This post contains affiliate links. I’m a huge fan of historical fiction, so when I heard someone mention The Trial and Execution of the Traitor George Washington by Charles Rosenberg, I knew I had to read it. I had not heard of alternative history fiction before, and now that I have, I want to read more books in that genre.
About The Trial and Execution of the Traitor George Washington by Charles Rosenberg
In this alternative history story, Washington is abducted in 1780 by Jeremiah Black from England. Once back in England, he’s locked in the Tower of London while the British try to decide what to do with him. The king wants him charged as a traitor. If convicted, Washington would be killed in a barbaric manner. However, others in power in London think they could use Washington as a negotiating tool to end the Revolutionary War. Washington is open to negotiating, though he will accept nothing less than independence. (I loved how cool and collected the writer made Washington. He never flinches at the possibility he might die. Instead, he sees it as an opportunity to further the cause for independence.)
My Thoughts on the Book
In our own lives, we often wonder, “What if?” when it comes to things that happen or decisions that we make. I really enjoyed this alternative history book because it explores all those what ifs. What if Washington had been kidnapped? What if England had won the war?
I thought the most exciting part of this book was when Black was setting out to kidnap Washington and when he actually succeeded (against all odds) and had to figure out how to successfully get Washington back to England. While I found most of the book interesting, it did drag a bit during the trial and the negotiation process. If the pacing would have been a bit faster, I would have given this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I give The Trial and Execution of the Traitor George Washington by Charles Rosenberg 4 out of 5 stars.
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