-fated Santa Fe Expedition, the failure of which humiliates Lamar and provokes a crisis in his relationship with Edward, who in turn jeopardizes the trust that Jacob has placed in him. Edward laments the waste of Lamar's genius, while Jacob marvels at the hypocrisy of both men.
══════════║║║══════════
Lamar's Folly is a deceptively well-told tale centering on the men who shaped a nation upon the birth of Texas. Not only that, its an extremely important story that deserves to see the light of day and be read by many. I'm so glad I read it and am hopeful that this tour will cast light on its existence.
Before I go further, I must tell you, I'm a Texas history nut, and a Sam Houston fan through and through. So I was very curious to read this book. Also, I live in Lamar County. We are one of the few counties that voted WITH Sam Houston to stay with the Union during the secession crises (after which Houston resigned from being Governor rather than accepting the State Vote to secede). I've always thought that the Lamar County vote had to at least be a silver lining for old Sam, given his mutual animosity with Mirabeau Bonaparte Lamar.
So, I'm not only a Houston aficionado, I have very entrenched conceptions of Lamar, the man. I was extremely curious to read a book about him, especially one entitled Lamar's Folly. It seemed safe enough to at least consider my feelings.
But when I opened the book, and saw how enamored Edward Fontaine originally was with Lamar, I thought I was in trouble. Then came good old Jake, not only shining some smart light on the truth of the matter, but also giving great voice to the enslaved men and women of our nation and state.
It turns out that this method of a dual narration was the perfect way to shed full light on many situations, while remaining true to the thoughts and actions of many men and women of that day. Kudo's to Jeffrey Stuart Kerr for writing this excellent novel, and to Texas Tech University press, for publishing it. I hope you'll take time to read it, especially if you live in the state. We have allowed our state stories to be overshadowed by our national ones. It is efforts like these that deserve our attention; it is histories like these that we must remember. There is no giveaway for this, so I hope you'll add the book to your lists or, better yet, go ahead and order it from Texas Tech Press.
Thank you Mr. Kerr for a review link so that I could read the book and give my honest opinion. Really wish you would get this on audio, too!
Before I go further, I must tell you, I'm a Texas history nut, and a Sam Houston fan through and through. So I was very curious to read this book. Also, I live in Lamar County. We are one of the few counties that voted WITH Sam Houston to stay with the Union during the secession crises (after which Houston resigned from being Governor rather than accepting the State Vote to secede). I've always thought that the Lamar County vote had to at least be a silver lining for old Sam, given his mutual animosity with Mirabeau Bonaparte Lamar.
So, I'm not only a Houston aficionado, I have very entrenched conceptions of Lamar, the man. I was extremely curious to read a book about him, especially one entitled Lamar's Folly. It seemed safe enough to at least consider my feelings.
But when I opened the book, and saw how enamored Edward Fontaine originally was with Lamar, I thought I was in trouble. Then came good old Jake, not only shining some smart light on the truth of the matter, but also giving great voice to the enslaved men and women of our nation and state.
It turns out that this method of a dual narration was the perfect way to shed full light on many situations, while remaining true to the thoughts and actions of many men and women of that day. Kudo's to Jeffrey Stuart Kerr for writing this excellent novel, and to Texas Tech University press, for publishing it. I hope you'll take time to read it, especially if you live in the state. We have allowed our state stories to be overshadowed by our national ones. It is efforts like these that deserve our attention; it is histories like these that we must remember. There is no giveaway for this, so I hope you'll add the book to your lists or, better yet, go ahead and order it from Texas Tech Press.
Thank you Mr. Kerr for a review link so that I could read the book and give my honest opinion. Really wish you would get this on audio, too!
Jeffrey Stuart Kerr is the author of several titles, including Seat of Empire: The Embattled Birth of Austin, Texas, winner of the Summerfield G. Roberts Award and a True West Best Western Book.
CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:
11/13/17
|
Promo
| |
11/14/17
|
Review
| |
11/15/17
|
Author Interview
| |
11/16/17
|
promo
| |
11/17/17
|
Review
| |
11/18/17
|
Excerpt
| |
11/19/17
|
Promo
| |
11/20/17
|
Review
| |
11/21/17
|
Author Interview
| |
11/22/17
|
Review
|
blog tour services provided by
Comments