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3.51 AVERAGE
3.51 AVERAGE
challenging
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
I heard really great things about this book, so I was surprised that it seemed like such a trek to get through. Full transparency - this is the first historical biography I have read so I have no idea how it compares to others in its genre. The thing I struggled most with the book was the flow. I thought it was just me until I read other reviews that said the same thing. I feel like I comprehended about 60% of the story because I couldn’t keep track of where I was within the story and who was there. Regardless, I’m still glad I read it because I learned quite a lot!
It’s hard to say what to make of Samuel Adams. Larger than life but more myth than matter. This is an interesting look into what we know, what we don’t, and what fits the character of this key revolutionary figure. The audiobook made it a faster read but the character accents are distracting.
informative
reflective
slow-paced
informative
adventurous
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
Stacy Schiff's The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams offers a nuanced portrait of a figure often overshadowed in American history. While the biography provides valuable insights into Adams's pivotal role in the American Revolution, it leaves some aspects of his life underexplored.
Schiff's narrative excels in highlighting Adams's strategic brilliance and his instrumental role in galvanizing colonial resistance. The book delves into his clandestine activities, showcasing his ability to maneuver within the political landscape of the time. However, the focus on his revolutionary endeavors means that his personal life, including his childhood, family dynamics, and later years, receive less attention.
Having previously read David McCullough's John Adams, which provides a comprehensive look into the life of Samuel's cousin, I found myself yearning for a deeper exploration of Samuel Adams's personal experiences. McCullough's work offers a rich tapestry of Adams's life, from his early years to his presidency, providing readers with a holistic understanding of his character and motivations. In contrast, Schiff's biography, while informative, leaves certain gaps in the personal narrative of Samuel Adams.
Schiff's narrative excels in highlighting Adams's strategic brilliance and his instrumental role in galvanizing colonial resistance. The book delves into his clandestine activities, showcasing his ability to maneuver within the political landscape of the time. However, the focus on his revolutionary endeavors means that his personal life, including his childhood, family dynamics, and later years, receive less attention.
Having previously read David McCullough's John Adams, which provides a comprehensive look into the life of Samuel's cousin, I found myself yearning for a deeper exploration of Samuel Adams's personal experiences. McCullough's work offers a rich tapestry of Adams's life, from his early years to his presidency, providing readers with a holistic understanding of his character and motivations. In contrast, Schiff's biography, while informative, leaves certain gaps in the personal narrative of Samuel Adams.
In conclusion, The Revolutionary serves as a commendable introduction to Samuel Adams's political legacy but falls short of delivering a complete picture of his life. Readers seeking a more intimate portrayal of Adams may find McCullough's biography a more fulfilling read.
medium-paced
Very interesting, almost painfully detailed biography. Would have liked to seen some extracts of his writing in the book. Or personal letters
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced