"A good biography"
In 1803 President Thomas Jefferson assigns his friend
fellow Virginian Meriweather Lewis to explore the newly
purchased Louisiana Territory. Lewis asks William Clark to
co-command the daring expedition. When they complete their
mission, a country is dazzled by their accomplishments and
worships the courageous duo as heroes. Clark goes on to
live a productive life basking in the glory of a living
legend. However, Lewis goes into a state of mental decline
that culminates in 1809 when he apparently committed
suicide speculated by this novelization of their post
expedition lives as caused by third-stage syphilis induced
dementia. ECLIPSE is a wonderful biographical fiction that uses Lewis
and Clark to narrate alternate chapters as their lives
following the expedition is vividly described. The novel
is well written and brings a slice of a bygone era to life
through an in depth psychological drama. Fans who prefer
action-packed non-stop action will find the book a tad
slow, but those in the audience who want to hear the rest
of the story will appreciate this early nineteenth century
Americana novelization. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted June 18, 2002
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