Book Review: Bicentennial Eve

The year 1976 in Wisconsin is the setting for Bicentennial Eve, the new novella from author Julie A. Jacob from Fresh Water Press.

The time is the night before the July 4^th Bicentennial celebration, where a Wisconsin family prepares for the next day’s festivities.  It is the milestone of the year the causes each family member to become reflective, examining their own circumstances.

Jacob provides a number of different scenarios without ever becoming disjointed in her narrative.  The characters are each well-drawn and interesting, offering perspectives that are both layered and insightful.  The reader is drawn into their stories, getting to know each individual and finding areas to relate on several levels.

Despite a story that could become complicated, the author’s narrative remains clear, and presents no loose ends at its conclusion. 

  Along with the story and characters, the author presents the setting with a good knowledge of the time, with its promotional TV spots and other representations of the era.  On a more intimate level, she sets the proceedings in a small town, with the characters responding within those cultural parameters.

  Julie Jacob’s Bicentennial Eve is most highly recommended to readers interested in solid character studies, especially those with even a general interest in 20^th century cultural history. 

The book is available at this link:  BICENTENNIAL