411F Summer 2026 Voices of the Revolution: An Analysis of Jeff Shaara’s Rise to Rebellion

How does a fictional account of American history resonate with you compared to a non-fiction account? This course addresses that question through a study of the early American Revolution using Jeff Shaara’s best-selling historical novel. With letters, diaries, and memoirs as primary sources, Shaara brings historical figures to life, including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and British leaders General Gage and King George III. By applying narration, fictionalized dialogue, and character development, the author shows how humanizing historical actors and dry facts can enhance our understanding of the period. Our study will compare the novel with historical non-fiction accounts, evaluating the accuracy and believability of Shaara's work. Discussion includes Shaara's treatment of the conflicting loyalties of ordinary citizens, our founders' shift from loyal British subjects to revolutionaries, and the high personal cost they paid by risking their lives, honor, and fortunes.

Marilyn Harriman is a retired Fairfax County Advanced Placement Language and Composition teacher. She also taught high school and college English and journalism in Oregon, Texas, and Germany. She holds M.Ed and BA degrees in Journalism and English and has taught courses at OLLI since 2018.