Revolution Song

A Story of American Freedom

By: Russell Shorto

Narrated by: Russell Shorto

Length: 18 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

From the author of the acclaimed history The Island at the Center of the World, an intimate new epic of the American Revolution that reinforces its meaning for today. With America's founding principles being debated today as never before, Russell Shorto looks back to the era in which those principles were forged. Drawing on new sources, he weaves the lives of six people into a seamless narrative that casts fresh light on the range of experience in colonial America on the cusp of revolution. While some of the protagonists - a Native American warrior, a British aristocrat, George Washington - play major roles on the field of battle, others - a woman, a slave, and a laborer - struggle no less valiantly to realize freedom for themselves.

Through these lives we understand that the Revolution was, indeed, fought over the meaning of individual freedom, a philosophical idea that became a force for violent change. A powerful narrative and a brilliant defense of American values, Revolution Song makes the compelling case that the American Revolution is still being fought today and that its ideals are worth defending.

©2018 Russell Shorto (P)2018 Recorded Books

Highly recommend this book!!

So interesting how these 6 people’s lives wove together and each tell a story that’s still relatable today.
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Outstanding history of the Revolutionary era

Wonderfully conceived as a history through six very different lives. Eloquently read by the author.

Captivating

I was captivated by these interwoven stories and felt truly transported back to revolutionary times.

Excellent historical read.

Mr Shorto is an excellent reader. Extensive character research. I learned things about George Washington that I never knew before. I will listen to this again.

The history we were never taught.

A human and personal perspective on the events of America's founding. Educational and insightful. Informative.

Exceptional interweaving of history

Short has written and entertaining and fascinating account of the US Revolutionary War from the vantage of 5 individuals. He cleverly tells the story of the war by weaving in and out of these 5 lives…without losing focus or pace. The individuals are fascinating…their connections to each other (small as they are) equally so. Very very worthwhile.

Shorto Does it Again

Russell Shorto brings history alive! Great stories and great reading - kept me interested from start to finish! I like how the stories offer different perspectives on a time in history I thought I knew a little better than I actually do. Also, I realize that not much is all that different today Politically as it was then. Same fights! Thank you for writing it and performing it!

Intriguing story that would be better in print

What did you love best about Revolution Song?

That the author stretches out to find both known and unknown lives to tell about.

What did you like best about this story?

It reminded me that Americans can always hope to be better.

Which character – as performed by Russell Shorto – was your favorite?

Mr. Shorto gives two especially powerful characters in Cornplanter and Venture. These men lost so much and struggled hard to create decent lives in the face of overwhelming odds.

Any additional comments?

The only problem I have with this book is the narration. By moving between the characters without a vocal cue of any kind, it became very hard to follow. That's why I intend to buy it in print.

An inspiring book

I was a little concerned about the length of the book, but it was well worth it.

Venture Smith has become my new hero. I actually had tears in my eyes when he went to make an installment on buying his freedom, but the guy just gave him his freedom. Venture took a mountain of lemons and made something quite inspiring. This only served to reinforce my belief that it's never too late to pull yourself up.

WOW

I have renewed my interest in our country's history and the way this author put these six individuals lives together was so in lighting.