David Garland, Valley Forge

Valley Forge

David Garland

St. Martin's Press, December 2006, $24.95

ISBN: 0312327226

After the epic battle of Saratoga (see SARATOGA), the rebel colonists capture many British soldiers from His Majesty's 24th Foot regiment, including Captain Jamie Skoyles. However, with the help of fellow prisoner of war Sergeant Tom Caffrey, they escape from their Cambridge jail. James picks up his frightened girlfriend Elizabeth Rainham, and they head to the British controlled stronghold of Philadelphia. Already feeling sympathetic towards the American cause, James cannot help but compare General George Washington and his intrepid but unprepared for the winter, angry and despondent Continental Army housed nearby in Valley Forge to the pompous arrogant British leader General William Howe, who enjoys the fruit of the city.

Howe becomes irate that this ragtag insurgent force still survives, so he decides he needs an insider to provide him with more information. He chooses Jamie to spy on Washington to learn how to destroy the insurgency. Jamie succeeds in getting inside Washington's inner circle, but feels guilty that he is either betraying the intrepid rebel leader and his valid cause, his country, or both.

Because of the depth of detail that vividly provides the audience with insight into the living conditions of the two fighting forces during the winter of 77 and 78, VALLEY FORGE will take some time to read, but it is worth doing, as the tale provides a powerful look at the comparative environments and will grip readers. Though James is accepted too easily by the American leadership, especially Washington, this is a key element, enabling the reader to understand the internal conflict of many people during the American Revolution. David Garland has provided a well written action-packed storyline that is not fast-paced, as two armies bunker down for the winter.