Beginning in 1764 and ending in 1803, this historical novel has two narrators. The first third is written from the point of view of Caty, who goes to live with her aunt and uncle, nine years later marries Nathanael Greene, and gives birth to their first child in General Washington's camp outside Boston in 1775. The theme of marital infidelity, an odd choice in a book for young people, is introduced early on, when 10-year-old Caty secretly reads her aunt's private letters from Benjamin Franklin and reassures her uncle regarding a rumored love affair. The novel's second strand begins in 1786, when Cornelia, Caty's daughter, tells of growing up on a Georgia plantation. Overshadowing her narrative is the question of whether her mother had an affair with General Wayne during the Revolutionary War and whether he is her biological father. In an appended note, Rinaldi comments on her historical research and separates fact, rumor, and fiction in the story. While she uses her gift for dramatizing family dynamics to good effect, the novel's long time frame, loosely connected narratives, and unattractive jacket art detract from its appeal.

Rinaldi offers conjecture on Revolutionary War figure Catharine Littlefield Greene and her family. The tale is related from the perspectives of first Caty then her daughter, Cornelia. The story line about Caty's (historically unconfirmed) adultery overshadows the more interesting exploration of her emotional life and radical change of demeanor from joyful adolescence to discontented middle age. Bib.

Gr 7 Up-Rinaldi once again takes readers to a historical time and place where strong female protagonists convincingly navigate their circumstances. Beginning in 1764 with Catherine Littlefield's formative years and her courtship and marriage to Nathanael Greene, readers experience life in colonial America on the eve of the American Revolution. Then Caty's daughter Cornelia takes over the narration, describing her life with her family on a plantation in Georgia. The theme of conflict, be it of the political, moral, familial, or gender variety, runs through this novel, and readers primarily experience it through Cornelia's eyes. Her manipulative, blackmailing older sister has told her that Pa is not her father, that Anthony Wayne is, and throughout the story Cornelia tries to learn the truth. Her reactions to her often-tenuous home environment and the weight of wondering who her biological father is demonstrate the strength of her character. In contrast, Caty's character fails under the pressure of her circumstances. The relationships Cornelia has with her brother George and with General Anthony Wayne, two of the few likable characters in the novel, provide a respite from the tumult in her life and for readers. However, the ambiguous ending, even if expected, is likely to leave readers dissatisfied. Hilary Writt, Sullivan University, Lexington, KY