Finished reading this on the day of the 250th anniversary of the oft-quoted and perhaps the best-known action of the revolutionary war – Paul Revere’s ride out of Boston. This is an enjoyable read, a non-threatening history of a vital moment in our nation’s history. By non-threatening, I mean it is accessible, kind of like watching the History Channel. Kennedy is best known for his sports profiles and is obviously enamored with the drama of the ride. Since we know the outcome before we crack the book, it is to Kennedy’s credit that throughout this well researched saga he keeps the story flowing, introducing a fair amount of drama. Unfortunately, he leans into “what ifs” a little too often and has an irritating penchant for describing the weather, the dark of night, and the sounds of silence, interfering with the narrative. The chapter on Revere’s mention of the Mark, the enslaved person left on the road where he had been gibbeted (murdered and hung in chains), simply as a waypoint on the ride where Revere encounters British soldiers, could be interpreted as gratuitous, except for fact that this did happen. It is horrendous and is directly connected to the compromise of the founding of the country. He does this once more regarding 16-year-old Sybil Ludington, sometimes referred to as a female Revere, who purportedly rode 40 miles to warn militiamen in Connecticut. Minor quibbles in a worthy effort in replaying the ride. Longfellow would approve.
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