Johnny Tremain Book Review

This book by Esther Forbes is a masterpiece of American literature that I feel successfully combines historical facts about the 1770's with compelling fiction.  Johnny Tremain is a 14-year-old orphan, growing up in Boston Massachusetts during the verge of the American Revolution. An extremely talented apprenticed silversmith, he is desired by such masters in the trade as Paul Revere. Then one day a crippling accident occurs that shatters his dreams of becoming a master silversmith and will change the course of his life. Johnny finds himself swept up in the political affairs of his day. But will he ever be given another chance at his dream of becoming a silversmith?

Esther Forbes creates an aperture into the heart and mind of Johnny. Whether intentional or not, she demonstrates how the hero of her story is not perfect; Johnny does struggle with pride. He domineers over other boys not as talented as he is when he could easily have made friends with them instead. When he encounters a boy that he suspects is better liked then he is, he in turn becomes jealous. At the beginning of the book Johnny's master tries to cure Johnny of pride by openly pointing out his faults before others and making him swear to stop being prideful. But something that his master fails to realize is that no one can improve themselves apart from God. Inevitably his attempts at improving Johnny, and Johnny's own attempts at obeying, fail. I think Johnny has incredible gifts that ought not to be closeted. He is a leader and could easily become an incredible silversmith. I encourage you to read the book to find out how the course of Johnny's life takes shape. It is well worth reading.

Inspired by this book and its story-line?
Here's some writing steps to get you started on writing some historical fiction of your own:

• Research the times of the Revolutionary War or right before it. (It's the small historical details that will make your story believable.)
• Plan who and what you're going to write about. For instance, you could write a gripping account of a spy in the Revolutionary War; or perhaps a story from the viewpoint of a British soldier occupying Boston. Don't forget to think about a story behind the facts of how women were involved in the war occasionally as spies, or how they supported the patriots by simply refusing to buy goods from Britain. The possibilities are endless!
• Feel free to share your comments about this book or your ideas for historical fiction stories!