Scan barcode
A review by quodfelix
Roosevelt's Beast by Louis Bayard
5.0
Because I'm a Roosevelt fan, this book already started with some stars. The pleasant surprise and "dee-light" however, is that I think the book stands on its own for quality. I was quickly drawn in and led off in the authors world.
Teddie and his son Kermit went on an exploration journey in South America after Teddie's unsuccessful attempt at reelection in 1912. The factual story is told well in RIVER OF DOUBT, and this fictional narrative draws well from that history. But it is a pretense for exploring "the beast" in each of us. What better perspective to use then, than Kermit, who led his own tragic life. Often associated with Teddie's brother, Elliot, who died prematurely, Kermit struggled with many of the same issues his uncle did: depression, alcoholism, and living in the shadow of a charismatic and powerful father. But there are elements of heroism and romance in this tale (not to mention terror) that made this book really wonderful. Read it whether you care for TR or not.
Teddie and his son Kermit went on an exploration journey in South America after Teddie's unsuccessful attempt at reelection in 1912. The factual story is told well in RIVER OF DOUBT, and this fictional narrative draws well from that history. But it is a pretense for exploring "the beast" in each of us. What better perspective to use then, than Kermit, who led his own tragic life. Often associated with Teddie's brother, Elliot, who died prematurely, Kermit struggled with many of the same issues his uncle did: depression, alcoholism, and living in the shadow of a charismatic and powerful father. But there are elements of heroism and romance in this tale (not to mention terror) that made this book really wonderful. Read it whether you care for TR or not.