⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Benjamin Franklin – everyone knows his name, but not everyone has had the pleasure of reading about his life in-depth as much as those who have read this book. This novel focuses on Ben later in his life, when he is in his 70s and has travelled to Paris to gain the support of France (we are in the American Revolution era). With the rise of popularity of Dr Mesmer’s magnétisme animale, Ben is determined to find out the truth behind Mesmer’s methods.
This novel is certainly an interesting one, and I learnt a great deal while reading this book. Benjamin Franklin was a scientist, so of course, a book about him deals with science and discoveries. I loved reading about an era wherein science was often disregarded in favour of religion, and how simple the science was, by modern standards. The discovery of electricity led to a big leap in science but knowing how to harness and use it was a different thing altogether. This book was fascinating as it tackles many of these themes, and reading it with a modern perspective really puts into place how far science and medicine has come, and how these renowned scientists were only scratching the surface of possibility.
I loved reading about Marianne, and I think she was one of my favourite characters. Marianne is a character who connects Ben and Mesmer, for she had an affair with Ben, and she grows close to Mesmer as she undergoes treatment for melancholia. The view of a woman who shows both of these men from a different perspective was a wonderful addition to this novel, and I loved seeing her story unfold.
The author has clearly put a lot of work into this book, and I cannot do anything but commend the author on creating such a clear image of a time long gone. I loved reading this book, and it has certainly given me an insight into the lives of Franklin and Mesmer.
A WORLD OF ENLIGHTENMENT, REVOLUTION, AND INTRIGUE
1776: Benjamin Franklin sails to Paris, carrying a copy of
the Declaration of Independence, freshly signed. His charge: gain the support
of France for the unfolding American Revolution. Yet Paris is a city of
distractions. Ben’s lover, Marianne Davies, will soon arrive, and he yearns to
rekindle his affair with the beautiful musician.
Dr. Franz Mesmer has plans for Marianne too. He has taken Parisian nobility by
storm with his discovery of magnétisme animale, a mysterious force claimed to
heal the sick. Marianne’s ability to channel Mesmer’s phenomena is key to his success.
A skeptical King Louis XVI appoints Ben to head a commission investigating the astonishing magnétisme animale. By nature, Ben requires proof. Can he scientifically prove that it does not exist? Mesmer will stop at nothing to protect his profitable claim.
The Wisdom of The Flock explores the conflict between science and mysticism in a time rife with revolution, love, spies, and passion.
Trigger Warnings:
Mild sexual content
If you would like to read this novel you can find it at the follow bookstores:
This novel is available on #KindleUnlimited
Steve Gnatz is a writer, physician, bicyclist, photographer, traveler, and aspiring ukulele player. The son of a history professor and a nurse, it seems that both medicine and history are in his blood. Writing historical fiction came naturally. An undergraduate degree in biology was complemented by a minor in classics. After completing medical school, he embarked on an academic medical career specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. There was little time for writing during those years, other than research papers and a technical primer on electromyography. Now retired from the practice of medicine, he devotes himself to the craft of fiction. The history of science is of particular interest, but also the dynamics of human relationships. People want to be good scientists, but sometimes human nature gets in the way. That makes for interesting stories. When not writing or traveling, he enjoys restoring Italian racing bicycles at home in Chicago with his wife and daughters.
Social Media Links:
Tour Schedule
Thank you for hosting today's blog tour stop!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for hosting today's stop on The Wisdom of the Flock blog tour. I am glad that you enjoyed the book and hope that your readers will also!
ReplyDelete