By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

Rick Atkinson's "The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780" is a masterful continuation of his Revolution Trilogy, delving into the tumultuous middle years of the American Revolution. ([penguinrandomhouse.com](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/763500/the-fate-of-the-day-by-rick-atkinson/?utm_source=openai)) Atkinson's meticulous research and narrative prowess bring to life the complexities of a war that was both a civil conflict and an international struggle.

The book opens with the clandestine journey of Baron Johann de Kalb and the Marquis de Lafayette to America, setting the stage for the multifaceted nature of the war. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/rick-atkinson/the-fate-of-the-day/?utm_source=openai)) Atkinson's portrayal of these figures is nuanced, highlighting their motivations and the broader geopolitical implications of their involvement.

Atkinson's examination of the war's brutality is unflinching. He recounts the harrowing incident of a young woman being scalped alive by British-allied Indians, an event that fueled American contempt for the British and intensified the ferocity of the conflict. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/rick-atkinson/the-fate-of-the-day/?utm_source=openai)) Such vivid accounts underscore the war's savage reality and the deep-seated animosities it engendered.

The author's character studies are particularly compelling. British General John Burgoyne emerges as a complex figure, beloved by his troops and progressive in his recruitment policies, yet ultimately ensnared by the war's harsh realities. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/rick-atkinson/the-fate-of-the-day/?utm_source=openai)) Atkinson's portrayal of George Washington is equally nuanced, depicting a leader who, despite facing repeated defeats and the hardships of Valley Forge, solidifies his position as a preeminent figure of his era.

Atkinson's narrative is not merely a recounting of battles but an exploration of the war's broader implications. He delves into the logistical challenges, the political machinations, and the international dimensions that shaped the conflict. His analysis of the British perspective, particularly the financial strain and the looming threat of French and Spanish intervention, adds depth to our understanding of the war's complexity. ([penguinrandomhouse.com](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/763500/the-fate-of-the-day-by-rick-atkinson/?utm_source=openai))

Critics have lauded Atkinson's work. Kirkus Reviews describes it as "an exemplary work of narrative history," ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/rick-atkinson/the-fate-of-the-day/?utm_source=openai)) while Publishers Weekly praises its epic scale and rich detail, capturing the drama and world-historical significance of the revolution. ([penguinrandomhouse.com](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/763500/the-fate-of-the-day-by-rick-atkinson/?utm_source=openai))

In conclusion, "The Fate of the Day" is a tour de force that offers a fresh perspective on a well-trodden period. Atkinson's ability to weave meticulous scholarship with compelling storytelling makes this volume indispensable for anyone seeking to understand the American Revolution's complexities. Highly recommended!

Recommendation: Highly recommended!

written on: 5/8/2025