“Dangerous Times” by William Kinsolving has been released worldwide. This 338-page novel, the first of a series, explores the tumultuous period of American history from 1846 to 1851 through the experiences of a dynamic ensemble of characters, each representing a portion of the complex social landscape of the times. Deeply embedded in historical events and cultural attitudes, Kinsolving’s compelling narrative weaves together mid-nineteenth-century politics, the specter of slavery, the devastating effects of war, the barriers faced by women, and beyond to reveal painful truths about the expanding United States.
Each of the primary characters provides a different inroad to the tapestry of antebellum life. Elizabeth Musten has survived a scandal and desperately needs to escape a hateful marriage. Daniel, a freedman whose father owned his mother, must navigate the racism that threatens his very existence and fight for a love that nearly costs him his life. The Fairfield brothers, who drive much of the story forward, span wildly different experiences that illustrate the complexity of the era. John, the youngest of the brothers, is shattered by war, then unjustly accused of murder and justly accused of slave-stealing as he tries to protect Jubile, a slave with whom he has an increasingly complex relationship. Will Fairfield is an operative working across the convoluted range of party politics as ideological tensions rise, while Charles, the eldest brother, inherits the family’s tobacco plantation as the multigenerational Fairfield legacy barrels toward decline.
These intersecting relationships, driven by politics, prejudice, economics, and the power of personal connection, coalesce into a fascinating, often surprising portrait of the mid-1800s. The trials and triumphs of each character add personality and relatability to the historical backdrop, reminding readers that the past can be found in the present.
This excellent work of historical fiction shows the universality of human joy and suffering, teaching valuable lessons about this formative time in America and its parallels to the nation’s current struggles.
Dangerous Times (ISBN: 9781966799191 / 9781966799184) can be purchased through retailers worldwide, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The hardcover retails for $29.99, and the paperback retails for $17.99. Review copies and interviews with the author are available upon request.
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