Times that Try
Kyle with his copy of The Adversaries by Ned Ryun
In that fateful year of 1776, Thomas Paine said, “These are the times that try men’s souls; the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” I often wonder if we are coming into such a time again. The Adversaries, subtitled A story of Boston and Bunker Hill, is a 424-page historical fiction book by author Ned Ryun. Prior to this, Ryun served as a board member of the American Conservative Union, and speechwriter for President George W. Bush. He is also the founder and president of American Majority.
Set a year before Paine’s fateful words, the characters, events, dates, and times in the novel are accurate. This includes Dr. Joseph Warren, a primary protagonist of the book. He’s a leading Whig (rebel) organizer in the blockaded city of Boston. Through him, we see much of the growing dissatisfaction with English policy in the colonies. British General Gage is angry and frustrated by what he and his officers view as disloyalty to the crown. When they respond to the Whigs stockpiling weapons, it leads to the battles of Lexington and Concord. Both sides now know there is no going back—a war has begun.
When the colonists challenge the British on Bunker Hill, the city of Charlestown is set ablaze during the ensuing battle. However, throughout the story, we also see the attempts to keep the peace and the misguided decisions, politics, and policies that led to bloodshed and war. That meager outline is probably more than students receive in the average history class and that is truly a shame.
When many were trying to find a path to freedom, Dr. Joseph Warren led the way. It’s a shame that today he’s largely ignored in public school history classes. This country would be better served if more books like The Adversaries or Founding Martyr by Christian DiSpigna were available.
Mike Huckabee interviews Ned Ryan about The Adversaries.
As I read The Adversaries, I couldn’t help but ask what would have happened if people had made different choices? What effect might that have had on the war? Would it have altered the political future? Good books raise such questions.
This is a novel for those who love our country and respect our Founding Fathers. If you’re a parent, read this book and then encourage your children to read it.
