A Great Read Eclipsing Other Historical Fictions

 Winner BEST HISTORICAL FICTION 2024

Gregg Sapp transports us into a time filled with rumor and superstition, the US poised on the brink of uprisings and conflicts, clashes with warring factions, expansionism and the rest of the story of the narcissistic man who wanted to re-arrange United States government and make himself president. The cast of characters in the early 1800s includes Native Americans, William Henry Harrison and manifest destiny politicians, and Aaron Burr.  And these are just the supporting characters, who all come to life under Sapp’s pen. Sapp creates an endearing main character out of his research on Johnny Appleseed; a man focused on spreading peace, brotherly love and delicious apples across the new Northwest Territory.

Everything about this story feels well researched and authentic, from the timeline to the description of the setting, the interweaving of historical people and events, to the vernacular of the dialogue. Sapp combines all these elements to bring this time period and these characters to life. My spirits lifted with the hope spread by Johnny and Fog Mother – “The potential of their grace surrounds us, but it is swirling like golden leaves in a whirlwind difficult to catch and hold. ... kindness stills the turmoil...” and were dashed when a mob stilled her voice.

So many events in the time period (1801-1812) used as a backdrop in this book parallel the zeitgeist of our current time. Including the occurrence of a total solar eclipse!

We highly recommend this book to anyone who relishes a well-written, great read.