To Try Men's Souls

A Novel of George Washington and the Fight for American Freedom

By: Newt Gingrich, William R. Forstchen

Narrated by: William Dufris, Callista Gingrich, Eric Conger

Length: 12 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

After two bestselling series examining the Civil War and WWII, Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen have turned their sharp eye for detail on the Revolutionary War with To Try Men's Souls.

The story follows three men with three very different roles to play in history: General George Washington, Thomas Paine, and Jonathan Van Dorn, a private in Washington's army.

The action focuses on one of the most iconic events in American history: Washington crossing the Delaware. Unlike the bold, courageous General in Emanuel Leutze's painting, Washington is full of doubt on the night of December 25, 1776. After five months of defeat, morale is dangerously low. Each morning muster shows that hundreds have deserted in the night. While Washington prepares his weary troops for the attack on Trenton, Thomas Paine is in Philadelphia, overseeing the printing of his newest pamphlet, The Crisis. And Jonathan Van Dorn is about to bring the war to his own doorstep. In the heat of battle, he must decide between staying loyal to the cause and sparing his brother who has joined up with the British.

Through the thoughts and private fears of these three men, Gingrich and Forstchen illuminate the darkest days of the Revolution. With detailed research and an incredible depth of military insight, To Try Men's Souls is a novel that provides a rare and personal perspective of the men who fought for, and founded the United States of America.

©2009 Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen (P)2009 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“This fictionalized account of the crossing of the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War goes way beyond the textbook versions. William Dufris, as the main narrator, traces the journeys of three very different men—George Washington, Thomas Paine, and Jonathon Van Dorn—portraying the distinct manner of each character.” —AudioFile

“Narrators William Dufris, Callista Gingrich, and Eric Conger are excellent in their conveying of emotion and accents, making us privy to these characters' thoughts and fears, their courage and determination.” —Library Journal

Better than I was anticipating

What did you like best about To Try Men's Souls? What did you like least?

If I am to be totally honest, this is a book that I have put off reading, no matter how badly I wanted to read it because of the politics of one of the authors. And it is not my intention to open a political debate in this forum — but this book is a great representation of not so much judging a book by its cover, but rather judging a book by its author. So going in I was prepared to dislike this book from the beginning. However, I came away greatly surprised. Choosing the appropriate story, of course, is half the battle in any book. And in this one, the authors met with success. There are few books that are in story format that tell about the American Revolution — and yet it is a time that simply invites stories because of how amazing the entire war really was! But after choosing the appropriate story, it comes down to how gifted is the author in the story telling. And, without identifying where all the gifts may lie — this book is well worth the read.

Fair

After enjoying the civil war and WWII series I was anxious to listen to this one. While the detail is great, the flash back device is over used and becomes distracting. The female character voice, done by Ms. Gingrich makes a good attempt, but is outshined by the male reader.

narrator was over the top.

narration made characters sound pathetic and/or way over the top dramatic. great tempo and specifics regarding Trenton, however book 1 not an all encompassing capture of revolutionary war up to this point. Unfortunately a distant second to Jeff Sharra.

Story not bad, narrating bad.

The story is good. Probably a great read. But listening to this is very hard due to the bad performance by the readers.

Great book!

Historically accurate with great dialogue, this was a very moving book about the men who sacrificed for America's independence. It also did a brilliant job of capturing the collective mood of the country and illustrates how fairweather a populace can be based on which side is perceived to be currently winning.

To Try Mens Souls

What a great book! Full of realistic and true events of the American Revelution. I highly recommend it to one and all.

Not your Highschool History Book.

This was my first non-fiction selection and I was skeptical at first, because I hated history in school. However, this book was very well written and way more entertaining then any old history school book. It's inspiring to hear the situations that were before our American army of that time in comparison or contrast to the struggles we face as a country in this time. I'll recommend this book to anyone and everyone!

Narration tried my soul...

The story line, the content, the history... all were terrific! I mean, the book itself is great!

But good Lord... I would MUCH rather cross the frozen Delaware than listen to that narrator ever again. I'd rather sit in a room full of screaming babies instead of hear a single word from Mr. Dufris. The way the narrator talks is "trying enough" for my soul.

I forced myself to finish listening to the book. But for God's sake, buy the paper version and save yourself from the agony of having to listen to Mr. Dufris.

It's a shame too, because I'd love to finish the series. But I refuse to subject myself to such wretched punishment of listening to Mr. Dufris talking EVER again.

so incredible, a must read

this book was incredible. brought me to tears on multiple occasions. strongly recommend to all patriots!

1776

Loved this presentation and storyline. Loving this time in our history I actually learned a few things I did not know.