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

I loved this book!

My dad used to say to us when my 3 brothers and I were growing up, 'What do they teach you in school? I can't believe you don't know your US history'! Well, he was right! I learned so much from this book and loved it! The story was so engaging, the narration spot on and I literally cried at the end. So very good! You will do yourself and your noggin a favor by listening, enjoying and enriching yourself!

OUTSTANDING

This book is amazing. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has an interest in the revolutionary war. I have listened to approximately 20 books and this is by far the best. I think I finished this book in about two days because I could not stop listening. This book is historical fiction and the authors do a great job of developing the characters, as well as giving an accurate account of the historic river crossing.

Truly a great book

You cannot go wrong with this book. Great story. Great book and well read. One of my favorites.

Bloody Feet and All

This novel should be required reading for all members of the US Congress. I really think in all of our current arguing and striving we forget the trials and tribulations of the founding fathers and just plain, ordinary, stubborn citizens.

These citizens were willing to tell the greatest nation of the day "It ain't right!" Then, they were willing to stake their lives, honor and fortunes on independence and to form a new nation.

No other nation, has given so much to the world with so little appreciation. We need to revisit our history and learn why we have the freedoms other nation can even dream of.

And yes, the history books do say, that one could track George Washington's soldiers by the bloody footprints in the snow. Novels such as To Try Men's Souls help us not to forget the sacrifices of our forebearers.

Last thought, personally, I am beginning not to care that so many in the world hate America or even why. But, they should keep in mind what happens if we in America get angry. Perhaps they, the enemies of the US, should read this novel and fear.

Good history novel, horrible narration

I have enjoyed all of Gingrich's and Forstchen's history novels very much but Gingrich's daughter is a horrible reader and can only barely be tolerated. Durfris is not very good but becomes more acceptable as you progress through the novels. Callista is horrible and never changes regardless of which character she reads.

Making it Real... sort of...

This was refreshing, in that the history of Trinton was written in a novel way. We follow events as seen from the Soldiers on the ground. It was effective and compelling. The horrible suffering which did occur was brilliantly expressed. Thus, all around it was well written.

That said...
Here it comes folks....
I think Newt has "a thang" for Washington and elevated him way to much as a demigod. "and Washington prayed" oooooo... aaaah...ooooh...
please... As if all of them were not praying with every miserable step and as if HIS prayers where the only ones which mattered to God...

The scene in "Jersey's" Trinton home and of his end were childishly, predictably, and melodramatically written. Almost "jump the shark" bad.

Finally, Newts wife Callista, who read for us... should keep her day job.
Thank God she only read in very short bursts! She was robotic at best and horribly muppet-ish at worst. Nepotism is never a good thing.

I did, HOWEVER, buy the next 2 books... Hopefully the next 2 will keep the great things and abandon the bad...

Great Story

Newt really knows how to do the research and as a result his novels are great treats. Very educational as well.

awesome book

what hardship these brave men and women endured to make America what they wanted it to be. Land of the free and home of the brave

Outstanding Book

Amazing story and audio, well done! Almost makes one feel like they are there in it. Thanks!

Captivating telling of history.

This is a a very captivating and moving story and left me wanting more. I have never studied the American battle for independence before, but this book really made me want to.