Northwest Passage (utgåvan 2001)

He should have stopped after book one portion. ( )

This book is set in North America and England, beginning during the time of the French and Indian War and ending shortly after 1776. It is written from the perspective of Langdon Towne, a young man whose aptitude for painting and love of a social-climbing young lady gets him into trouble. As Langdon's story progresses, Robert Rogers becomes a hero to him. Unfortunately, the success that comes from these many heroic acts affects Rogers in unexpected ways, and as the story progresses Rogers becomes focused on a goal that becomes increasingly out of reach. He makes increasingly poor decisions and finds many ways to avoid the actions that would actually help him. This is a construct that remains relevant to modern readers and is one reason why this book remains worthwhile. Like Rogers, we also can be tempted to remember past victories and avoid whatever current action is needed, and some methods we might use for this are personally as destructive as Rogers' actions were.

This was not a quick read, but several scenes are memorable. The short and horrific battle scenes maintained a tone that refrained from glamorizing war. The starvation sequence was the most suspenseful part of the book and felt realistic; it was easy to care about the characters and to be emotionally invested in their success. The story of Langdon's life was generally interesting, though there were some less appealing minor characters. Overall this was a worthwhile book. ( )

He should've stopped with Book One about the St. Francis Raid. ( )

When I finished this book I said to myself: Kids' book. I've had enough of Kenneth Roberts. I should have read him 15 years ago, when I was 12 years old. ( )

During the French and Indian War, a New Englander desires to paint Indians and is met with derision. He stumbles upon Major Robert Rogers (of Rogers' Rangers) and inadvertently gives him the idea to discover the Northwest Passage. Accounts the historical deeds of the Major, through his glory and shame. I do believe I am falling in love with Kenneth Roberts. ( )