The Spy is cast in what is now Westchester County, north of
New York City. It was rural and sparsely
settled at the time of the Revolution. It
was also “neutral ground,” its residents’ positions on the war varied, some
loyal to the King, while others favored the newly declared independent States,
former colonies. Caught between the
British stronghold of New York, and the American stronghold in the interior of
the country, this neutrality was also a necessity. Located in this no-man’s land is The Locusts,
the country farm of the Wharton family, itself with divided loyalties, whom are
attempting to ride out the storm of war.
Their attempt is far from successful with Henry, the son of the clan, serving
as an officer in the King’s service, while his sister is a strong advocate of
the new country and is in love with a Major on the American side of the fighting. Complicating life for all, were the Skinners, a rogue element of bandits who victimized residents of the
neutral ground, they operated with allegiance to either the Americans or the British, as
circumstances warranted.
Readers are able to determine who the title character is
fairly early in the book, he is a neighbor of the Wharton’s, a peddler who
travels between American and British lines selling his wares. He is thought by many to be a spy for the
English and is captured by the Americans and sentenced to death twice, strangely escaping
both occasions. It is only late in the
book that readers are able to determine his exact loyalties. Spoiler alert: he is in the service of
General George Washington. The story
told here is thought to be a true story, that such a spy did exist. Cooper’s work of historical fiction has kept
that story alive.
Lionel Lincoln will be a future read.
Recommendation: Yes,
for both students of American history, and of American literature.
why did you find this one?
ReplyDelete