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

Great book, not so good narration

The book was very good, but the narration left something to be desired. I quit after only about 15 minutes the first try, but decided to give it a second try and I am glad I did. The narrator sounded condescending to the characters, and the female voice just did not fit at all. Fortunately the book is very good and makes up for the narration.

Incredible!

This is one of the best books I have ever bought from Audible If you really want a great understanding of the revolutionary war listen to this

Insightful

The story line really makes you feel like what it might have been like to be living in that time. It made me realize that I would have fought for that Constitution and for those liberties. I am even prouder now than ever before to say "I AM an American." Really suggest you read it.

every American should read this

a very good story with many things I did not learn in history class when I was a boy

Accurate piece of history!

This was a book that explored four main facets of American's War for Independence: 1) Washington Crossing the Delaware 2) Thomas Paine's contributions 3) Brutal conditions suffered by American Troops 4) Hessian involvement. If you are wanting blow by blow battle scenes, this book is not for you. There are few battles. The book focuses more on the conditions under which America's troops labored; and they were brutal, more so than I had realized. I was leery of reading this book because I had to read some of the author's position papers for a class I took, and I was not a fan! That being said, this book is top notch, IMHO. I'm going to seek out his next, Valley Forge: George Washington and the Crucible of Victory

Excellent book, coudn't stop listening

It's a great mix of history and fiction. Living our comfy 21st century lives, we have no idea what it was truly like to fight in the Revolution. It portrays George Washington, Thomas Paine and other historical figures with a personal touch.

trying my soul

wonderful subject but you don't need an hour of time to describe a man's frozen feet or a second hour to describe loading boats in a blizzard

Burrrrrrr !

Washington and his men and their enemies come to life.
Vivid, unforgetable, stark.
Thanks Newt and team.

Wonderful personalization of the early Revolution

Well researched & written to shine a light on the rough state of Washington's army to cross the Delaware, attack Trenton & defeat a large Hessian force….. a great means to personalize the volunteers who stuck by the revolution.

A Unique Christmas Story

If you’re a fan military history and the Revolutionary War period then you will want to listen to this audiobook. I’ve listened to and read various books on this subject, but this one was by far the most entertaining. You feel as if you’re marching with the army. You also get a feel for the agony that families went thru based on loyalties, occupation and just situational circumstances. The narrators do a wonderful job and the story does not disappoint.