The Middle Generation - by M B Zucker & Historium Press

Book Synopsis

The classical era of American history began with the Revolution and ended with emancipation.

Between these bookends lies the absorbing yet overshadowed epic of a new nation spearheading liberty's cause in a world skeptical of freedom arriving at all, much less in slaver's garb. M. B. Zucker takes readers back to that adolescent country in the care of an enigmatic guide, John Quincy Adams, heir to one president by blood and another, Washington, by ideology. Adams is the missing link between the founders and Abraham Lincoln, and is nigh unanimously regarded as America's foremost Secretary of State. Through Adams' eyes, readers will experience one of history's greatest and most forgotten crises: his showdown with Europe over South American independence, the conflict which prefigured the Monroe Doctrine.

With his signature dialogue and his close study of Adams' 51-volume diary, M. B. Zucker's The Middle Generation is a political thriller and character piece that surpasses his achievement in The Eisenhower Chronicles and ascends to the cinematic heights of the historical epics of David Lean and Steven Spielberg. It is an unforgettable portrait and a leap forward for one of our rising historical fiction novelists.

*****

"This captivating read offers an insightful portrait of one of the most important figures in American history: John Quincy Adams. The author's ability to portray the distant, flinty Adams, as a flesh and blood human being represents a remarkable achievement. This is historical fiction at its best, for the characters who animate Michael Zucker's novel ring true from the first page to the last. Zucker's novel is full of vibrant portrayals of all the key figures from the so-called Era of Good Feelings, including James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, John C. Calhoun, and Henry Clay. The Middle Generation: A Novel of John Quincy Adams and the Monroe Doctrine is an entertaining and enlightening read that all students of historical fiction and of American history will enjoy."

-Stephen F. Knott, former Professor of National Security at the Naval War College and the author of Coming to Terms with John F. Kennedy

"M. B. Zucker goes well beyond a story of simple political intrigue. He offers one of the most moving literary portraits of a President I have ever encountered."

-Dr. Jeffery Tyler Syck, Author of The Revolution of 1828: John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, and the Origins of American Democracy

"John Quincy Adams is one of a small group of presidents whose major achievements to his country preceded and followed his time in the White House. In this splendid account of Adams's years as Secretary of State, Michael Zucker, a rising star in the area of historical fiction, recaptures JQA's extraordinary vision and true greatness."

-Alvin S. Felzenberg, Presidential Historian and Author of The Leaders We Deserved...Rethinking the Presidential Rating Game

Review Quotes

"In M. B. Zucker's "The Middle Generation," readers are plunged into an era of American history that often remains relegated to the footnotes of textbooks, despite its pivotal nature. Anchoring the narrative is John Quincy Adams. Through his eyes, the chaotic politics of early 19th century America come alive, presenting a vivid tapestry of ambition, compromise, and ideology.

Zucker's command over the era is evident in his rigorous attention to detail. Yet, despite the depth of the political backdrop, at its core, this novel is a tale of human frailties, ambitions, and emotions. The internal struggles of Adams, as he grapples with familial pressures, self-doubt of his popularity, and the weight of a nation's expectations, add layers of complexity to an already intricate plot.

One of the novel's standout qualities is its rich character portrayals. The dynamics between the many historical figures portrayed drive the narrative forward, highlighting the personal animosities, alliances, and betrayals that shaped the politics. Readers should be prepared for dense passages filled with political machinations and extended dialogues. While these sections may challenge the casual reader, they remain essential to understanding the nuances of the time.

Zucker's portrayal of the women of this era, particularly Adams' wife, offers a window into the social fabric of the period. While politics might have been a man's world, the influence and resilience of women were undeniable. The intricate social dance of hosting and attending parties, combined with the intense pressure of Washington's social circle, provides a fascinating counterpoint to the political intrigue.

Towards the end, the foreshadowing of the looming battle over slavery casts a dark shadow, hinting at the schisms and conflicts that would tear the nation apart in the coming decades.

The conclusion reaches a crescendo during Adam's race for the presidency-not to be missed. "The Middle Generation" is a must-read for those who revel in the intricacies of history and the eternal drama of human ambition." - Kat Christensen, author of "A Profitable Wife"