Gone Over

by: David Chacko and Alexander Kulcsar

Published by: Foremont Press

Reviewed by Sara Porter

One thing I will say is Gone Over has an interesting premise: a story about a spy during the American Revolution. Unfortunately, David Chacko and Alexander Kulcsar chose an annoying and whiny protagonist to build their story around.
Israel Potter’s life might have made an interesting story. A young veteran of the Battle of Bunker Hill, he was imprisoned by the English army and spied in France and America on both sides, before living in England as an exile. Unfortunately, Chacko and Kulcsar don’t have enough interest in their lead character to make him a fascinating character to read about.

Often times, Israel Potter is portrayed as immature and whiny. While in England, he seems to get involved with dangerous situations more to please his wealthy estranged father than anything else. There is less actual spying involved than there are assignations with prostitutes. When he later confronts King George III after the Revolutionary War has ended, he sounds less like a spy disappointed with his superior than a spoiled kid ranting about staying up past midnight.

Then there are the cameos from various historic figures. They all have one thing in common. They would make much more interesting characters to read about than Potter. There is Benjamin Franklin’s grandson, Temple, who despite pressure from his loyalist father, joins his grandfather’s patriotic cause–earning permanent estrangement from his father, but a closer bond with Benjamin.

Another character I would love to read more about is Peggy Shippen, the daughter of British loyalists who marries Benedict Arnold. She appears dizzy and flirtatious, but it’s only later that the reader and Potter see her as a stronger character than she appears. While historic novels are often riddled with cameos from famous figures, when they upstage the protagonist, you know the book is in trouble.

Alongside the terrible lead character, there are frustrating plot points that leave the reader dangling. What was the point of Potter engaging in a near affair with Peggy Shippen? What was the grudge that some of Potter’s fellow spies have against him? What about all the talk about Potter’s mother?

In a better book, there might have been more curiosity, but with a book like this, I just didn’t care.

Armchair Interviews says: Heed this reviewer’s comments.

Author’s Web site: http://www.DavidChacko.com