Wednesday, September 06, 2006 09:11:41 AM
REVIEWS
Tempus Fugit by Lawrence Lee Rowe, Jr.
Reviewed by Marshall Dunn
What if George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin were mysteriously (and I do mean mysteriously) transported to modern day America? What would they think about the condition of the Republic? If this question intrigues you, then you may enjoy Tempus Fugit. Granted, you may need to be an avid history buff, particularly in the area of the Founding Fathers to fully appreciate the subtle humor and extrapolated perspectives of the characters. The author professes to have gleaned the dialog from actual letters, but I'll leave that up to the experts to decide. However, it is apparent that a lot of research went into the book and the bibliography is extensive.
Even for a history layman, some of the encounters are thought-provoking and a bit humorous. The "hygiene" standards of Washington's era are definitely fodder in the early chapters. There are also some early insights into the Founding Father's views on race when Jefferson and Washington first spy some Black tourists. Some may find their use of the "N" word disconcerting and excessive; however, given the scenario of the novel, it is mostly used for emphasis to demonstrate the era from which the characters originated. There is also the subtle impression that the fearless Washington and racially superior Jefferson may be just a tiny bit afraid that modern-day Blacks might be a little miffed about that whole slavery episode. The following exchange between Jefferson and Washington illustrates one of many discussions on the subject:
"I want a weapon. Not some archaic musket or pistol. I want an advanced one from this time."
"What of peace?" Washington's smile was mocking. "Have you abandoned your mantra?"
"Vindictive niggers are an exception."
There is also a suggestion by Washington that they try and procure some slaves in this era. As socially conscious Franklin slaps down that suggestion as well as chides Jefferson into using the word "Negro", one cannot help but entertain the wicked thought of Washington and Jefferson appearing in modern day East-Central L.A. (instead of the woods around Rushmore). Between them trying to purchase slaves along with judicious use of the "N" word, the novel would be considerably shorter than 305 pages. But, then again it would be a comedy, too. Ben Franklin would be right at home hydraulically bouncing his candy apple red low-rider down the boulevard.
One comes away from this dialog heavy book with distinctive feels for each of the characters. Washington may seem "decisive and vigorous"â¦if you are an aficionado of the first President. Otherwise, his continuous put-downs of the rotund Franklin appear trite and over-bearing. Jefferson is almost a non-entity personality wise with a touch of elitism, while the colorful Franklin appears to be written solely to alternate between the observant conscious of the trio and target of ridicule. For example, while Franklin is depicted as 81 years old to Washington's 65, George nevertheless continuously chides Franklin for not keeping up during their forced march through the woods:
"What do you suppose America would be if my whole army had been Franklins? An army of Franklins. We'd be a British colony still."
Damn, George, that's harsh! He's old, Dude! Wooden teeth must make you irritable. For the reader looking for a tightly written, self-contained story with a beginning and an end, beware. This book doesn't end as much as run out. There is no resolution, only continuation, with a sequel expected out next year. This novel may spark a lot of discussion among history loversâ¦but the historically challenged may opt for one of the other novels out there with the very same title.
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