David Nevin's novel, 1812

Just read David Nevin's novel 1812 (Forge Books: N.Y. 1996). There are different types of historical fiction. Some authors use historical settings to tell the story of fictional characters. Other writers, like David Nevin, use fiction to bring historical figures to life. This is what I have done in Redcoat 1812.  There are clearly differences between these two novels about the War of 1812.
1812 is written in the third person from the American perspective and tells the intertwining stories of James and Dolley Madison,  Andrew and Rachel Jackson, and Winfield Scott, while Redcoat 1812  is written in the first person from the British/Canadian perspective and brings the story of soldier, James FitzGibbon to life.  For me, these differences make the two novels interesting companion pieces, revealing two sides of the same story.  If you enjoyed Nevin's 1812, I'm sure 
you will find Redcoat 1812 an informative and worthwile read.

War of 1812 Bicentennial Symposium

Thanks to the organizers of the War of 1812 Bicentennial Symposium for such a great conference in Hamilton last weekend.  Great speakers and resources! For those who've never attended I'd recommend it.
Next year the Symposium will be held in London, Ontario on March 29, 2014.