Beverly Swerling’s Shadowbrook takes place during the French and Indian War, covering 1754-1760. The book’s title comes from a New York plantation of the same name owned by the Hale family.
Swerling’s tale concentrates mainly on Quentin Hale and Cormac Shea. Quentin is white but has strong attachment to his adopted Indian tribe. Cormac is half-Indian and half-Irish. The unique life experiences of both men mean split loyalties in time of war.
Quentin also has to worry about the status of his family’s estate. Older brother John is set to inherit the land and slaves, but his incompetence and greed put the family at risk to lose everything.
Though fiction, Shadowbrook provides a vivid portrayal of colonial life. Swerling introduces many aspects of the war and the politics and religion that fuel the battle. Many characters are utilized in the telling of the tale. Thankfully, a directory of sorts is provided for reference.
Shadowbrook is by no means light reading, but don’t be afraid of the task. Readers are rewarded with rich detail and a thrilling story. It is historical fiction at it’s best.
