Great Historical fiction is always a guilty indulgence for me. Make it about people who actually lived and I am in heaven. Steve M. Gnatz has done a fabulous job of building the world of Paris in the late 1700s. More than just painting word descriptions of the places, sights, and sounds, he has captured the voices of these historical icons giving them the gravitas they so much deserve while still making them human enough to grab attention and emotions. The amount of research that must have needed to recreate this rich environment is mind-blowing. I enjoyed reading as the story played out. It forced the reader to ask themselves to answer for themselves where they fall on the spectrum of belief and skepticism. I do love a book that makes me think. ( )

The Wisdom of the Flock: Franklin and Mesmer in Paris by Steve M. Gnatz is and interesting view of Franklin sailing to Paris with a copy of the Declaration of Independence, and the time he spent in France. There is a lot to learn here and the author gives his thoughts on what it was like. I found the characters well thought out and crafted and I think they all played their parts well as the story unfolds. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of historical France the happenings there and all that went on as he told Benjamin Franklin’s detailed journey in France. Each scene crafted was told with expertise and detail throughout the places there during that Era. Gnatz takes us on an interesting journey with a compelling story that is mixed with true facts as well as a bit of fiction made up through the mind and eyes of this author.

Being a musician, one thing I especially enjoyed was Marianne Davis and her love for music. Though I know how glass can be musical, I had never heard of the glass armonica Franklin built for Marianne. How I would love to hear Marianne play the glass armonica today. I enjoyed learning even more about this instrument in the interview from the author published here. I encourage you to read this wonderful and interesting interview. I enjoyed this book very much, though it was pretty long, and for me I think it could have been shortened a bit if a lot if the unnecessary words could have been taken out. All in all it is an interesting read. The author’s extensive research is evident here as well as his love and knowledge for the historical icon Benjamin Franklin. I encourage others to check The Wisdom of the Flock: and Mesmer in Paris by Steve M. Gnatz out. Whether you are a history buff or maybe just wanting an interesting historical story.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )