King Of America: War Was Only Half The Battle

Rating:
Summary: Great History Well Written...
Review: Any Civil War afficionado will find a friend in Bob Keith Bonebrake's 2004 work, _King of America: War Was Only Half the Battle_. This fictionalized telling relates the all-too-forgotten story of how close the Confederacy came to being an American monarchy. Centering on the purported offer of a Confederate throne to a member of France's famed Bonaparte line, _King of America_ features such historical luminaries as Henry Adams, Cassius Clay, Jefferson Davis, and Judah P. Benjamin.

Bonebrake weaves a highly believable tale of cunning, diplomacy, and international intrigue. Added to this is the moving story of lovesick Baltimore socialite Betsey Patterson and her unswerving attempts to garner the recognition she felt had been denied to her son and grandson, against the actions of a French government determined to influence the outcome of the American Civil War and assert its influence over Britain and continental Europe in one fell swoop.

The novel's strong characters, led by Adams's narration blend well with Bonebrake's vivid descriptions of ocean and railroad travel, American and European alike. The author has paid particular attention to dates, contemporary political turmoil in the British, French, and Russian courts, and the delicate shell game of international diplomacy amidst the most destructive war in America's history. With vivid descriptions and great attention to detail, Bob Keith Bonebrake has written an engaging tale, one that this reviewer found difficult, if not impossible to put down. A fine period piece that fans of Civil War historical fiction and espionage will not want to miss.