This is neither a history book nor a storybook; this is a book on the evolution of individual philosophy about one's place within oneself, one's community, one's government, one's state and the world. That isn't to say that there is no history or no stories in it - on the contrary, the philosophical transformation is seen through the eyes of Jack Frake, a boy living in 1740s England, whose every new stage in life is generally accompanied by a profound 'spiritual' (in the sense of "this is who I am," "this is what I believe in and what I stand for") epiphany or understanding. But the historical narrative provides only the backdrop against which Jack goes from being an unloved country boy, albeit very bright, to a Man with a sense of self and purpose, albeit a convicted felon. The true beauty of the book, much to Edward Cline's credit, is that the story illustrates the philosophy and the philosophy underpins the story - one without the other would make for uninspired reading.
At first, I must admit, I did not like the writing style of Mr. Cline. It seemed tedious and dry. But as the story warmed up and the plot thickened, I got into it. It is set in a period in England that I had been looking into for our family history. So it really brought to life what had happened to our ancestor back then, and the social mindset behind it all. I had every intention of finding the next installment in the Sparrowhawk series, to see how closely it followed the migration of our people to the New World. Haven't done it yet, though.Friends, I have a copy of this book if you wish to borrow it.
What do You think about Jack Frake (2002)?
Years after the American Revolution, John Adams wrote, "The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people" in the fifteen years prior to the start of the War of Independence. During that period, the nation witnessed a "radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people."Sparrowhawk dramatizes both the intellectual and psychological revolution that led to the America's independence. Rich in historical detail, Sparrowhawk allows us to experience the heroism that ultimately created the greatest nation in mankind's history.
—Brian
