The Hornet's Nest

A Novel of the Revolutionary War

By: Jimmy Carter

Narrated by: Edward Herrmann

The first work of fiction by a President of the United States—a sweeping novel of the American South and the War of Independence.

In his ambitious and deeply rewarding novel, Jimmy Carter brings to life the Revolutionary War as it was fought in the Deep South; it is a saga that will change the way we think about the conflict. He reminds us that much of the fight for independence took place in that region and that it was a struggle of both great and small battles and of terrible brutality, with neighbor turned against neighbor, the Indians’ support sought by both sides, and no quarter asked or given. The Hornet’s Nest follows a cast of characters and their loved ones on both sides of this violent conflict—including some who are based on the author’s ancestors.

At the heart of the story is Ethan Pratt, who in 1766 moves with his wife, Epsey, from Philadelphia to North Carolina and then to Georgia in 1771, in the company of Quakers. On their homesteads in Georgia, Ethan and his wife form a friendship with neighbors Kindred Morris and his wife, Mavis. Through Kindred and his young Indian friend Newota, Ethan learns about the frontier and the Native American tribes who are being continually pressed farther inland by settlers. As the eight-year war develops, Ethan and Kindred find themselves in life-and-death combat with opposing forces.

With its moving love story, vivid action, and the suspense of a war fought with increasing ferocity and stealth, The Hornet’s Nest is historical fiction at its best, in the tradition of such major classics as The Last of the Mohicans.©2003 Jimmy Carter; (P)2003 Simon and Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.

Potential to be better

Is there anything you would change about this book?

This book would have been far better if it had not been abridged. It's a shame it was.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Good.

Which scene was your favorite?

The ending and King's Mt.

Do you think The Hornet's Nest needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No. But, would like to read more fiction by Pres. Jimmy Carter.

Any additional comments?

No.

Loved it!

So intelligently written with such rich and interesting characters. Jimmy Carter shows a true depth of understanding of all facets of human emotion.

Unfamiliar American history

Carter does a good job of establishing timelines, and representing the atrocities carried out on both sides. Far from glorifying the founding fathers, Carter shows them to be genocidal. Just like the British.

A perfect book

A great book that outlines life in America and how one should act, behave, and treat one another. I highly recommend this book and find inspiration in it.

Jimmy Carter, a great president, OK novelist

I like this novel because it opened up whole patches of history that I didn’t know. I knew quite a bit about the revolutionary war in the mid Atlantic states, but almost nothing about the southern states of South Carolina Georgia and northern Florida. I like the way the Carter was even handed With the tori and wig views. If I had this novel to read over again I think I would read it with my eyes rather than listen because it was difficult to keep track of all the different generals and other officers. Also I didn’t realize that I was listening to an abridged version, which I don’t normally like to do. All in all it was a good way to learn about part of US history that I wasn’t aware of in detail. Thank you President Carter.