Book · 2015 · Politics and government
Lafayette in the Somewhat United States
Why people recommend it
Lafayette in the Somewhat United States by Sarah Vowell is a humorous and thoroughly researched history book that traces the life and American Revolutionary War contributions of the French aristocrat Marquis de Lafayette. On The Book Review, host Gilbert Cruz and guest Greg Coles explored Sarah Vowell's distinctive literary style, noting how she transitioned from her work as an essayist on This American Life to writing witty, quirky, and deeply informative explorations of American history. During the interview segments, Gilbert Cruz welcomed Sarah Vowell to the show to discuss her decision to turn her attention toward the relatively familiar territory of the Revolutionary War. The conversation highlighted Vowell's signature blend of historical rigor and dry humor, with the host inquiring directly about the origins and significance of the book's playful title. Through these discussions, the podcast emphasized how Vowell manages to breathe new life into historical figures by contextualizing their heroic actions within the messy, complicated realities of early American politics and society, making the Revolutionary era accessible and entertaining for contemporary readers.
Who recommended it
- Gilbert Cruz Recommended
- Greg Coles Discussed
Gilbert Cruz — 5 mentions
“she'll be here to talk about about her new book Lafayette”
“Sarah bowel joins us now from Montana to talk about her new book Lafayette in the somewhat United States”
“but in this book Lafayette in the somewhat United States you turn to slightly more familiar ground the Revolutionary War”
“your title you it Lafayette in the somewhat United States”
“the book again is Lafayette in the somewhat United States by Sarah vowel”
Greg Coles — 1 mention
“Sarah vowel who of course made her name as an essayist on This American Life but has since branched out to quirky kind of in-depth but a slant explorations of American History has a new book in that vein called Lafayette in the somewhat United States and it's looking at the American Revolution”