Booklist: Lafayette in the Somewhat United States
Exploring American history with doses of entertainment and irony in equal measure
Sarah Vowell is, possibly, an acquired taste. I first heard her commentaries on NPR stations and I thought she was funny and insightful. And entire audiobook read by her with her (ahem) distinctive voice, might prove challenging for some listeners. In that case, get the physical book or e-book instead. But however you consume volumes of words, her histories are worth reading. (She is also a Sarah with an “H” and her middle name is Jane, both pluses in my book.)
Lafayette in the Somewhat United States looks at the history of the American Revolutionary War as seen by the young aristocrat: Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette, and Marquis de La Fayette.
In American history books, he’s known as the Marquis de Lafayette or simply, Lafayette
He arrives in the United States as a 19-year-old seeking an opportunity to achieve military glory, following in his deceased father’s footsteps.
Spoiler alert: He succeeds. His involvement with the American cause contributed directly to the success of the American Revolution, and the history of all of this is fascinating.
The book gives the reader a very realistic picture of what the Revolutionary War was like, especially for the American forces. In Vowell’s telling, it is grittier and more difficult than the schoolbook story I was familiar with. All in all, it’s clear that the odds of success were long.
She delves into the politics of the time, including politicians' attempts to oust George Washington from his command, the impact of procurement officers on the troops, the effects of victories and defeats, and the role of America’s most important ally.
After reading this volume, there’s no doubt in my mind that the American Revolution would have ended very differently if France had not come to the aid of the colonists. And even then, it was a very near thing. A storm that battered an English fleet was one random factor that played a huge part in the story. The persuasive power of Lafayette and others to keep the French forces engaged in the colonies instead of sailing away to protect other interests that, too, was a close call.
And finally, there’s the whole irony of the thing. How is it that a bunch of revolutionaries who are attacking one king (in England) can gain the support of another King (in France) to come to their aid? Yeah, it’s the old “my enemy’s enemy is my friend” thing. Now, how did that all work out?
They are revolutionaries, man. They are undermining the whole Royal Monarchy/Divine Right industry. Louis, you are going to live to regret this. Or not live, depending on your perspective.
I think this is a terrific book and recommend it as leavening for a steady diet of fiction. Vowell goes on funny rants and interjects interesting asides. It’s history for the history-averse. Catch it.
ADVISORY: Vowell is very much a left-leaning commentator. There is that to watch out for.
Anon.
Ridge