Lafayette in the Somewhat United States

Sarah Vowell traces the Marquis de Lafayette's role in the American Revolution and his return to the United States in 1824. The narrative follows both his initial involvement as a teenage French aristocrat joining the colonial fight and his later ceremonial tour across America as an elderly revolutionary hero. The book combines historical accounts with Vowell's observations about American culture, politics, and society - both in Lafayette's time and now. Travel writing meets historical documentation as Vowell visits key locations from Lafayette's journeys while uncovering the complex relationships between France and America during the Revolutionary period. From battles to banquets, the story tracks Lafayette's evolution from an eager young military commander to a unifying figure who brought Americans together despite their political divisions. This dual timeline approach, moving between the Revolution and the 1824 tour, provides context for understanding Lafayette's unique place in American history. The work explores themes of national identity, hero worship, and the ways Americans choose to remember their history. Through Lafayette's story, Vowell examines how the United States has long struggled to live up to its founding ideals while maintaining unity across political divides.

Readers appreciate Vowell's informal, conversational writing style and her ability to connect historical events to modern American politics. Many note her dry humor and wit make complex Revolutionary War history accessible and entertaining. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear explanations of French-American relations - Personal travel observations woven into historical narrative - Fresh perspective on familiar historical figures Common criticisms: - Frequent digressions and tangents - Too many modern political comparisons - Casual tone can seem flippant about serious topics One reader called it "history written by a smart-aleck friend who makes you laugh while learning." Another noted it "meanders like a road trip conversation." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (17,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (850+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.1/5 (150+ ratings) Bookmarks Magazine gave it a positive review, noting "Vowell's quirky sensibility makes serious history go down easy."

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow This biography chronicles Hamilton's journey from Caribbean immigrant to American Founding Father through personal letters and historical documents that reveal the relationships and conflicts which shaped early American politics.

Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow The book presents Washington's transformation from land surveyor to military commander to president through private correspondence and firsthand accounts of those who knew him.

Revolutionary Characters: What Made the Founders Different by Gordon S. Wood This examination of eight Founding Fathers illuminates their personalities and relationships through letters, diaries, and contemporary accounts.

Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution by Simon Schama The narrative follows the French Revolution through the experiences of nobles, peasants, and politicians who lived through the upheaval that transformed France.

The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin by H. W. Brands This biography traces Franklin's path from printer to scientist to diplomat through personal writings and historical records that demonstrate his influence on American independence.

🎯 Lafayette was 19 years old when he first arrived in America, defying both his family and King Louis XVI's direct orders to join the Revolutionary cause. 🌟 The 1824-25 farewell tour described in the book lasted 13 months and covered over 6,000 miles, with an estimated 75% of New York City's population turning out to welcome Lafayette. 📚 Sarah Vowell has written seven nonfiction books, regularly contributes to "This American Life" on NPR, and voiced the character Violet in Pixar's "The Incredibles." 🗽 During his American tour, Lafayette carried soil from Bunker Hill to sprinkle on his grave in France, and Americans later returned the gesture by bringing soil from his Paris grave to Bunker Hill. 🤝 Lafayette's influence was so significant that during World War I, American troops arriving in France famously proclaimed "Lafayette, nous voilà!" (Lafayette, we are here!), acknowledging America's debt to France.