Patriot's Reward by Stephen Clarkson

Patriot's Reward Reviews

• 
  Skye Wentworth

  PATRIOT’S REWARD, by Stephen Clarkson, is a historical novel deeply grounded in research and attention to detail. Set in America in the latter half of the 1700s, Patriot's Reward follows the adventures of Will Clarkson, a young African enslaved in New Hampshire, who hates living in bondage and yearns for the same freedoms that his white owners battle for. He fights with distinction in the American Revolution, but at what cost, and for what reward? (See more details at:
  http://www.patriotsreward.com.)
  
  Written by a descendant of the slave-owning family that once kept Will Clarkson as property, Patriot's Reward is a profoundly involving novel about an African-American ripped from his original culture who fiercely persevered and adapted to his new culture.
  
  Adults will enjoy this fascinating read, however, Patriot’s Reward is particularly recommended for ages 14-21. Its text can be used to support educational history courses concerned with war, as well as the scholarly study of black history.
  
  STEPHEN CLARKSON is a direct descendant of Will’s original owner in America. He graduated from Yale College and the University of Virginia School of Law. He practiced law in New York City and Washington, D.C., and was Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia. Now retired, he and his wife, Mary Claire, make their home in Rye, New Hampshire, where he lived as a boy. Patriot’s Reward is his first novel.
  
  “Patriot’s Reward” by Stephen Clarkson, Peter E. Randall Publisher, ISBN 978-1-931807-56-2, $24.95, Historical Fiction, 320 pages, cloth.
  
• 
  Jim Mcfarlane

  The author wanted to write a biography but there are so few facts about a non-famous person of the 18th century, especially a slave, that the author had to invent most of the scenes. Because of the omniscient point of view and occasional reference to later events, the book didn't feel like a novel either. But it was well-written, easy to read and an interesting view from the perspective of a 18th century slave in New Hampshire, yes that place north of Massachusetts.
• 
  Erin

  really wanted to read this since it was based in Portsmouth but could never finish it. (a category doesn't exist for "could not finish")