Although a Frenchman, Lafayette proved a brilliant military strategist, one who George Washington took to like a son. Burstein describes Lafayette meeting with old revolutionary veterans, many of whom waited their whole lives to meet the famed general. By setting up his story with a character as venerated as Lafayette, and using him to help re-create the mood of early America, Burstein seizes the patriot within us very quickly. He has read his source materials, even if all his readers haven't. For many, Burstein's book will be their first introduction to William Wirth and other multitalented figures whose will and intelligence laid the foundations for our current stability and strength.
Heartsick citizens take comfort.
Burstein reminds us that it wasn't all so preordained. Things might have been very different. Appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on March 4, 2001. Journal Sentinel Inc. All rights reserved.