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Coniston

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With the vogue in historical novels in decline, America's most popular historical novelist up to that time turned to the political novel instead (the fact that he was running for governor of New Hampshire at the same time might have influenced his decision) and composed CONISTON. Set from the 1830s to the immediate post-Civil War period in the fictional New England town of Coniston, it centers around Jethro Bass, a man who uses the political system to achieve immense power. He is also in love with Cynthia Ware, who rejects him because of his unscrupulous motives; she goes to Boston and eventually marries another. When Cynthia dies, her widower and their young daughter come to Coniston to live, and Bass befriends the little girl. When the girl's father dies, he adopts her and reforms: he gives up a legal battle he has been waging with Isaac Worthington so that Worthington's son and the girl can marry and live happily.

Taken as a whole, it's very difficult to take the entire story seriously. But in smaller bits, there is some value to what Churchill writes. Some of the political maneuverings undertaken by Bass at the height of his power are superbly related, and the description of Bass at the end as his animosity toward Worthington ebbs from him, regardless of how hard it is to believe in the transformation, is well handled. Churchill's political message was very progressive and matched perfectly that of his contemporary and hero, Teddy Roosevelt. The book was never as popular as his historical novels, but it is better written than they were, despite its sentimentality, especially in terms of the main character. Not a great novel by any means, but not hopelessly forgettable either.

Coniston by Winston Churchill takes a look at New Hampshire's rich political history. It's the story of Granite State politics during the era of progressive reform, of colorful politicians, corruption, and respect for our long standing political traditions which for such a small state has made a large impression throughout history. Churchill was born and raised in Saint Louis, Missouri, and moved to New Hampshire as an adult. He became acclaimed for his books on historical fiction and played with Granite State politics himself as a one-term legislator and Gubernatorial candidate. His fame was so great that the English Winston Churchill wrote him in 1899 to say that he would henceforth sign his name Winston Spencer Churchill to distinguish himself from the more famous American.

If you are an avid reader of political or historical fiction, you will find this book interesting and at times a bit humorous.