Lafayette in the Somewhat United States

Sarah Vowell — 2015

From the bestselling author of Assassination Vacation and Unfamiliar Fishes, a humorous and insightful account of the Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette--the one Frenchman we could all agree on--and an insightful portrait of a nation's idealism and its reality. On August 16, 1824, an elderly French gentlemen sailed into New York Harbor and giddy Americans were there to welcome him. Or, rather, to welcome him back. It had been thirty years since the Revolutionary War hero the Marquis de Lafayette had last set foot in the United States, and he was so beloved that 80,000 people showed up to cheer for him. The entire population of New York at the time was 120,000. Lafayette's arrival in 1824 coincided with one of the most contentious presidential elections in American history, Congress had just fought its first epic battle over slavery, and the threat of a Civil War loomed. But Lafayette, belonging to neither North nor South, to no political party or faction, was a walking, talking reminder of the sacrifices and bravery of the revolutionary generation and what they wanted this country to be. His return was not just a reunion with his beloved Americans, it was a reunion for Americans with their own astonishing singular past. Lafayette in the Somewhat United States is a humorous and insightful portrait of the famed Frenchman, the impact he had on our young country, and his ongoing relationship with some of the instrumental Americans of the time, including George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and many more.

Reviews

Patrick Book@patrickb

Jul 5, 2024

A fascinating character study. This is how I want all history to be presented!

Ryan Haber@ryanofmaryland

Jul 31, 2023

I would have enjoyed it better with a bit less excursus into modern political questions and a bit more about Lafayette's victory lap around the US in 1824. Still, Vowell is a witty and charming writer and I easily learned a great deal.

Robin M Cabana@rmcabana

Mar 2, 2022

I laughed out loud so many times reading this book. I love Sarah Vowell's snarky, unapologetic take on history. This title jumped out for me at the library probably because of my obsession with Hamilton (which is good to remember is highly fictionalized). Vowell points out how many of the same problems our new government faced in the 1700s continue to this day. Like that musical that gives credit to the nation's first treasurer, she takes issue with how people don't remember Lafayette and his contributions, even though his name is literally all over the U.S. from parks to towns to streets. The French man's optimism, passion and love of the American cause played a key role in winning independence. Vowell's sources are historical letters, but also modern park rangers and people gathered in a church - because she always makes history relatable to the present. And through the book, I've been singing a line that rings pretty true: Everyone give it up for America's favorite fighting Frenchman Lafayette!

b.andherbooks@bandherbooks

Oct 9, 2021

A fantastically funny, wry, and insightful look into the American Revolution, as seen through the lens of one uber-patriot, Lafayette. What Vowell does best is tie the past with the present, arguing we Americans have been at odds with one another from the beginning. At turns pessimistic and optimistic, I highly recommend this to anyone who thinks they understand the American Revolution. Sorry, the text books glorify the past, and we Americans have many to thank, especially the French and Lafayette. Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.