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Revolutionary War #1
To Try Men's Souls
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. Their 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 cross - ing 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 illu minate the darkest days of the Revolution. With detailed research and an incredible depth of military insight, this novel provides a rare and personal perspective of the men who fought for, and founded the United States of America.
The action focuses on one of the most iconic events in American history: Washington cross - ing 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 illu minate the darkest days of the Revolution. With detailed research and an incredible depth of military insight, this novel provides a rare and personal perspective of the men who fought for, and founded the United States of America.
345 pages, Hardcover
First published October 20, 2009
171 people are currently reading
1497 people want to read
About the author
Newt Gingrich
114 books548 followersNewt Gingrich is well-known as the architect of the “Contract with America” that led the Republican Party to victory in 1994 by capturing the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time in forty years. After he was elected Speaker, he disrupted the status quo by moving power out of Washington and back to the American people. Under his leadership, Congress passed welfare reform, the first balanced budget in a generation, and the first tax cut in sixteen years. In addition, the Congress restored funding to strengthen defense and intelligence capabilities, an action later lauded by the bipartisan 9/11 Commission.
Today Newt Gingrich is a Fox News contributor. He is a Senior Advisor at Dentons, the world’s largest law firm with more than 6,500 lawyers in 50 countries and offices in more than 125 cities. He advises the firm’s world-class Public Policy and Regulation practice. He is also a Senior Scientist at Gallup.
From May 2011 to May 2012, Newt Gingrich was a candidate for the Republican nomination for President of the United States, winning the South Carolina and the Georgia primaries. The campaign was especially notable for its innovative policy agenda, its effort to bring new coalitions into the Republican fold, and for Newt’s debate performances. His $2.50 a gallon energy plan set off a nationwide discussion about the use of America’s energy resources.
But there is a lot more to Newt Gingrich than these remarkable achievements. As an author, Newt has published twenty-nine books including 14 fiction and nonfiction New York Times best-sellers.
Non-fiction books include his latest, Breakout, in addition to A Nation Like No Other, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, To Save America, Rediscovering God in America, 5 Principles for a Successful Life, Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less, Real Change, A Contract with the Earth, Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America, To Renew America, Lessons Learned the Hard Way, Saving Lives & Saving Money, Window of Opportunity, and The Art of Transformation. He is also the author of a series of historical fiction books including, Gettysburg, Grant Comes East, Never Call Retreat: Lee and Grant the Final Victory, 1945, Pearl Harbor, Days of Infamy, To Make Men Free, To Try Men’s Souls, Valley Forge, and Victory at Yorktown. These novels are active history studies in the lessons of warfare based on fictional accounts of historical wartime battles and their aftermaths. His latest novel, Treason, is the sequel to Duplicity and is a thriller of Washington intrigue and international terrorism.
Newt and his wife, Callista, host and produce historical and public policy documentaries. Recent films include The First American, Divine Mercy: The Canonization of John Paul II, A City Upon A Hill, America at Risk, Nine Days That Changed The World, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, Rediscovering God in America, Rediscovering God in America II: Our Heritage, and We Have the Power.
In his post-Speaker role, Newt has become one of the most highly sought-after public speakers, accepting invitations to speak before prestigious organizations throughout the world. Because of his own unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Newt is able to share unique and unparalleled insights on a wide range of topics. His audiences find him to be not only educational but also inspirational. For more information about Newt’s speaking engagements, please visit the Worldwide Speakers Group.
Widely recognized for his commitment to a better system of health for all Americans, his leadership in the U.S. Congress helped save Medicare from bankruptcy, prompted FDA reform to help the seriously ill and initiated a new focus on research, prevention, and wellness. His contributions have been so great that the American Diabetes Association awarded him their highest non-medical award and the March of Dimes named him their 1995 Citizen of the Year.
To foster a modern health system that provide
Today Newt Gingrich is a Fox News contributor. He is a Senior Advisor at Dentons, the world’s largest law firm with more than 6,500 lawyers in 50 countries and offices in more than 125 cities. He advises the firm’s world-class Public Policy and Regulation practice. He is also a Senior Scientist at Gallup.
From May 2011 to May 2012, Newt Gingrich was a candidate for the Republican nomination for President of the United States, winning the South Carolina and the Georgia primaries. The campaign was especially notable for its innovative policy agenda, its effort to bring new coalitions into the Republican fold, and for Newt’s debate performances. His $2.50 a gallon energy plan set off a nationwide discussion about the use of America’s energy resources.
But there is a lot more to Newt Gingrich than these remarkable achievements. As an author, Newt has published twenty-nine books including 14 fiction and nonfiction New York Times best-sellers.
Non-fiction books include his latest, Breakout, in addition to A Nation Like No Other, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, To Save America, Rediscovering God in America, 5 Principles for a Successful Life, Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less, Real Change, A Contract with the Earth, Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America, To Renew America, Lessons Learned the Hard Way, Saving Lives & Saving Money, Window of Opportunity, and The Art of Transformation. He is also the author of a series of historical fiction books including, Gettysburg, Grant Comes East, Never Call Retreat: Lee and Grant the Final Victory, 1945, Pearl Harbor, Days of Infamy, To Make Men Free, To Try Men’s Souls, Valley Forge, and Victory at Yorktown. These novels are active history studies in the lessons of warfare based on fictional accounts of historical wartime battles and their aftermaths. His latest novel, Treason, is the sequel to Duplicity and is a thriller of Washington intrigue and international terrorism.
Newt and his wife, Callista, host and produce historical and public policy documentaries. Recent films include The First American, Divine Mercy: The Canonization of John Paul II, A City Upon A Hill, America at Risk, Nine Days That Changed The World, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, Rediscovering God in America, Rediscovering God in America II: Our Heritage, and We Have the Power.
In his post-Speaker role, Newt has become one of the most highly sought-after public speakers, accepting invitations to speak before prestigious organizations throughout the world. Because of his own unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Newt is able to share unique and unparalleled insights on a wide range of topics. His audiences find him to be not only educational but also inspirational. For more information about Newt’s speaking engagements, please visit the Worldwide Speakers Group.
Widely recognized for his commitment to a better system of health for all Americans, his leadership in the U.S. Congress helped save Medicare from bankruptcy, prompted FDA reform to help the seriously ill and initiated a new focus on research, prevention, and wellness. His contributions have been so great that the American Diabetes Association awarded him their highest non-medical award and the March of Dimes named him their 1995 Citizen of the Year.
To foster a modern health system that provide
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
November 13, 2011
Having not previously read any of the historical fiction novels by Newt Gingrich and William Forstchen (who I assume does much of the “in the trenches”work on this), I was very pleasantly stunned by how terrific this novel was. The story is engaging and very well written and it’s clear that it was also painstakingly researched. Yet, despite the significant amount of historical detail included in the story, the authors do a wonderful job of never (or at least not often) bogging down the narrative with expositions that are overly long on wind.
PLOT SUMMARY:
The story concerns one of the most iconic moments in U.S. history; the crossing of the Delaware by George Washington on Christmas Day in 1776 prior to the Battle of Trenton. This was the battle that, more than any other, helped turn the tide of the Revolutionary War in favor of the upstart Americans. The lens through which the narrative of this momentous occasion unfolds alternates between three distinct characters: George Washington, Thomas Paine (who was in Pennsylvania creating “The American Crisis”) and Jonathan Van Dorn, a young private in Washington’s army.
THOUGHTS:
Unlike the majestic figure of Washington we see in the famous painting of “the Delaware Crossing,”
the Washington of this story is portrayed as brimming with doubt and uncertainty after suffering months of painful, humiliating defeats at the hands of the British army. Nonetheless, Washington’s determination never wavers and his commitment to the fight at hand remains unshakeable. That continuing on and not faltering despite unimaginable hardships is what I found most compelling in this portrayal.
In addition to General Washington, we see through the “far more human” eyes of Thomas Paine who has been working on The American Crisis in Philadelphia while battling the twin demons of alcohol and self doubt. Through the course of the story, we come to see Paine slowly awaken to an understanding that he has a vital role to play in the revolutionary cause by stirring the passions of the American people and keeping alive hope, that most fragile and necessary component, during these times that “Try Men’s Souls.”
Finally, through Private Jonathan Van Dorn, we are given a first hand look at the staggeringly brutal conditions that Washington’s army faces in preparing for the fateful crossing of the Delaware. More than anything else in the novel, it was these descriptions that broke through my calm “historical” detachment and sucked me into the narrative while I was reading. Soldiers suffering from malnourishment and rampant diseases (Dysentery, Cholera and others) marching mile after mile after mile after mile through frozen, snow covered ground (many with no shoes) only to cross (and eventually wade through) near frozen water in the dead of night to then battle with no rest a far superior force in the Hessian Army. As the authors describe in the afterwards, it is a battle that is almost impossible to imagine Washington winning and yet, against all odds, the battle was won and the tide of the Revolutionary War changed.
It’s the kind of moment you want to stand up and applaud after reading.
I found this to be an incredibly, powerful and moving experience and also, (for the most part) an enjoyable read. There were some parts where the narrative gets bogged down and others that could certainly be called “slow” moments in relation to the faster, breath-stealing passages. However, overall it was excellent, truly excellent, historical fiction.
I was duly impressed.
4.0 stars. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
October 14, 2012
When I discovered a copy of this book tossed into a sale bin, I considered it no great risk to invest in it. After a cursory review of the jacket, I fully expected a well-researched setting for an interesting story. I got that and more.
What I did not expect was that this reader, who is hyper-critical of construction and grammar and judgmental of a writer's craft, would find himself reading through tears, not once, not occasionally, but again and again as the story unfolded, revealing the deep devotion of a generation of young heroes the likes of whom are almost completely forgotten by this present generation. Gingrich not only developed characters who were sympathetic but managed to spin into them a presence and passion both attractive and inspiring, even as they would have never identified themselves as heroes on any field. I closed the back cover with a profound sense of pride and patriotism and a certain satisfaction for having participated in the sharing of this amazing story.
What I did not expect was that this reader, who is hyper-critical of construction and grammar and judgmental of a writer's craft, would find himself reading through tears, not once, not occasionally, but again and again as the story unfolded, revealing the deep devotion of a generation of young heroes the likes of whom are almost completely forgotten by this present generation. Gingrich not only developed characters who were sympathetic but managed to spin into them a presence and passion both attractive and inspiring, even as they would have never identified themselves as heroes on any field. I closed the back cover with a profound sense of pride and patriotism and a certain satisfaction for having participated in the sharing of this amazing story.
September 15, 2011
I've always been fascinated by Revolutionary American History and with a story about Washington crossing the Delaware River on Christmas Night before retaking the town of Trenton, New Jersey it sounded perfect. I wanted to LOVE it...... but didn't. I was half-way through it and still hadn't hit upon any story. Most of it is personal thoughts, fears and LOADS of self-doubt, which is ok up to a certain point. There were MANY flashbacks that held more suspense than the "present" timeline. But after a while, you start hearing the same phrases over and over and over. Yes, they're freezing, yes, their joints ache, Yes, every breath feels like fire, we get it..... now move on with the story already! It seemed like every chapter held repeated bits of the previous chapter (in case you forgot about it). Just too much repetition, not enough story.
Read
June 6, 2017DNF
Read the first chapter or so, and there was already more language than I am comfortable with, and being in George Washington's pov was really throwing me. ;) I *might* come back and give this a try someday, but I am just not feeling it right now.
Read the first chapter or so, and there was already more language than I am comfortable with, and being in George Washington's pov was really throwing me. ;) I *might* come back and give this a try someday, but I am just not feeling it right now.
July 10, 2023
I know it's a fictional account... but for historical fiction I felt like I was there with Washington, Hamilton, Monroe, and the rest of the continental army as they attacked on Christmas Day leaving Valley Forge, crossing the Delaware River and attacking the Hessian troops at Trenton, NJ and routing them. Well done.
As a patriotic American I think it's vital that we remember our roots. all of Europe prizes their national heritage but somehow this current generation of educators shies away-- okay-- actually downplays and degrades our nation's history and that is to the detriment of our country. Why the elitists in America seem to champion the culture and heritage of others but despise and ridicule our own culture and history is sinful and unacceptable. There it is-- I have said my peace and have gotten down off my soap box.
As a patriotic American I think it's vital that we remember our roots. all of Europe prizes their national heritage but somehow this current generation of educators shies away-- okay-- actually downplays and degrades our nation's history and that is to the detriment of our country. Why the elitists in America seem to champion the culture and heritage of others but despise and ridicule our own culture and history is sinful and unacceptable. There it is-- I have said my peace and have gotten down off my soap box.
December 6, 2016
A Patriotic epic of Revolutionary Combat -- what's not to like?
Well, there's no combat to speak of, till the last fifty pages. About three quarters of the book is Washington crossing the Delaware -- but it's all men tripping, falling, cursing, muddy trails, snow down the back of the neck, endless paragraphs about innocent farm boys shivering uncontrollably and dying slowly. I mean, I get it -- heroes make sacrifices. But I've seen William Forstchen write novels where the combat action is red-hot and never lets up. That's not the case here.
Then there's Tom Paine. A lot of his sections are meant to be stirring but come across as silly or even unintentionally funny. "Paine grabbed the rum bottle and drank deeply, trying desperately to stir the creative fires to life. Damn King George! He had to write, had to speak. Yet his body craved alcohol, craved it even more than freedom." The whole alcoholic patriot thing really didn't work for me. I kept waiting for Jim Morrison -- I mean, Tom Paine -- to shout "Hey King George! We want the world and we want it now! No one here gets out alive!" And then he could just slip on a pair of leather pants and start crooning "show me the way, to the next whiskey bar . . ."
Now George Washington . . . sigh. What can you do with a man like General Washington? He keeps musing on those soft Virginia nights, with Martha. And now and then he dreams about sneaking away for a little hunt. Only he never mentions that dusky gal down in the slave quarters! What I'm trying to say is, this guy is presented as the plaster saint we all remember from the first grade -- and there had to be more to the man than that, good or bad.
Oddly enough, the only interesting character in the whole book is Rall, the Hessian commander. His analysis of how Frederick The Great would have handled the rebels was both chilling and fascinating.
I can't really recommend this book -- but I love William Forstchen. Everyone should read his LOST REGIMENT series right away!
Well, there's no combat to speak of, till the last fifty pages. About three quarters of the book is Washington crossing the Delaware -- but it's all men tripping, falling, cursing, muddy trails, snow down the back of the neck, endless paragraphs about innocent farm boys shivering uncontrollably and dying slowly. I mean, I get it -- heroes make sacrifices. But I've seen William Forstchen write novels where the combat action is red-hot and never lets up. That's not the case here.
Then there's Tom Paine. A lot of his sections are meant to be stirring but come across as silly or even unintentionally funny. "Paine grabbed the rum bottle and drank deeply, trying desperately to stir the creative fires to life. Damn King George! He had to write, had to speak. Yet his body craved alcohol, craved it even more than freedom." The whole alcoholic patriot thing really didn't work for me. I kept waiting for Jim Morrison -- I mean, Tom Paine -- to shout "Hey King George! We want the world and we want it now! No one here gets out alive!" And then he could just slip on a pair of leather pants and start crooning "show me the way, to the next whiskey bar . . ."
Now George Washington . . . sigh. What can you do with a man like General Washington? He keeps musing on those soft Virginia nights, with Martha. And now and then he dreams about sneaking away for a little hunt. Only he never mentions that dusky gal down in the slave quarters! What I'm trying to say is, this guy is presented as the plaster saint we all remember from the first grade -- and there had to be more to the man than that, good or bad.
Oddly enough, the only interesting character in the whole book is Rall, the Hessian commander. His analysis of how Frederick The Great would have handled the rebels was both chilling and fascinating.
I can't really recommend this book -- but I love William Forstchen. Everyone should read his LOST REGIMENT series right away!
March 30, 2010
This book describes Washington's crossing of the Delaware and the Battle of Trenton, along with the writings of Thomas Paine and the common Revolutionary War soldier. The basic facts involving Washington's crossing of the Delaware are fairly well known, and this book attempts to fill in some of the blanks of the story by giving the reader an idea of what may have transpired on a personal level of some of the leaders and soldiers. The dialogue crafted was a little melodrammatic, so I thought the book might have been written as Young Adult historical fiction. Apparently, it was not, but I think it would be a good read for that age group. It describes the hardships of the campaign, but doesn't go into the terror or gore that some modern books contain. While the historical aspects of the story were good, the dialogue created was a little too much of a Disney or Brady Bunch story for me.
March 2, 2015
I wish I could have liked this book more. There was a lot going for it, but it just didn't have the strength and inspiration that I was expecting from Forstchen.
The plot struggled to stay afloat, and the character development seemed forced. I appreciated the details and insight regarding the revolutionary conflict, but I couldn't get engaged due to some of the novelistic contrivances.
The plot struggled to stay afloat, and the character development seemed forced. I appreciated the details and insight regarding the revolutionary conflict, but I couldn't get engaged due to some of the novelistic contrivances.
August 3, 2011
Kind of hard to get into for me... felt like there was a good bit of repetition in some places!!! Really enjoyed learning more about this American victory and about Thomas Paine!!! Think they did a better job at letting the reader get to know him more so than Washington!!!
February 11, 2013
As a Revolutionary War fanatic, I was extremely excited to read To Try Men’s Souls by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and author William Forstchen.
Sadly, this post is a first on AdoptingJames. It is my first negative review.
I asked Sarabeth if I should even write a negative review since I’ve taken it upon myself to shed light on the great books/movies I discover. But my last book review shed light on dark patches on an otherwise raving review. Perhaps I’m heading in a new direction.
So here goes.
I dreaded every time I picked up Gingrich’s novel about Washington’s crossing the Delaware River. I tried to like it at first. Then I tried to tolerate it. The further I read, I tried to push through it. With twenty pages left I tried not to just cheat and close the book and declare it finished. But I made it. Truly.
And I’m not sure it was quite worth it.
First off, the author(s) jump sporadically between December 24th back to November 11th, to November 23rd, and at some point I’m sure they took us back to the previous summer of 1776, right back up to Christmas Eve. The chronology was jittery and had no real flow.
Now, consider this for a minute. George Washington is one of my ultimate favorite people who has ever walked the earth. I have been known to idolize him in a way Christians ought not to idolize any man. But Gingrich’s portrayal of the Great General did nothing for me. If you want a truly great testimony to George Washington’s life and character, check out instead, George Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow.
The surrounding fictional (and some other non-fictional) characters were also plastic-y and lacked depth and/or development. Though the writing was smooth (which I assume was composed mostly by Forstchen, who’s novel One Second After I greatly enjoyed), it lacked story, which made the writing talent inconsequential.
It felt like a movie that covered a topic of great interest, with clever and artistic cinematography, but filled with bad acting who’s lines were constructed by sloppy screenwriters.
To be fair, To Try Men’s Souls received an astonishing 4.4 stars on Amazon. So the chances of you loving this book is completely in your favor. The ratings prove that I’m actually in the minority that just couldn’t appreciate the book on any level.
Now, here’s the catcher. I had already received the sequel, Valley Forge, for Christmas two years ago. So I feel I am obligated (and damed) to read its successor. I wonder if Valley Forge will be worse. After all, so many chapters in Souls were spent in endless descriptions of the plight of the patriots trudging through the snow toward Trenton. At least there was a goal they were after. But in Valley Forge, historically speaking, the soldiers just all sort of sat there and froze all winter.
Well, I am an optimist when it comes to books. So I will attempt to read it, though I’m sure it will be like climbing Everest. I’ll let you know how it is in several months if I ever finish it (or start it).
Join me. If there’s a book that’s been sitting on your shelf collecting dust because you are just too afraid to touch it, let’s do it together. Who knows… maybe one of us will be surprised.
Sadly, this post is a first on AdoptingJames. It is my first negative review.
I asked Sarabeth if I should even write a negative review since I’ve taken it upon myself to shed light on the great books/movies I discover. But my last book review shed light on dark patches on an otherwise raving review. Perhaps I’m heading in a new direction.
So here goes.
I dreaded every time I picked up Gingrich’s novel about Washington’s crossing the Delaware River. I tried to like it at first. Then I tried to tolerate it. The further I read, I tried to push through it. With twenty pages left I tried not to just cheat and close the book and declare it finished. But I made it. Truly.
And I’m not sure it was quite worth it.
First off, the author(s) jump sporadically between December 24th back to November 11th, to November 23rd, and at some point I’m sure they took us back to the previous summer of 1776, right back up to Christmas Eve. The chronology was jittery and had no real flow.
Now, consider this for a minute. George Washington is one of my ultimate favorite people who has ever walked the earth. I have been known to idolize him in a way Christians ought not to idolize any man. But Gingrich’s portrayal of the Great General did nothing for me. If you want a truly great testimony to George Washington’s life and character, check out instead, George Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow.
The surrounding fictional (and some other non-fictional) characters were also plastic-y and lacked depth and/or development. Though the writing was smooth (which I assume was composed mostly by Forstchen, who’s novel One Second After I greatly enjoyed), it lacked story, which made the writing talent inconsequential.
It felt like a movie that covered a topic of great interest, with clever and artistic cinematography, but filled with bad acting who’s lines were constructed by sloppy screenwriters.
To be fair, To Try Men’s Souls received an astonishing 4.4 stars on Amazon. So the chances of you loving this book is completely in your favor. The ratings prove that I’m actually in the minority that just couldn’t appreciate the book on any level.
Now, here’s the catcher. I had already received the sequel, Valley Forge, for Christmas two years ago. So I feel I am obligated (and damed) to read its successor. I wonder if Valley Forge will be worse. After all, so many chapters in Souls were spent in endless descriptions of the plight of the patriots trudging through the snow toward Trenton. At least there was a goal they were after. But in Valley Forge, historically speaking, the soldiers just all sort of sat there and froze all winter.
Well, I am an optimist when it comes to books. So I will attempt to read it, though I’m sure it will be like climbing Everest. I’ll let you know how it is in several months if I ever finish it (or start it).
Join me. If there’s a book that’s been sitting on your shelf collecting dust because you are just too afraid to touch it, let’s do it together. Who knows… maybe one of us will be surprised.
August 10, 2017
I've read several books about Washington crossing the Delaware and the Battle of Trenton, but this is the best. The style is similar to the writings of Michael Shaara. The story told from the viewpoint of the participants, American and Hessian. It really does a great job of portraiting the hardships endured by those soldiers. The freezing sleet and snow, most of the men without shoes and winter clothing, the bloody footsteps in the snow. The Americans had suffered defeat after defeat and the army had dwindled down from over 20,000 to barely 2,000, and their enlistments were coming to an end in a matter of days and Washington feared that he would lose his entire army. The password was "victory or death" and that was what it had come down to. If this battle had been lost we would likely still be British subjects. I also liked the inclusion of Thomas Paine as a character. His writings in The American Crisis played a big role in inspiring the men when he wrote: "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now deserves the thanks of man and woman..." The few remaining soldiers that Washington lead into this battle were not summer soldiers or sunshine patriots and they proved it as they endured the hardships and accomplished the impossible, defeating the dreaded Hessians, the best soldiers in the world, and preserving the cause of Liberty. Highly recommended.
December 12, 2020
I appreciate how the authors laid out the incredibly harsh conditions the troops had to fight in. Truly, they fought in conditions that were unimaginable. Unfortunately, most of the book is just repeating this fact over and over again. I am thankful for the lesson in history this book provides.
February 2, 2025
I read this book years ago - I recommend reading it during winter so you can better imagine how Washington and his men felt. It really makes you appreciate how much they sacrificed for our freedom. ❤️ 🤍 💙
February 1, 2022
This book reminds us what it was really like for Washington's army crossing the Delaware - and how much more to it there was than just crossing the Delaware. How they achieved a victory while facing harsh elements, illness, starvation, and lack of pretty much everything they needed is a feat we should not so quickly forget and take for granted.
February 10, 2016
This book could have been cut in half and it still would have conveyed the same message. There was so much redundancy that it just about bored you to death. It seemed that every few pages reminded you of what you'd read in the previous chapter; I guess the average reader has a short attention span? It was laborious reading up until about the 55% mark (I was reading on my Kindle), when you finally got to see the battle scene. I found the first half of the book to be tedious and confusing, and I never quite understood exactly what was going on (the entire first half is just them crossing the river). At one point it is mentioned that the storm let up in the middle of the night and some British/Hessian scouts spotted them on the river through the fog. They furiously rowed to get back across the river...were they giving up? It sounded like it, but it wasn't clear. Next thing you know, the storm is still raging and they're suddenly somewhere else, lugging the huge artillery into and out of two ravines. Later, at 11am after the battle at Trenton is over, the storm is still raging. But I thought it cleared up at 3am? Hmm.... I also had difficulty with all the glaring typos and grammatical errors. You could tell the book was written by multiple authors and that one of them is a comma freak. That drove me nuts - commas everywhere! But I did enjoy reading and learning about the personalities of the characters in what could have happened on that night. If you read this book, just skim it until about half-way. You'll still get the idea.
February 19, 2014
George Washington was truly a God inspired man. "To Try Men's Souls" details the trials and tribulations of the leader of the Continental Army during its escape from New York to Pennsylvania and across the Delaware to encamp at McConkey's Ferry. Washington's resolve and spirit to attack the Hessians soldiers at Trenton on Christmas Day are beyond comprehension.
This excellent historical fiction account of the year 1776 features iconoclastic personality Thomas Paine, the rapscallion author of The Crisis, the pamphlet that served to further spur the effort for independence, and the writing of this account, no doubt; Henry Knox, brilliant artillerist and former book store owner, Jersey patriots Jonathan Van Dorn and Peter Wellesley, and the ever present Billy Lee, Washington's faithful servant, contribute to the mind-boggling effort to restore faith in the Revolution
Gingrich and co-author William R Forstchen possess the foresight to write history as it truly was, obviously realizing that today's politically correct history texts largely ignore the unsurpassed contributions of the father of our country and his fellow patriots.
We all would do well to remember him. A must read, especially for those who inexplicably forgot that Washington was a true leader of men. Where are they today?
We also would do well to reread The Crisis, which folks had no trouble comprehending in 1776.
This excellent historical fiction account of the year 1776 features iconoclastic personality Thomas Paine, the rapscallion author of The Crisis, the pamphlet that served to further spur the effort for independence, and the writing of this account, no doubt; Henry Knox, brilliant artillerist and former book store owner, Jersey patriots Jonathan Van Dorn and Peter Wellesley, and the ever present Billy Lee, Washington's faithful servant, contribute to the mind-boggling effort to restore faith in the Revolution
Gingrich and co-author William R Forstchen possess the foresight to write history as it truly was, obviously realizing that today's politically correct history texts largely ignore the unsurpassed contributions of the father of our country and his fellow patriots.
We all would do well to remember him. A must read, especially for those who inexplicably forgot that Washington was a true leader of men. Where are they today?
We also would do well to reread The Crisis, which folks had no trouble comprehending in 1776.
February 8, 2017
Now if you read my blog you know I usually give the books I read a good review. It is not easy for me to give bad reviews but this book just did not do it for me. I felt this book was dry and really should have stopped reading it about 50 pages into it. Actually I put this book down three times before I finally got it finished. I kept going as I really wanted to like this book as I enjoy reading about this time period. While I give the author's credit for their vivid descriptions which really made me feel and understand all these soldiers went through for our freedom, it was just hard to read. At times I felt as if I was reading the same thing over and over again. I liked following the story of Jonathan and felt bad for him at the end. I do not think I will continue on with this series as I am afraid it will be just as dry. It was just amazing and heart wrenching at the same time all the guys went through. No food, no shoes and very little clothes, I do not think many people today could withstand this. At the same time I bought this book I bought the first book in their Civil War series and I hope it is written better. We shall see.
November 7, 2011
This book is about George Washington and his men; and what transpired during those weeks before they crossed the Delaware. This novel is written in the voice of Gen George Washington, Thomas Paine and that of a lowly Jersey Militia man Jonathan. We read of the incredible suffering these men indured, how they did not let anything including the many defeats leading up to the struggle to get across the Delaware where they were finially victorious. They were a rag tag army of men who would not give up. It was definitly awe inspireing. It makes me very proud to be an American to see such courage from our forefathers. What they did for freedom. I think this book is a book well worth reading. We need to read about our heritage and acknowledge that anything worth something is worth fighting for, and it's not about what we can get for free, but about the journey (work)to achieve our goal.
February 10, 2012
Going in I was concerned that today's politics might slip into the story line. Other than a few jabs at the continental congress being self serving and treacherous noting else smacked of modern politics. The story which is "historical fiction" was well told and had a recurring series of characters who were both well known names (Washington, Hamilton) and endearing everyman who believed in and suffered for the American cause.
Highly entertain but in my case at least will force me to do some more scholarly reading based on the actual facts of the battles and real individual contributions of the described battles. On that note the one thing missing that I have seen in a few other historical fiction titles was a suggested additional reading list for the actual history.
Highly entertain but in my case at least will force me to do some more scholarly reading based on the actual facts of the battles and real individual contributions of the described battles. On that note the one thing missing that I have seen in a few other historical fiction titles was a suggested additional reading list for the actual history.
May 30, 2010
I am relearning and adding to my knowledge of American history. You can't protect the freedoms that you have unless you know how we started as a country, A Republic, what we represent, and where we have been as a people. All of that should direct us on the proper path ahead. I would classify this book as an historical novel. It is excellent. Relive crossing the Delaware River on Christmas Eve, in the midst of an ice and snowstorm, with George Washington. I'm almost half way through it.
May 11, 2013
Even if you're not a history buff, take the time to explore history with these two wonderful historians and storytellers. Gingrich & Forstchen weave a spellbinding and vivid account of Washington's crossing the Delaware. Thomas Paine and Jonathan Van Dorn add dimension and perspective to this inspiring story. You'll find yourself right in the midst of a bleak, cold, valiant and desperate fight for your new country!
February 2, 2024
Wow! It was a bit wordy but still incredible. I can’t even imagine what they went through- and what they went without- (shoes- food-warm clothing) the miracles- the support or no support. (“ I think that is a dumb idea” so a general chose to take his soldiers another way contrary to General Washington’s plan) Washington still won that battle miracle. Seeing God’s hand in many instances.
February 21, 2010
Wow! A great book for Revolutionary War students. Authors have outdone themselves. I could feel the soldiers' pain. "To Try Men's Souls" brings this most important conflict to life. I am going back and finishing, if not beginning again, "John Adams" by David McCullough.
February 18, 2013
Thought this was a very noble attempt at making non-fiction more "story" like. Started to drag a bit about 3/4 the way through but for obvious reasons, the ending is quite dramatic. I'd definitely recommend.
January 29, 2013
I learned so much about the trials of those soldiers and their sacrifices at the crossing of the Delaware. No idea. Thanks to Newt.
January 25, 2015
The story of the Battle of Trenton has long been one that is deeply meaningful to me, as it illustrates the incredible bravery and sacrifice of the great men who were ready to, and often did, give their lives in defense of the cause of liberty and the creation of a nation which, for the first time in history, was established on the principle that man is sovereign by virtue of being a child of the Creator, and government our servant, acting through the delegated power granted by the consent of the governed.
In "To Try Men's Souls", Newt Gingrich and William Forschten bring to life the unbelievable suffering and perseverance of General George Washington's small, ill-nourished, poorly trained, poorly equipped troops, who were faced with the near-impossible challenge of taking on and defeating the greatest military force on the face of the Earth at that time.
Having suffered a dozen demoralizing defeats in the previous year, having watched more men die from disease and malnutrition than from gunshots or cannon fire, and faced with the reality that the enlistments of most of his men would be up in a matter of days (after which almost all of his soldiers were likely to give up the fight and return home), Washington made one last, desperate attack on Trenton, New Jersey, where the mercenary Hessian troops were stationed.
Knowing his only chance of success was the element of surprise, Washington launched a daring attack on Christmas night, 1776, facing a brutal ice storm that made the march and the crossing of the Delaware River nearly impossible. Yet despite the increased hardship, Washington later writes that it was a blessing from God that this storm rolled in, for it masked the bloody trail left in the wake of his marching soldiers, most of whom either marched with no shoes or with strips of burlap wrapped around their feet, the flesh torn from their feet by the hard, jagged ice that covered the ground.
By all accounts, the battle should have been a disastrous failure for the Americans. General Washington's plan was for a three-pronged attack on the Hessians, but in the minutes leading up to the launch of the battle, already hours later than the planned pre-dawn strike was supposed to have commenced, Washington discovered that Generals Cadwalader and Ewing were not able to get their contingents across the river and in place. Washington was forced to decide whether to retreat (and in the process further demoralize men already exhausted and some near death), or to continue with the attack despite being without two-thirds of his army, plus the realization that the heavy storm had wet many of the gunpowder charges of his men, rendering the rifles worthless for battle.
The watchword for the night had been given before the march, by General Washington himself, and it was "Victory or Death!" Washington replied that if they could not shoot the Hessians to use their bayonets, but the battle would proceed.
Washington's despair was nearly complete as he neared the Hessian outpost and discovered that a small American force of fifty men led, by Adam Stephen and unaware of the pending surprise attack, had been engaged in shoot-and-run attacks on the Hessian outpost throughout the night. Washington feared that the Hessians would now be on guard and his men would be slaughtered.
Yet he continued on.
As it turns out, the Hessians actually pulled their men inside to shelter them from the storm, hoping that the annoying American cowards would simply freeze to death, incapable of believing that an army, especially one as weak and fragile as Washington's, would brave this awful storm on Christmas Day.
Hours late, outgunned, with only a third of their anticipated force, Washington launched his attack on the Hessians, who rallied from their initial shock and scrambled to retaliate, putting up a brief but furious fight before surrendering. Miraculously, though two American soldiers would die of exposure on the march to Trenton, not a single American soldier would die in battle, and as a result the Americans were able to take nearly a thousand Hessian troops as prisoners (and confiscate their arms).
This became a turning point in the war. The victory was an emotional boon for the Americans, and many of Washington's troops would re-enlist and be joined by reinforcements inspired by the victory. The tide having turned, the American forces would press on and win more battles, and eventually force the unconditional surrender of the British troops.
It is easy to imagine the Revolutionary War in the context of our superior military today, but the reality is that it was only by the miraculous hand of Providence that our soldiers, without shoes, in tattered uniforms, ill-equipped, and poorly trained, were able to achieve victory and, with it, independence.
About eight years ago, frustrated with the direction of the country and the steady growth of government and erosion of our liberties, I decided to become involved in politics. Most of the work has been done behind the scenes, without pay, with few accolades, little appreciation, and often feeling like I am making little or no difference. Yet every time that I feel like giving up, like saying that I have done my part and will now let someone else step up and do theirs, I think back upon the Battle of Trenton, and those that left their homes and hearths, their wives and their children, in the defense of liberty. Only a third of Americans supported independence, and less than ten percent were actively fighting in the war, yet these men were willing to devote their "lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor" in the cause of liberty.
How can I do less?
"To Try Men's Souls" captures the reality of this incredible struggle against overwhelming odds, all for the chance of living as free men. It is as poignant and inspiring as it is emotional and heart-rending. It is impossible to read this book without feeling a deeper love and respect for General Washington, the Founding Fathers, and the thousands of brave men who were willing to sacrifice all to bequeath the blessings of liberty to their posterity.
In "To Try Men's Souls", Newt Gingrich and William Forschten bring to life the unbelievable suffering and perseverance of General George Washington's small, ill-nourished, poorly trained, poorly equipped troops, who were faced with the near-impossible challenge of taking on and defeating the greatest military force on the face of the Earth at that time.
Having suffered a dozen demoralizing defeats in the previous year, having watched more men die from disease and malnutrition than from gunshots or cannon fire, and faced with the reality that the enlistments of most of his men would be up in a matter of days (after which almost all of his soldiers were likely to give up the fight and return home), Washington made one last, desperate attack on Trenton, New Jersey, where the mercenary Hessian troops were stationed.
Knowing his only chance of success was the element of surprise, Washington launched a daring attack on Christmas night, 1776, facing a brutal ice storm that made the march and the crossing of the Delaware River nearly impossible. Yet despite the increased hardship, Washington later writes that it was a blessing from God that this storm rolled in, for it masked the bloody trail left in the wake of his marching soldiers, most of whom either marched with no shoes or with strips of burlap wrapped around their feet, the flesh torn from their feet by the hard, jagged ice that covered the ground.
By all accounts, the battle should have been a disastrous failure for the Americans. General Washington's plan was for a three-pronged attack on the Hessians, but in the minutes leading up to the launch of the battle, already hours later than the planned pre-dawn strike was supposed to have commenced, Washington discovered that Generals Cadwalader and Ewing were not able to get their contingents across the river and in place. Washington was forced to decide whether to retreat (and in the process further demoralize men already exhausted and some near death), or to continue with the attack despite being without two-thirds of his army, plus the realization that the heavy storm had wet many of the gunpowder charges of his men, rendering the rifles worthless for battle.
The watchword for the night had been given before the march, by General Washington himself, and it was "Victory or Death!" Washington replied that if they could not shoot the Hessians to use their bayonets, but the battle would proceed.
Washington's despair was nearly complete as he neared the Hessian outpost and discovered that a small American force of fifty men led, by Adam Stephen and unaware of the pending surprise attack, had been engaged in shoot-and-run attacks on the Hessian outpost throughout the night. Washington feared that the Hessians would now be on guard and his men would be slaughtered.
Yet he continued on.
As it turns out, the Hessians actually pulled their men inside to shelter them from the storm, hoping that the annoying American cowards would simply freeze to death, incapable of believing that an army, especially one as weak and fragile as Washington's, would brave this awful storm on Christmas Day.
Hours late, outgunned, with only a third of their anticipated force, Washington launched his attack on the Hessians, who rallied from their initial shock and scrambled to retaliate, putting up a brief but furious fight before surrendering. Miraculously, though two American soldiers would die of exposure on the march to Trenton, not a single American soldier would die in battle, and as a result the Americans were able to take nearly a thousand Hessian troops as prisoners (and confiscate their arms).
This became a turning point in the war. The victory was an emotional boon for the Americans, and many of Washington's troops would re-enlist and be joined by reinforcements inspired by the victory. The tide having turned, the American forces would press on and win more battles, and eventually force the unconditional surrender of the British troops.
It is easy to imagine the Revolutionary War in the context of our superior military today, but the reality is that it was only by the miraculous hand of Providence that our soldiers, without shoes, in tattered uniforms, ill-equipped, and poorly trained, were able to achieve victory and, with it, independence.
About eight years ago, frustrated with the direction of the country and the steady growth of government and erosion of our liberties, I decided to become involved in politics. Most of the work has been done behind the scenes, without pay, with few accolades, little appreciation, and often feeling like I am making little or no difference. Yet every time that I feel like giving up, like saying that I have done my part and will now let someone else step up and do theirs, I think back upon the Battle of Trenton, and those that left their homes and hearths, their wives and their children, in the defense of liberty. Only a third of Americans supported independence, and less than ten percent were actively fighting in the war, yet these men were willing to devote their "lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor" in the cause of liberty.
How can I do less?
"To Try Men's Souls" captures the reality of this incredible struggle against overwhelming odds, all for the chance of living as free men. It is as poignant and inspiring as it is emotional and heart-rending. It is impossible to read this book without feeling a deeper love and respect for General Washington, the Founding Fathers, and the thousands of brave men who were willing to sacrifice all to bequeath the blessings of liberty to their posterity.
December 19, 2023
Having read Valley Forge first, I could not wait to read another in this series... So I went backwards and read this. Keeping in line with the same characters and real historical people as in Valley Forge, the authors unfold a compelling, page-turning, tale of heroism and bravery beyond all imagination. Laying out Thomas Paine's story and motivation was a series of gems woven throughout the tale.
My only complaint for this series of books is Calista Gingrinch as one of the narrators. Though she has a tiny part, her lines, if you listen to this trilogy on Audible, are incredibly distracting. She does not have the ability to act at all and sounds like a robot.
Overall, this trilogy does a marvelous job illuminating this period in our great nation's founding when men, through sheer will power and common belief and purpose, overcame unimaginable conditions to fight (and win) for the freedoms we enjoy (and take for granted) today.
My only complaint for this series of books is Calista Gingrinch as one of the narrators. Though she has a tiny part, her lines, if you listen to this trilogy on Audible, are incredibly distracting. She does not have the ability to act at all and sounds like a robot.
Overall, this trilogy does a marvelous job illuminating this period in our great nation's founding when men, through sheer will power and common belief and purpose, overcame unimaginable conditions to fight (and win) for the freedoms we enjoy (and take for granted) today.
June 30, 2020
I really give this 3.5 stars. It was an exciting fictional account of Washington crossing the Delaware. The author's did a good job of making me feel the harsh conditions and desperation the soldiers faced. I found some of the dialogue a little cheesy and far-fetched, but overall the story gave me more interest in the historical period and characters involved in the story. I am excited to learn more about the era.
August 4, 2017
An easy read about our country's beginnings....so many hardships, so much bravery, and so much divine intervention for it all to work. Made me appreciate the good old USA anew.
July 30, 2019
From Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen comes the exciting historical novel To Try Men’s Souls: A Novel of George Washington and the Fight for American Freedom. Rather than do their normal “what if” scenario this time Gingrich and Forstchen tell the incredible true story of George Washington’s daring crossing of the Delaware and attack on Trenton. The story’s told through the eyes of 3 characters, General George Washington, a colonial soldier named Jonathan Van Dorn, and Thomas Paine, a writer who wrote propaganda pamphlets to inspire and support the cause of American independence. The narrative does a pretty good job at interweaving the perspectives and at switching between them throughout the campaign; however, Paine’s story seems kind of forced in as it’s told as a sort of flashback, showing how he was inspired to write the pamphlet that buoyed Washington and his men during the Battle of Trenton. Gingrich and Forstchen clearly have a passion for the material, but at times it gets a little too saccharine and jingoistic. Yet while it has some problems, To Try Men’s Souls: A Novel of George Washington and the Fight for American Freedom is a compelling and gripping tale of heroism and sacrifice.
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