The year of the hangman (edition 2002)

This book takes place during the Revolutionary War, however it describes what it would be like if the British won. It is an interesting read because it has a good mix of historical figures and fiction. There is some action in the book that keeps you turning pages!

-In 1776, the rebellion of the colonies against British rule was crushed. Now, in 1777—the year of the hangman—George Washington is awaiting execution, Benjamin Franklin’s banned rebel newspaper, Liberty Tree, has gone underground, and young Creighton Brown, a fifteen year old Brit has just arrived in the colonies. With nothing but an attitude and empty pockets, Creighton lands a job with Franklin’s print shop. The English general expects the spoiled yet loyal Creighton to spy on the legendary printer. But as battles unfold and falsehoods are exposed, Creighton must decide where his loyalties lie. This book is readable and will intrigue fans of alternative history. It is simple and the plot is a string of coincidences but enjoyable enough. The conclusion and revelation that America is great, England evil is annoying and taints the entirety of the book as a one-sided flag waver. Not great, not bad, okay. ( )

I really enjoyed this book. It was very different, instead of the Americans winning the revolutionary war, the British had won. It is a complete twist of history. If you like a lot of action you will like this book. ( )

Richie's Picks: THE YEAR OF THE HANGMAN by Gary Blackwood, Dutton, September
2002

"The streets of the city were not lighted by lamps as the streets of Bristol
were, but the candlelight that shown from the windows of the houses seemed
familiar and inviting. They approached a gate in the log wall. General
Arnold identified himself, and the guards allowed them to pass through. 'Why
do they need a palisade?' Creighton asked.
'To keep out the Indians and the English.'
The way Peter lumped the two together, as though they were equally barbarous
and detestable, irked Creighton. 'What do they have to fear from England?
The two countries aren't at war.'
'Not yet. But General Arnold says it's only a matter of time. He says the
Brits would love to take New Orleans, because then they'd control the mouth
of the Mississippi. They'd also have us patriots right where they want us:
in prison or at the end of a rope.' "

I love this premise! It's 1777. The British have won (what we now call) the
Revolutionary War. George Washington, captured during a battle, awaits
hanging for treason. Ben and Tom (Franklin and Jefferson) are chillin' in
The Big Easy--still trying to stir up trouble while living under the
protection of the Spanish-owned city.

Meanwhile, Creighton, a spoiled seventeen-year-old British lad whose father
died fighting against the patriots, is kidnapped and thrown aboard a ship
bound for America. His drinking and gambling have become too much of a
nuisance to his mother and so he is to be delivered to her brother, Colonel
Hugh Gower, a British military officer in South Carolina who will no doubt be
able to extinguish that attitude problem and civilize the boy. But, shortly
after his arrival in the colonies, Creighton is captured again--this time by
an American privateer--and he ends up in the real boonies, amidst the remains
of the revolutionary leadership.

This is a story filled with action, intrigue, suspense, and "what-if's"
galore. One of the more intriguing subplots involves General (Benedict)
Arnold, whom we know in "real" history to have been a traitor. Using the
assumption that we're aware of that, the author (to my delight) then uses
that knowledge--like a cat and a ball of yarn--to play with our minds.

My only question is why this is being sold as an "Ages 14 up"? Do they fear
that younger kids will confuse history and fiction? In any case, I know of
no other book so labeled that is so perfectly suited for both middle school
and high school students who enjoy American history.

Now, what if...

Richie Partington
http://richiespicks.com
BudNotBuddy at aol.com ( )

Alternative History, what if the American Revolution was a rebellion that was but down by the British, this book takes a journey through what might have been. Good read ( )