Rate: 4/5
Medium: Audiobook
Overview:
This eloquent biography of George Washington aligned neatly my recent fascination with the Revolutionary War time period. Shortly after finishing Alexander Hamilton, having delighted in Chernow’s detailed writing style, I proceeded to add my name to the wait list for almost all of his books at the local library. Thus be prepared to find many, many of his books soon finding their way into my posts. With that being said, Washington is written in the much the same tone as Alexander Hamilton with a myriad of details ranging from the time period, culture and his life being seamlessly interwoven into story of the United State’s first President. Interestingly, Chernow is able to convey Washington’s true personality, beyond the confines of whitewashing hero worship that began shortly after his death and even survive to this day. For instance, while I’d assumed this was likely a tall tale, I remember ‘learning’ in grade school that a young Washington had chopped down a cherry tree and was unable to lie about it. As an adult, I had to laugh when I realize I hadn’t never actually known the tale was pure fabrication until reading this biography. I enjoyed reading about Washington’s quirks, flaws and family issues as they lent an added level of humanity to legendary man. Specifically, it is interesting to think about the Father of our Country’s mother, especially when she sounded like a most disagreeable, unhappy woman. It is worthy to note that Washington’s early views of bipartisan politics, along with his ability to reassess his opinion on key topics and evolving the previous stance into one wholly unrecognizable from the first are lessons perhaps current politicians should take to heart. Overall, Washington was an enlightening read as Chernow continues to excel at bringing his chosen subject matter to life in a way that captures the reader’s due attention.
Who knew the apple tree thing was a fabrication!!! I have not had a chance to read any of Chernow’s books, however, they are definitely on the TBR list. I am going to add this one for sure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Barb! I’m so happy I wasn’t the only one that didn’t know that was a myth! So far everything I’ve read of Chernow’s has been wonderful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m about 1/2 way through this audiobook and picked it for much the same reason you did. I love the narrator. It’s just the perfect history voice I think. I like how Chernow has been able to take these figures that have become almost two dimensional with time and created a full portrait of who they probably were. The bad stuff included.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great way of describing the current state of historical characters! I love it! “2D” totally encompasses my understanding of many of the individuals I read about prior to picking up a book about their life story. I hope you’re enjoying this book as much as I did! Scott Brick is my favorite narrator. He does such a wonderful job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The cherry tree story is a lie?! Boo. lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Alexandria! I’m so happy I wasn’t the only one that missed that this was a myth!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I found out George Washington’s teeth was actually made from Hippopotamus bone, not wood. I never believed it was wood but still lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
In this book they talk about all of the issue he had with his teeth. It was terrible. It sounded like he had a lot of different materials used.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, he didn’t have a good time. I wonder how all of the people during that time took care of their teeth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Chernow is amazing! He has a gift for making the past come alive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t have stated that better! Isn’t his writing style wonderful!
LikeLike
This looks like an excellent resource for historical novelists. Thank you:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! ❤
LikeLike
Loved this one as well. Reading his new one – Grant – just now. Never have gotten my hands on his Hamilton for some reason. Need to.
Be well
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m starting Grant next! How is it so far? It looks like a monster read! You should definitely make time for Hamilton! Hard to believe that story is true.
LikeLike
Detailed and well written as you would expect of Chernow. Seems to me Grant was much like Truman. Early in life not much was there to show what lay ahead. Much like T.R. Suffered depressed states of mind. A little over 100 pages in. Good so far.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t wait to start it! Thanks Guy!
LikeLike
I’m reading Washington The Indispensable Man by James Thomas Flexner as research for the second novel in my book series Angels & Patriots. I wonder how the two books compare?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wonder too! Chernow stated his goal in this book was to really try to capture Washington’s personality instead of the myth that surrounds him.
LikeLike