John Jakes is a master story-teller, and this historical fiction puts the reader in the midst of American history. The strife and struggle leading up to the Revolutionary War become real, as do characters like Ben Franklin and Paul Revere. Wish every HS History class could read it!

Although a bit contrived, The Bastard gave us insight into the wrenching decision made by the colonists to revolt against the crown. It made the history of the pre-Revolutionary War era come alive through personal glimpses into the various characters who worked to challenge the unfair treatment by King George and the British government and military.