Book Blurb:
Have you ever wanted to go back in time to make a difference? Bowman’s Bodacious Bazaar will transport you to some of the most meaningful events of our country’s growth by taking a unique look at each event. Follow along with James Jefferson and his friends as they investigate how Bowman’s Bazaar and its owner, Bob Bowman, may have affected the future of our country. Also, follow them as they help solve the murder of the local librarian.
Enjoy eight visits along our historical timeline as you become entangled in a murder mystery. Bowman’s Bodacious Bazaar includes fantastical historical events, a love story, and a murder mystery—something for everyone. Find out how the back room of Bowman’s Bazaar has been a special place for explorers since it was first built during the American Revolution.
Finally, this uniquely fictional look at the growth of our country may interest you in finding out more about the events in this book. Don’t be shy to learn more about our American Revolution, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the California Gold Rush, the Civil War, the Transcontinental Railroad, Woman’s Suffrage, Pearl Harbor – WWII, and the Civil Rights Movement. This is one of those books that you just can’t put down. Spend your time enjoying all that Bowman’s Bodacious Bazaar has to offer.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/MwiR2u
Editorial Review:
“Bob Bowman came to the colonies in the late 1760s from England to escape poverty and hunger. He had no money but knew he could sign on for passage to the colonies if he pledged to work seven years for an owner. He didn’t know who, but it didn’t matter. He was young, and he felt that he could learn a lot in seven years of indentured servitude. And learn a lot he did.” I interrupted and asked for more. “Who did Bob work for when he got to America and which colony did he land in?”
That feeling – you know the one – where you read a book and you are riveted and you are on a magical mystery tour and it’s all just fantastical – and then you return to the real world and you cannot really apply boring academic concepts like plot and tense and pacing to describe what just happened? Yeah, that feeling. That’s what’s just happened here, at the end of “Bowman’s Bodacious Bazaar” where you vaguely recall James Jefferson started researching history in the library in 1977 in Northeast Tennessee but that was pages ago and since then, quite a bit has happened. Yes, it sure has. Because James meets someone mysterious and all of us can relate to James, being interrupted in his history research in the library, and then the story – takes off. Because James, the dutiful student who loves reading about the Revolutionary War now has a ringside seat at some pivotal historical events, which his new friend is keen to discuss. And of course (James is a history student, after all!) James has questions. Go James!
The content of Marsolais’s book is eclectic, taking the reader through some historically significant events, in a way that may feel more episodic at times. There is an overarching plot, and also an additional murder mystery that James becomes embroiled in. By this stage most readers will likely be buckled up and enjoying the ride – all of us (even history students!) need a bit of escapism in our lives. To complete the mind-bending “is this fiction or simply a parallel universe?” scenario, there is even talk of a book being written.
“That seems like a perfect way to end the book. I can use this to recap the history leading up to this event. What do you think, Peter?”
“I agree. By the way, I read your first chapter, and it’s first-rate. When can you get me more chapters? I can’t wait to read them.” I was glad that he liked the first chapter, but in truth, it was the only completed chapter I had. “It’ll take a little time before I can get you the next chapters. We’ve spent so much time in research and getting involved in the Agnes Thompson case that I’ve had precious little time to write. I think that I can probably get a few chapters edited a day, and I might be finished by the weekend. That’s probably the best I can do,” I shared.
“That’s no problem. I haven’t even asked. Do you have a publisher, yet?”
“Not yet, but I know a guy who knows a guy. I hope that works out,” I said. “Well, if that doesn’t work out, let me know. I have some contacts in publishing that might be able to help.”
The characterization is a stand-out, and James is particularly relatable, as is (surprisingly) his unexpected acquaintance, with just the right amount of mystery and information being given. The story does not take itself too seriously, but instead is a rollicking historical yarn that all of us that listen to the tall tales of that old solitary guy around the campfire will enjoy. In keeping with this approach, the police officers are slightly off-the-pace, allowing James (our history student hero) to perhaps solve the crime…but to say more would be telling.
“Well, it seems that someone in the library overheard one of our conversations and thought that we were some sort of spy ring. Can you imagine that? Us, spies? The information was turned over to the police, and they informed the FBI. According to Agnes, while I was asleep the FBI visited her and asked her some questions. They decided to take her downtown for more questioning. They let her follow in her car.” I wasn’t confused, but my mind was racing through question after question that had no answers. “So did the FBI talk to you? What did they want to know from you that Agnes couldn’t have told them?”
The novel is relatively short, and the approach to chapters slightly haphazard. But that only adds to the charm of a unique interlude and a wondrous tale that will bring a smile to the reader. Studying history in the library will never be the same!
*****
"Bowman’s Bodacious Bazaar” by D Marsolais receives 4 ½ stars from The Historical Fiction Company
To have your historical novel editorially reviewed and/or enter the HFC Book of the Year contest, please visit www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/book-awards/award-submission
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