Tempus Fugit: A Novel

by Lawrence Lee Rowe Jr.

At a time in United States history when corruption is rampant and the public flounders in search of solutions, Tempus Fugit is highly relevant. Entertaining, educational and frequently troubling, it is a tribute to America's greatness and an unflinching expose of its dark underbelly.

Washington, Franklin and Jefferson face difficult dilemmas as they confront modern America. Is the isolationism they advocated plausible in a nuclear era? Can the limited government they envisioned still secure the blessings of liberty? Are principles they once considered timeless now obsolete?

Our forefathers' responses are perspicacious, counterintuitive, and deceptively simple. Their actions contrast the patriotic beliefs of yesterday and today, forcing readers to question their most dearly held beliefs. After reading Tempus Fugit, you will view our founders and our republic in a different light.

320 pages, Hardcover

First published December 5, 2005

Reviews

[Carla Chadwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book at Book Expo America many years ago, where I got it for free. I came home and read it cover-to-cover in a day or two and I was so sorry when there were no more pages to read.

This well-researched and entertaining book explores the very complicated circumstances that result from our founding fathers finding themselves in the present day and having to figure out what to do. I loved the premise, and Rowe's treatment of it did not disappoint. I hope he writes a sequel!

[Stephanie Lorée · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a well written and well researched book that keeps you turning pages the whole way through. Rowe has provided a wonderful novel that will entertain and inform you. Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin are vivid characters and Rowe gives us a special glimpse into the "what if's" of America's founders. Great read, highly recommended!

[Lana L. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Earnestly funny, an enjoyable read at surface level. The enjoyment stops with this, though, as the founders are humanized in the worst way possible. It is obvious that the author did his amount of research, attempted to characterize them decently, and also meant to have a great amount of comedic value whilst respecting the founders greatly. My largest issue is with Thomas Jefferson's character. His physical descriptions and surface-level personality are accurate, very correct indeed. But his views on women, overuse of the n-slur, and forced stoicism just doesn't work with his personal character. I cannot speak for Mr. Jefferson himself, but I know that he would not constantly call women 'wenches.' The way he was treated towards the end made me absolutely miserable.