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A President’s Story Too: Another Novel of Power and Personality
By Brad McKim
Publication Date: 31st January 2024
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Page Length: 444
Genre: US Presidents
Between Lincoln and FDR, the Presidency and the United States come of age
In the wake of the Civil War, fourteen men will succeed Abraham Lincoln and attempt to reunify the United States. As their personal tales intertwine and overlap on their way to the Presidency, they defer to Congress until it is clear that Democrats and Republicans are more concerned with the prerogatives of power and patronage than Lincoln’s pledge of freedom and opportunity for all Americans. The 19th-century Presidents battle with Congress to reform how jobs and other benefits are dispensed, while the Presidents of the early 20th century find themselves presiding over a country that has transitioned from an agricultural economy—supported by slave and immigrant labor—to an industrial economy generating the wealth that thrusts the country onto the world stage. Through it all, the Presidents continue the novel practice of handing over power peacefully, even in the face of a Depression that will challenge the United States’ newfound status as a world power.
Grant’s preference for simplicity could also be intensely personal. Over the course of his 48 years he developed an abiding principle: Being employed was better than not being employed. Being employed in a job with a set term like President of the United States was even better. While President Grant did not see himself as a politician and wondered why anyone would think he was suitable to be President, he warmed quickly to the idea of a job that guaranteed a salary for four years. After watching the much more experienced politician Andrew Johnson bumble through four years as President, Grant figured he could not do much worse.
“A President’s Story Too: Another Novel of Power and Personality” by Brad McKim tells the story of a nation and the individuals who helped shape and build it.
Packed with a wealth of information, McKim presents an extensive array of facts that anchor the narrative, making it both informative and academically rigorous. This abundance of historical details serves as a solid foundation for the non-fiction narrative, which is both educational and intellectually stimulating. The fictional elements, such as the heartfelt conversations and nuanced emotional responses of the characters, breathes life into the historical facts. This contrast generates a fascinating interplay between storytelling and scholarly insight, prompting readers to navigate the complexities of understanding history through both factual and imaginative lenses. Unlike a traditional novel that typically engages readers by following a small group of characters, this book takes a broader approach. As a result, readers may struggle to fully engage with the complexities and nuances that McKim aims to convey. With a multitude of characters and a swiftly changing political landscape, readers will find it beneficial to familiarise themselves with the histories of the American Presidents before delving into this book. Understanding their backgrounds and influences will enhance the readers comprehension of the intricate dynamics at play in the narrative.
Structured into four parts, accompanied by a prologue and an epilogue, the narrative brings together various yet interconnected periods of presidential history. Spanning from the pivotal year of 1868 to the conclusion of World War II in 1945, the book ambitiously covers a transformative era, rich in political drama, societal change, and profound historical moments, all within a concise framework, each part bringing with it social and political change.
Among the historical figures that emerge vividly in this book, Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and a renowned war hero, grapples with numerous challenges. The echoes of the recently concluded Civil War reverberate as the Reconstruction era dawns, presenting both opportunities and obstacles. In his quest to maintain a delicate balance of power, Grant confronts the menacing rise of the Ku Klux Klan, a violent white supremacist group that threatens the hard-won gains of freedom and equality. The author portrays Grant with deep respect, remaining faithful to the documented truth while offering an insightful glimpse into his thoughts and motivations, illuminating why he made the pivotal decisions he did.
The portrayal of Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, is equally captivating. His understated yet impactful leadership style, while sometimes aligned with laissez-faire principles, is depicted in a way that highlights both his complexities and his contributions to the nation’s history.
It is often said that behind every great man stands a great woman. This sentiment rings true in various historical examples of First Ladies who have played pivotal roles in this book, offering unwavering support, wisdom, and strength. McKim has made the wonderful decision to allow the women of this era to take centre stage sometimes, which in turn provides the reader with a broader understanding of what makes each president tick. Julia Grant is wonderfully depicted, and her charm and character are vividly brought to life. Lucy Hayes, although only mentioned briefly, gives the reader a sense of the strong partnership in her marriage to Rutherford B. Hayes. Ellen Wilson is portrayed as a great source of encouragement to her husband. The highly popular Grace Coolidge is also beautifully depicted, and her time as First Lady has been brilliantly retold. The reader cannot help but like her, as the author has captured the very essence of her character. While many marriages can be characterised by love and companionship, there are notable exceptions that highlight their complexities. A poignant example is the depiction of Florence Harding, which uncovers a more intricate and often troubled dynamic between presidents and their wives.
Throughout the narrative, the author’s voice remains steady, creating an atmosphere of contemplation. Rich descriptive language informs the readers as to what is happening, while carefully selected excerpts from the relevant time periods and historical events, such as speeches, enrich the storytelling and paint a wider picture of the experiences being shared. The rapid pace of the narrative, combined with the overwhelming amount of information presented, does, on many occasions, result in a disjointed reading experience. As the story progresses through the terms of various presidents, readers may struggle to form a genuine connection with some of the side characters, particularly those in the political arena. These side characters often seem more like historical footnotes than fully developed individuals.
The extensive depth of research that has been conducted for this novel is genuinely impressive. McKim has embarked on a thorough exploration of the subject matter, which enhances the story's authenticity. In McKim’s quest to capture every nuance of historical detail, he has written a book that unfolds like a documentary drama, skilfully intertwining factual accounts with narrative style. This blending creates a captivating experience, where the distinction between documentary and fiction becomes tantalisingly blurred, inviting readers to immerse themselves in both the truths and the stories that shape the readers’ understanding of the past.
For those interested in a brief history of the American Presidents from Ulysses S. Grant to Harry Truman, “A President’s Story Too: Another Novel of Power and Personality” by Brad McKim will surely be of interest.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
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