Following Joe
by Alvin Ureles
This self-published book was recently reviewed by Reader Views:
Award-winning author, Alvin Ureles, draws on the writings of biographers Richard Frothingham and John Carey in this historical novel paying tribute to the life of Joseph Warren III.
Ureles has used a unique approach in authoring “Following Joe.” He attributes the authorship of this fictional account to John Warren, Joseph’s youngest brother. The story is told using John’s voice. I soon lost sight of the fact that Ureles is the creator of this amazing account as John related background information, stimulating dialog, and a detailed description of the political unrest during the period leading up to the Revolutionary War.
After graduating from Harvard, Joseph Warren III studied medicine and soon had a successful practice in Boston. He married heiress Elizabeth Hooten. In the eighth year of their marriage Elizabeth died leaving Joseph a young widower with four motherless young children.
Warren was soon involved in Freemasonry and in politics. Among his Masonic friends were John Hancock, Samuel and John Adams, Paul Revere, James Otis, and other radical activists concerned about England’s ill treatment of the Colonies. Joseph was elected to the Provincial Congress in 1774 and was commissioned to second major-general in 1775.
Ureles brings the historical background of this period in American history to life as he carefully develops his characters, with an exciting historical plot familiar to American history enthusiasts.
The book is filled with the conflict of war, of conscious, power struggles, and greed. The chaos of the battlefield is described so masterfully that as a reader, I was interactively drawn into the conflict. I heard the cries of pain from the wounded, was sickened by the sight of blood everywhere, and devastated by the loss of a friend.
Patriotism, bravery, and loyalty were undermined by the threat of treason, the duplicity of a friend turned spy, the safety of loved ones, rumors, and covert operations. The Boston Massacre, Paul Revere’s famous ride, and the battle of Bunker Hill took on new importance as Ureles’ characterizations became real to me in their struggles to help bring freedom and independence to America.
Ureles, a Medical Professional himself, expertly described details and procedures, related to caring for the injured on the battle field, and the earlier recruiting and training of these men by Joseph Warren III.
“Following Joe” by Alvin Ureles is a book that gives a fresh approach and new insights into the political climate preceding and leading up to the Revolutionary War. Patriots like Warren bravely and sacrificially led to the birthing of our nation and our freedom at a tremendous personal cost. I was awed by the sacrifice, service and virtues displayed by these dedicated patriots.
For more information or to order the book, visit the author’s webpage: www.outskirtspress.com/followingjoe
