Customer Reviews

The Wages of Fame

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While I admire the historical background of this novel, I couldn't believe how unbearable dull it was! I couldn't believe this was written by the same man who wrote LIBERTY TAVERN, THE OFFICERS' WIVES and THE SPOILS OF WAR. What a disappointment!

In 1827, Columbia University students Jeremy Biddle, George Stapleton, and John Sladen had become the freres trois for their close friendship. However, their harmony is destroyed when Jeremy's Ohio cousin, Caroline Kemble, arrives in town. Upon disembarking, Caroline introduces her cousin and his two friends to former President Monroe, who sailed on the same ship. Soon Jeremy's two buddies compete for Caroline's regard. Undecided between the two obviously different suitors, Caroline heeds the advice of George's wily grandfather, Hugh Stapleton, who convinces her that she could be a major force if she marries George, who has a major political future ahead of him. Caroline also has an affair with John, which leads to a child.

While George and Caroline marry, Jeremy pays John to leave town. In 1832, George becomes the senator from New Jersey with Caroline being the true power behind the scenes. John has become a major player in southern politics. Over the next several decades, their paths will cross as slavery takes center stage throughout the nation.

Renowned historian Thomas Fleming scribes a fascinating novel centering on the decades between the end of the Monroe presidency to the Civil War. The Stapletons remain an intriguing political family and the genuine use of real figures and events add much flavor to the crisp story line. Unlike REMEMBER THE MORNING, THE WAGES OF FLAME falls a bit short because the three primary characters never seem to come across as real as the secondary cast, including the glimpses of historical personage. Still, fans of Americana fiction will relish Mr. Fleming's latest saga.

Harriet Klausner

In 1827, Columbia University students Jeremy Biddle, George Stapleton, and John Sladen had become the freres trois for their close friendship. However, their harmony is destroyed when Jeremy's Ohio cousin, Caroline Kemble, arrives in town. Upon disembarking, Caroline introduces her cousin and his two friends to former President Monroe, who sailed on the same ship. Soon Jeremy's two buddies compete for Caroline's regard. Undecided between the two obviously different suitors, Caroline heeds the advice of George's wily grandfather, Hugh Stapleton, who convinces her that she could be a major force if she marries George, who has a major political future ahead of him. Caroline also has an affair with John, which leads to a child.

While George and Caroline marry, Jeremy pays John to leave town. In 1832, George becomes the senator from New Jersey with Caroline being the true power behind the scenes. John has become a major player in southern politics. Over the next several decades, their paths will cross as slavery takes center stage throughout the nation.

Renowned historian Thomas Fleming scribes a fascinating novel centering on the decades between the end of the Monroe presidency to the Civil War. The Stapletons remain an intriguing political family and the genuine use of real figures and events add much flavor to the crisp story line. Unlike REMEMBER THE MORNING, THE WAGES OF FLAME falls a bit short because the three primary characters never seem to come across as real as the secondary cast, including the glimpses of historical personage. Still, fans of Americana fiction will relish Mr. Fleming's latest saga.

Harriet Klausner

A nation struggles to reconcile its desires to be both good and powerful. A woman drifts between two men, one basically good, one basically after power. I preferred Flemming's account, of a few fictional characters roles World War I in his novel "Over There", to this book. I know others have found his work to be somewhat less complelling than what they are accustomed to, but I enjoy the story he weaves around historical events and characers. Based on the two books I have read, having an interest in history seems to be a prerequisite to enjoy Flemming's work. If you struggle to identify the key issues of the presidency of Van Buren, Tyler or Polk, this book will be informative. The characters are a bit insular, and their development takes a back seat to history at times. However, I appreciate Flemming's work and find it to be a good blend of the issues of the past and the character flaws in people.