G525 Book Review of Nixon and Dovey by Jay W Curry
Author: Jay W. Curry
ISBN: 978-0-9908046-0-4
Publisher: self published
Type of book: feud, farming, riding horses, 1800s, infamy, star crossed lovers, early America, based on a true story, North Carolina
Year it was published: 2014
Summary:
Before he met Dovey, it was just a heated feud. Now, in the backdrop of southern antebellum slavery, it’s a deadly game of passion, murder, and revenge.
Facts: In 1818 Nixon Curry became entangled in one of the most sensationalized murder/love stories in early American history. As a result, Nixon Curry became arguably the most notorious and widely publicized criminal in America’s first half century. His fame derived not from the brutality or number of his crimes but from the determination of the Charlotte aristocracy to hang him. His remarkable talents, undying love for Dovey Caldwell, and the outright audacity of his exploits made him an early American legend.
Story: Nixon Curry, a talented farm boy, accepts a job at a horse racing stable, where his riding skills soon rival those of his mentor, Ben Wilson. The fierce rivalry becomes confrontational at the 1816 Race of Champions. During prerace festivities, the dashing, young Nixon meets the beautiful Dovey Caldwell, daughter of the state’s wealthiest and most influential senator. Finding Nixon unworthy of Dovey’s affection, Senator Caldwell betroths his daughter to Nixon’s nemesis, Ben. The announcement sets in motion a clash of cultures, talents, and passions leading to murder, mayhem, and revenge.
Characters:
The main characters of the story include Nixon and Dovey. Nixon is best described as hot tempered yet loyal and sweet man who gets into more trouble than he wants. Dovey strikes me as quiet natured, loyal and determined to do whatever she can for her loved ones. One of the other characters that I recall is Nixon's defense lawyer who seems to enjoy twisting everything he can for Nixon at the cost of land.
Theme:
Life isn't fair
Plot:
The story is in third person narrative from both Nixon's and Dovey's points of view. There are some points of view that belong to other characters, and I do think that Dovey's isn't as long as one hopes for it to be. From what I recall, I enjoyed the dialogue with the characters and I also liked how language different between the characters and their backgrounds. I do think that the historical aspect of the story needs to be worked on a little more, but other than that, the characters, dialogue and scenarios really make it an unforgettable ride.
Author Information:
(From HFVBT)
Buy the Book
About the Author
Jay W Curry is a former Big-4 consulting partner, business coach, and award-winning author. When he is not coaching, fly-fishing or writing he facilitates a Vistage CEO roundtable in Houston. Jay has co-authored three internationally successful books and has won honors for both his short fiction and non-fiction work. When the heat of Texas summer arrives, Jay and his wife, Nancy, head to their Colorado home (http:/CurryBarn.com) or visit their three children and seven grandchildren. Nixon and Dovey is the first of a three-book passion to bring the 200-year-old story of Jay’s relative, Nixon Curry, back to light.
For more information, please visit Jay W. Curry’s website. You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter, andLinkedIn.
Opinion:
Good news is that I'm finally reviewing the book. Again my apologies that review came so late, but yes, I was working crazy hours at the time, so thank you for the patience. I don't know a thing about Nixon, so reading it was pretty interesting. I really enjoyed how the voices and dialogue seemed to fit the characters although I do feel that the history scenes could have been worked on a little more. What else is cool is that I got a chance to learn something about a character I never even knew, and I'm definitely hoping to learn more about him in the future installments. What also was impressive is the step-by-step of how and why Nixon got convicted throughout the book, and yes, I did grow frustrated with these convictions.
This is for Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours
Nixon and Dovey Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, December 8
Guest Post at What Is That Book About
Spotlight & Giveaway at Historical Fiction Obsession
4 out of 5Guest Post at What Is That Book About
Spotlight & Giveaway at Historical Fiction Obsession
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)
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