Literally a ground-level view of life in Philadelphia during the Revolutionary war. A fictional tale of Micah Heath as a young adult fighting and searching for freedom and the real meaning of freedom. It is a literal view when you realize that most soldiers of the American force did not have shoes or some kind of protection for their feet even during the winters.

The beauty of a fictional novel is the escape from the politically correct statements of today. Charles Mercer takes us into the lives of the farmer, the soldier, the maiden, the wives, and the criminal elements of 1776. Mr. Mercer paints a vivid image the seasons down to the sounds of the animals and the smells of trees and flowers. You will be amazed at the gathering of information when the only communications were made by the newspaper, in person, or letter.

History buffs should read this fictional tale for a different view of history that we do not get in our school lessons. ( )