Breathes new life into a consequential time period.
The Turn is a gripping and objective look at American history, specifically of President Abraham Lincoln and his inner circle, and the ideologies and politics that ruled the day. Spanning nearly a decade in the mid-1800s, DL Fowler fills in history’s gaps with intelligent deductions and a sharp sense of realism as he tells the story of Lincoln’s rise to power, America in the grips of pandemic, and the culmination of the Civil War. But a great leader doesn’t stand on his own. This is the untold story of William Henry Johnson, valet to Mr. Lincoln. William’s dark skin made him a subject of great debate among Lincoln’s closest advisors, but this ignorance couldn’t stop William from his main goal, his North Star—reuniting his family. Even in the company of an American legend-in-the-making, William doesn’t waver from his personal mission or ideals.
History in a text book can be rather flat, but DL Fowler breathes new life into a consequential time period. The novel, based on true events, helps to humanize the face of slavery’s abolishment. Many familiar figures play into this critically important story including a fussy Mary Todd Lincoln, some influential political players, a host of oppressed men and women, and even a cameo or two from John Wilkes Booth. Most touching, however, is the relationship between Lincoln and his valet. William struggles with his place in an unstable America, but his loyalty never wavers. If you enjoy history, this story will enhance your appreciation of some of the brave faces from centuries past. If studying bygone days doesn’t typically fire you up, The Turn – a bond that shaped history will surely ignite a flame. The dynamic writing style and down-to-earth situations makes for a compelling retelling of a tumultuous era.
