Review of Thomas Annely, American Gunsmith

[Ruth Shirk]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Thomas Annely, American Gunsmith" by Mary Marzocchi.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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[<i>Thomas Annely, American Gunsmith</i>] by Fred and Mary Marzoochi is based on the life of the man who built many of the weapons used during the American Revolutionary War. The author points out that life replicates ocean tides as it is constantly changing. Repeatedly, the story points out that a person's actions are stronger than words. This story is also a poignant reminder of the importance of leading a life filled with service to others, not just doing what suits a person's best interests. Intestinal fortitude keeps the Annely family together through unconditional love and acceptance, even as family members end up on both sides of this decisive war.

This book opens in Bristol, England. Thomas Annely concludes that his gun-making business is bankrupt. He decides to move to America when his brother, Edward, tells him there is a great need for his skills. His brother, Richard, had moved to America shortly before he passed. Furthermore, his sister, Elizabeth, had already moved to America, where she and her husband had built a successful business. Thomas's decision leaves only his mother and brother, Bernard, in England, as his father had died when he was young. Shortly after arriving in America aboard <b>The Voyager</b>, Thomas meets Edward's family, which includes his wife, Eva, and their children, Edward and Joseph. Thomas also meets Elizabeth's family, including her husband, Francis Lewis, daughter, Ann, and son, Frannie. Elizabeth's family expands to include another son, Morgan. She is also mother to four children who did not survive.

Thomas, Edward, and Francis become business partners, with Francis doing the selling, Edward doing the marketing, and Thomas building guns.

America was a very unsettled place. It was up to everyone to survive on their own in the 1700s, including orphans, members of the Sons of Liberty, and Loyalists. Some people, like the Foxes, had great wealth, while others, like Chip, struggled to survive. Some families stood to lose a great deal if they did not obey the Declaratory Act, but the decision to follow that act caused many families to feud, including Thomas and Edward Annely. The gun business provided a good living for Thomas and Edward, and the men who worked under them, but they would have to make tough personal decisions that might tear the family apart and end their business partnership.

I loved the way that the authors wove humor into this story. For example, they refer to the way that a man looks at a lady as being "puppy love." Another example is when a battle draws near Whitestone, Elizabeth and Francis's home, Elizabeth says that the Blokes must drag her by the ears to make her leave. I also loved many of the words that the authors chose to use because they add authenticity to this story.

While it would have been easy to make this story about the American Revolutionary War, I am glad the authors made this a family tale. Since other authors have covered the war in detail, this helps set this book apart.

I like that the authors started their research because Fred brought an old musket made by Thomas Annely. This led the couple to do a lot of research before Mary wrote this story and Fred illustrated it.

I am so glad that I read this story because I love American history. There are a couple of sex scenes, but the actions are left up to the reader's imagination. This book also contains non-borderline profanity. While religion is mentioned, it is done in a way that no one should find offensive. This book appears to be well-edited with only a few grammatical errors. Therefore, I rate this book a 5 out of 5 because of its unique storyline, great character development, and the author's word choices. I think readers who enjoy historical fiction will enjoy this book. I cannot think of anything that I would change about this book.

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Thomas Annely, American Gunsmith
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[Kibet Hillary]

Indeed, focusing on the family gives this novel a unique edge and ability to fill a gap that many have often left when writing stories about the Revolutionary War. Indeed, life is packed with vicissitudes and hence replicating the ocean tides. Many thanks for the informative, captivating review of such an enthralling book, @Ruth Shirk.