Certainty

by Victor Bevine

When you're fighting an injustice, can it be wrong to do what's right?

Inspired by the scandalous true story that shocked a nation at the close of WWI.

With America's entry into World War I, the population of Newport, Rhode Island, seems to double overnight as twenty-five thousand rowdy recruits descend on the Naval Training Station. Drinking, prostitution, and other depravities follow the sailors, transforming the upscale town into what many residents—including young lawyer William Bartlett, whose genteel family has lived in Newport for generations—consider to be a moral cesspool.

When sailors accuse a beloved local clergyman of sexual impropriety, William feels compelled to fight back. He agrees to defend the minister against the shocking allegations, in the face of dire personal and professional consequences. But when the trial grows increasingly sensational, and when outrageous revelations echo all the way from Newport to the federal government, William must confront more than just the truth—he must confront the very nature of good and evil.

Certainty recalls a war-torn era when the line between right and wrong became dangerously blurred.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Military Fiction, Mystery, Audiobook, Historical, Gay

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 21, 2014

Reviews

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that doesn't seem to be garnering much buzz, which is a shame because not only is it exceptionally well written but it is based on fact. A sex scandal involving the Navy, a well loved clergyman and eventually even Roosevelt himself.

There are a few graphic sex acts and more described but that is what the basis of the novel covers. The character development was phenomenal and that is what I loved about this book. William, the lawyer who defends the clergyman, sees things in black and white, something is either true or not. During the time period covering the accusations and the trial, these staunch beliefs will be tested to the utmost. Will he be able to change, enough to defend this man he considered innocent and a friend?

Charlie, one of the sailors involved in the accusations, also changes profoundly by the end of the book. Right and wrong becomes a matter of opinion, a different way of seeing things. How will Charlie react, when the cost is so high?

The clergyman, a man who during the Spanish flu sat with dying soldiers, a man who is held in esteem by many. How much will his life change and how will be able to confront the good and the evil that are present in many, including maybe himself?

The end of the book tries to follow these men after the trial and there is an author's note to help the reader find further resolution.
A brilliant book that covers a case that had wide spreading implications during the early 1900's.

ARC from NetGalley.

[Anthony McGill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novelized version depicting a murky chapter in U.S. naval history. An insidious and pointless task to recruit and train a special force to lure other sailors and in this case, a Newport R.I. clergyman as well, in an effort to instigate charges of homosexual "perversion" against their victims.

Presumably a forgotten episode in gay history -it did get three lengthy paragraphs in the Randy Shilts mammoth history of gays and lesbians in the U.S. military: 'Conduct Unbecoming'- until the author chanced upon the events. We should be very grateful as the author has enlightened us with this immensely readable and interesting book.

Fleshing out obscure characters long lost in history and mixing real-life incidents into a novel has its pitfalls, but I think the author has successfully achieved his purpose.

I did find it lost a bit of momentum towards the end but overall, it worked pretty well and deserves wide readership as this sad event and its participants deserve to be remembered. For once, considering the secretive and frequently unjust military treatment of this type of case, this incident did reach a reasonably happy conclusion. Although I doubt if any of the participants ever fully recovered from the scars inflicted during these ugly and foolish times of nearly a century ago.

For people interested in gay history and as a reflection of unjust times suffered by our forebears, a worthy and important read.

[Richard Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading CERTAINTY, by Victor Bevine, is like coming across a window in your house
that you never knew was there, looking out on a city full of stories that for a thousand reasons have gone untold. CERTAINTY is about a Navy scandal in 1919, in Newport, Rhode Island, which was suddenly overrun with tens of thousands of soldiers, who had dodged bullets, and escaped epidemics, whose youth had been devoured by a conflict that began the day Kaiser Wilhelm was born with a fucked-up, withered arm (reductionist, yes, but NOT to the point of absurdity). All that testosterone crowded into one place led to – well, the usual; hookers, booze, fights, and the inevitable gay “scandal” which is the book’s subject. A reverend finds himself caught; the government pounces; an idealistic young attorney takes on the case. The result is a great courtroom drama centered on an all-too-believable historical outrage. CERTAINTY upset me, and pissed me off, and its great strength is that its pages burn with those feelings, too. I know why Victor Bevine wrote CERTAINTY. He had to. Which is always the question I ask of any book – did the author need, for whatever reason, to write this? The book, itself, is always the answer. Don’t miss this one.

[SoWrongItsRANDI {Bell, Book & Candle} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bell, Book & Candle | Certainty Spotlight, Review & Giveaway



My mood was anything but jovial after finishing this novel. Perhaps it's due to my empathetic nature and the fact that I'm a "thinker". Whatever the case, many questions arose in my mind during my reading, many of them without a right answer: Is there only good and bad, or are there many shades of gray in between? Are justice and the law synonymous? If you were only taking orders, does it absolve you from the crime? Is being homosexual unnatural? If it is, then why would God make some of us like that? So many questions plagued me and kept me deep in thought. It's not like it's the first time I've asked myself these questions, but it is the first time in a while that I've given it some thought, no matter how intangible they are.

"I was merely pointing out how people tend to pick and choose from Holy Writ as it suits them, just as those senators did." - Mr. Rathom

Before I start going on a tangent regarding the world and its many mysteries, let me discuss this novel. Nothing within its pages should be taken at face value as there is more than meets the eye; this goes for the characters and the storyline. As far as the storyline goes, it's very similar to life: blink and you might miss something. The character development was very well written, along with how the author presented the characters' backstories. I find myself so fascinated by this story that I went as far as to research it myself. On to the characters...

When William comes to mind, I think of the quote "better to be slow and right, then fast and wrong." He was so adamant that Kent was falsely accused and even went as far as to take it as a personal affront, that he didn't stop to assess both sides of the situation. Maybe if he had he wouldn't have felt so blindsided with the truth later on (you can't handle the truth, William!). However I am glad he was willing to stand up and fight rather than settle like everyone else would have. His character reminds me a lot of Matthew McConaughey's character in A Time to Kill, for those of you who have seen it. And just like in the movie, I loved the scenes of William cross examining the witnesses during trial- it made my day (I'm a Law & Order SVU fan). I just wish he didn't make assumptions that no one else has an opinion worth hearing, as his own wife accused him of. Thankfully Mr. Rathom schooled him! I'm glad his wife, Sarah, was supportive of him and levelheaded, but also called him on his BS. She's a total keeper!

"Let go or be dragged. The tide of history is a mighty force to struggle against, Mr. Bartlett. You sure you just don't want to let go and join the party?" - Mr. Rathom

I can read people, so it came as no surprise when Reverend Kent revealed some shocking information. He basically gave himself away with his reaction. In the grand scheme of things, he's still a good person despite the accusation.

"God is either God or He's not, and unless He's horribly cruel, He would never have made so many mistakes." - Reverend Kent

I understand Charlie's motivations for participating in the "covert op", but I wish he would have done the "right" thing before everything got out of hand. I admire his big brother/ protective ways for his friends but I'm surprised he didn't realize Barker liked him or was gay- it was totally obvious! Then again, everything is easy to see when you're on the outside looking in. Even though I'm a girl, I was rooting for Barker and Charlie to end up together. [Spoiler Ahead] On a side note, after Barker and Charlie were intimate my first thought was "it's going to smell like sex and candy in that room; how could Dottie not have a few suspicions?" lol. Anyways, His complexity really makes you like him despite that he's going along with the plan to incriminate Reverend Kent.

The lawyer shrugged, nonplussed. "Well, I ... what all good people believe in, of course. God. Justice. The rule of law."
Kent stopped eating and looked at the younger man. "And do you never find those to be in conflict?"

Chief Arnold was laughable, in my opinion. His crusade to catch homosexuals with, essentially, other homosexuals because of "what they do to good men" was ridiculous and ironic. Simply put, if you were to look up the word "irony" in the dictionary, there would be a picture of Arnold smiling with a big “thumbs up” right next to it. His whole demeanor towards "fairies" makes me wonder if there's more to his story; perhaps he was molested since he harbors an intense hatred for gays. I was glad when everything backfired in his face- served him right!

An amazing read, this book was. I definitely felt transported to the post- WWI era. Be warned that this is an intense read, and you will be left feeling some kind of emotion (maybe). You may change your stance on the topics that arise within the novel.

[♥ Sandi ❣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book received from First Reads - thank you.

This is based on a true story - happening right at the close of WWI. It is the sensational trial of a well loved minister. The story of a young lawyer, trying to make a name for himself, just as his career starts. A cast of navy sailors doing what they thought was the right thing to do under silent orders from a command that tolerated little.

Remembering that this story took place in 1919, sets you in a totally different state of accountability. Things were looked at in a much different light 100 years ago. Our beliefs were different. There are tender spots in this story, along with the bawdy life lived by young sailors. The Ministers crime was however, at that time, heinous.

This book is not for the faint of heart. A couple passages are pretty hardcore, but all in all it is a well written book. I give it 4 stars.

[Samyann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ten and one half hours of listening, read by the author. Audiobooks narrated by the author are always a treat. The interpretation of words written is not speculated upon in the audio performance. You will hear a more exacting rendition of the author intent. Little is left to the imagination in the pages of Certainty. This is an adult-themed story. Certainty is not appropriate for anyone too young to understand alternate sexual preferences or lifestyles. Certainty is a fictional representation of a true story; do an internet search for Newport Sex Scandal, 1919-21.

The book is a fairly accurate representation of historical events, although many conversations are likely pure speculation. The present collective tolerance of the gay lifestyle, the 2015 passage of gay marriage rights by the United States Supreme Court, etc., is a far cry from the world opinion of 1920. As an example, much of Certainty is a court-room drama. Because of the cultural sensitivities of the time to male homosexual specifics, women were forbidden from the courts. Go figure.

The title references the absolute ‘certainty’ of innocence. There is a relentless need by some to avenge loss regardless of the path taken or the pain caused. Some areas are a little to religious and preachy for my taste, but that’s just me.

Century is well read; this is a very topical story given recent headlines. The issue is an old one that was once shoved into a closet. This story is an insight to that era and thinking. Enjoy!

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

“God. Justice. The rule of law. And do you never find those to be in conflict?”

As World War I closes, sailors at the Naval Training Station in Newport, Rhode Island accuse a beloved clergyman of “sexual impropriety”, ensuing a controversial trial. Based on the true event Newport Navy Vice Scandal of 1919

Social injustices infuriate me, I know this event occurred in the early 1900’s nonetheless, I found the ignorance, and lack of acceptance of diversity difficult to bear and comprehend. This event could repeat itself today in any manner, which caused further angst. Imagine being publicly accused, witch hunted and having to defend yourself with questions forever lingering on your ‘behavior,’ guilt or innocence.

I found the trial aspect with its many twists and turns extremely interesting along with the many characters. You are left questioning man’s actions, morality, behavior and thoughts along with the questionable lengths people will go.

This provoking novel explores the fine line between right and wrong, good and evil. An unflattering event marring our nations history, fingers crossed we learned from our mistakes failing to repeat such a monumental grievance again. You seriously ask yourself post Great War our politicians had nothing better to remedy or investigate but rather instigate THIS travesty? Leaves you scratching your head in disgust.

[Shawn Kupfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Certainty is fantastic. It’s set in the time of America’s entry into World War I (a historical period I feel needs to be covered more in fiction anyway), and concerns an attorney agreeing to defend a clergyman in the midst of the backdrop of the Naval Training Station at Newport, RI.

One of the toughest things for me — especially when I’m reading anything that can be considered historical fiction — is the beginning. I constantly feel like I’m being told all of the historical information in a ham-handed way as I get to know the characters, and man, it can be tedious. No such problems here; I was in from the word go. The characters and setting fall together effortlessly, and the scenes play in my mind like a well-done film.

As you read through, you can tell that Victor is someone who truly understands story, and I’m not just talking plot. I’m talking the entirety of story — plot, characters, world building, everything — and weaves them together in a way that instantly puts you into the novel, and keeps you there all the way through.

[David Rappoport · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely first rate historical novel about a gay witch hunt at the end of World War I in Newport, Rhode Island. This is a real page turner. I read it one sitting because I couldn't put it down! Bevine has done the almost impossible - he's managed to translate the social perspectives of 100 years ago in a way that is accurate but also manages to converge with our modern values. Don't miss this one!

[J.V. Hilliard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an amateur military historian and never realized this type of activity happened. Bevine wraps fiction around a difficult subject and his characters are incredibly believable, vivid and well developed. The plot was well paced and the character and story arcs meshed well together. This would make an incredibly timely movie. Highly recommend

[Diane Coto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certainty is a fictional account of the true “Newport Navy Vice Scandal of 1919.” As WWI drew to a close, there were twenty-five thousand Navy recruits in Newport, RI (Naval Training Center). The former upscale town was being overrun with drinking, prostitution, and moral depravity. It turned out to be a legal nightmare for junior attorney William Bartlett as he prepared to defend Reverend Samuel Neal Kent, an Episcopal military chaplain who was charged with ‘lewd and scandalous’ behavior. On a state level, the case was dismissed due to ‘entrapment.’ The Navy allowed the recruitment and training of ‘undercover operators’ with the task of allowing sexual deviancy upon themselves in order to locate and charge the ‘fairies’, a common name for homosexuals at that time.

However, the case at the state level had not been won; it was acquitted. A war statute was in place prohibiting conduct leading to ‘moral contamination’ within a five-mile radius of any military base. So, Kent’s case was moved up to the Federal court system over the same issue. Once again, William Bartlett represented him. Within the opening pages, Reverend Kent was seen as a compassionate and caring man who ministered to men in the infirmary suffering from the Spanish Flu, a pandemic of 1918 that killed many. As the news released information pertinent to the case, many of the public was appalled by the behavior which they considered ‘unspeakable’ and further appalled to think that a minister may be a part of it.

Whenever I read a historical fiction, I like to find what is true from what has been fictionalized. The author’s note explained that while some of the surnames were changed, most are as they appear in the historical records. In the novel, William Bartlett is the defense attorney; I was unable to determine who the actual attorney was for Reverend Kent. The author did well to establish the character’s back stories as it helped the reader understand their outlook into the matter. Charlie McKinney was one of the operators and the reader sees most of the thinking of the day through the expressed words and thoughts of this character. The fictional account does not line up in all ways to the true story, but from what I could tell, it is close. The novel is a historical, legal, courtroom drama focusing on how morality was seen in America’s past. I rated Certainty at 3.5 out of 5.

[Sandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Newport, Rhode Island, transformed during World War I. Always a training center for the Navy, the sailor population exploded topping twenty-five thousand men, up from the normal five thousand. As the war came to a close, those men who had escaped death in the war had to face the pandemic Spanish flu and many died. Then there was the boredom of demobilization, waiting to be discharged and trying to find ways to occupy the time.

With so many unattached men, crime exploded. Prostitution and drinking were common. The crime the Navy found the most disturbing was gay sex, although it wasn't called gay at the time, but depraved, unnatural and an indication that a man had no moral fiber. Determined to stop the crime, the Navy set up an investigative team to discover those engaged in it. The team were sailors who were tricked or agreed for the perks to entice other men to engage in sex, and then to turn them in to military justice.

Caught up in this witch hunt was a local clergyman, Samuel Kent. Reverend Kent was beloved for his work ministering to those sick and dying of the flu, and for his unending kindness to all he met. But when he was lured into the trap, the government was quick to try to make an example of him. A local attorney, William Bartlett, agreed to represent the reverend and his faith in the man's innocence made him willing to take on what was considered an unsavory case.

Victor Bevine has written a compelling novel that outlines the true events that became known as the Newport Navy Vice Scandal of 1919. Franklin Roosevelt was an Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and many regard the court cases as his darkest decision and hour. It is difficult to realize that it was less than a hundred years ago that gay sex was considered so wrong and those who were different were ostracized and penalized for who they chose to love. Many readers will only have experienced the more tolerant atmosphere found today, and reading about these cases will seem unbelievable. This book is recommended for readers of historical fiction and those interested in a dark side of the American experience.

[Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago (cause of many years ago) when I was near to joining the Navy, my boss was brutal regarding teasing me about the Navy being a bunch of queers. (Yes, he was definitely way ahead of time in showing is political incorrectness.) Anyway I had never heard this about the Navy and so asked where he got this information. He told me it was from the end of WWII when a bunch of sailors were imprisoned because of diddling each other. (I had no idea what diddling meant, but it seemed to have a sexual connotation to it.) I joined the Navy anyway and did find that there were a lot of gays still in the Navy.
This story is about the end of of WW I when Newport was somewhat overrun with gays and prostitutes. However, on of the local ministers was administering to many of the men both on the streets and in the Naval base. He was very trusted and very trustworthy, so when he is brought up on charges of sexually abusing three sailors, the city is shocked.
The story is of his role, the sailors role, the bishops role, the politicians role, the lawyers role.The story is riveting. The reading is the best I have ever heard. This book shows the historic abuse the the US has practiced in it's handling of sexual issues.

[Gopi Sait · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't wait to dive into this one. I remember reading an earlier draft of this one years ago, Victor was kind enough to let me read it and I was so haunted by the story. Even then, it was as crisp in it's text with incredibly well drawn characters and the flow with an absolutely brilliant climatic payoff. For years I kept thinking about it and just couldn't fathom that as fictional as sounded on paper that it was based on actual events and yet somehow it resonated even today even while it was set in 1919. It felt when I looked around that nothing really has changed much, yes we have grown as a society by leaps and bounds in terms of everything; economically, socially, financially, technologically, scientifically, and in many many other aspects. But yet in our core we somehow as humans still fall short to rise up in our human dynamic. Anyways, thanks much Victor for staying on course and seeing this one through, I cannot wait to read it in the book form. Wishing you so much greatness and success with this piece. All the best to you always ole' friend. :)

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm about 2/3 of the way through this book, so by now I have a good idea what it's about, and I must say - it's not a book I would recommend to my friends, despite the four-star rating. I gave it that many stars because the writing is nearly impeccable, and because of the author's ability to sketch his subjects in such a manner as to make them sympathetic - his characters are completely three-dimensional. It's also a good read if you like courtroom drama, which I do. That said - I'm reading this book because it's in a Kindle Unlimited edition. It's not a book that I would have purchased, and when I'm done with it, it's not a book I intend to keep; and for someone who loves reading, and books, as much as I do, that's its own review.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

historical event fictionalized for easy consumption. at the end of WWII the navy determined it needed to weed out the depraved from newport, a waystation for sailors. the ensuing trial details the lengths to which the navy went to find and prosecute the deviants. a wonderful telling of a terrible event.

[scavola scavola · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot being nothing extraordinary, the book had to hit home on the historical context, which, for me, it didn't. It started off well, but then felt like a retelling of a story from a modern perspective.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our culture has evolved so much in one century. Just one hundred years ago, women couldn't vote, alcohol was illegal, inter racial marriage was against the law, and people could be sentenced to prison for being gay. This story is important for our generation to know.

[Knewmyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, great characters, compelling story based on actual events. The author did a great job narrating this book. I had to pay attention because it seemed like the narrative changed pov's abruptly, but it did not detract.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finely described characters and compelling storytelling make this fictionalized story of an actual operation by the Navy to ruin the lives of people at the end of World War I, an intriguing book. Though the story is tense at times, it is a book I didn't want to put down.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a true story, "Certainty" is a powerful novel that makes the reader question what it means to behave ethically. This book is smart, brilliantly paced, and well-reasearced.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulously written story and one of the better legal books I've read.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book. You will like it. I promise. Believe me.

[Missy Graf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book surprised me in challenging my black and white stance on certain issues. I good reminder that we all sin and ALL CAN be forgiven.

[LuAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

to be reviewed November 6, 2014

[Christine Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Novel based on a real historical event. Compelling.

[Jim B · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book is also a major theme, especially with regard to the maturing of lawyer William Bartlett. He was admired for his certainty and the actions he took to defend the accused because of that certainty. How many of us saw things in black and white in our youth, while experience teaches us to ask a lot of questions and to learn all we can because all human beings are individuals with their own -- often surprising -- stories.

Other have done a masterful job of reviewing this story, set in the aftermath of World War I. I will echo the praise most people have given: Victor Bevine has done superior work in character development. He has taken a historical event and brought it to life in a believable and interesting way. He has shed light on a topic seldom discussed any longer: homosexuality in the military in World War I. I remember being startled by a Navy veteran who had worked in the medical area of a naval ship. He told me about witnessing the medical problems of homosexual activities on the ships he served.

This is not a homosexual love story or a John Gresham legal thriller. It is a reflection on the complexities of human nature, conspiracy, faith, love, and the legal system. It is a well researched account of an historical event, told while leaving us to reflect on what is good and what is wrong. While homosexuality is almost an obsession in today's story-telling, Certainty holds up the mirror of a different era to show us other ways to think, including the thoughts of the accused clergyman.

[Chuck Heikkinen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books entertain or distract. Other books plead with us to examine our lives and values. This is one of the pleas. Based on an actual historical event, a clergyman whose life and actions have left nothing but positive and loving feelings behind is accused and brought to trial for being a homosexual. This was instigated by several men in the navy seeking to rid the world of what they saw with complete certainty as the scourge of illicit and unspeakable behavior of homosexuality. The attorney for the defense was an idealistic lawyer who with complete certainty believed his client to be totally innocent. Most of the book traces the background of the case along with developments in the courtroom. As it develops we enter a world that encompasses the gray-scale of right and wrong. This is a book that ought to become a classic.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew a bit about Newport's past as I'd been there and saw some of the homes. I can well imagine the impact having all those rowdy sailors from around the US in their midst caused. I had never heard of this scandal, and having read it I can see the effect it must have at the time on all concerned. The actions of certain Naval officers which lead to the trial didn't really surprise me, but the result of them did. I was glad to see the author included a few short notes after the ending of the story which tied up any possible loose ends, not that there were any. An interesting read overall for anyone who likes court room type dramas, military history, or provocative works that make you think about the fine line between right and wrong.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

1919 in Newport, RI the Navy was involved in a major scandal involving several Navy officers who recruited young, good looking sailors to entrap gay men, both military and civilian. The prosecution of these individuals, especially a civilian priest, is at the heart of this plot.
This is a beautiful, fictional retelling of that scandal. It is an interesting look at the ways in which homosexuality was viewed by the people of that time. The characters are well-developed and appealing. A good history lesson.