Summary: But One Life is a work of historical fiction, based on the life of Nathan Hale, an idealistic and patriotic man who was hung as a spy and traitor to the British Empire at the tender age of 21. He is now lionized as a hero of the American Revolution.

Thoughts: This was an interesting read for me, as a Canadian, since I only know the barest outline of the history of the American Revolution. The entire novel is told in first-person from Nathan’s perspective, and sheds light on his life after he journeys from his father’s home to Yale College with his beloved older brother, Enoch. There he becomes a learned young man, debating philosophy and politics with his peers, and eventually graduating at the age of 18. He becomes a teacher and is persuaded to join the cause of the revolution by his classmate and close friend, Benjamin Tallmadge.

What I found interesting was the influence that religious fervour had upon the revolution, and the fact that many of the young men in Hale’s circle were a product of that Great Awakening religious dedication. I had no idea that puritanical religious devotion was intertwined with the ideals of the revolution. The author adds a storyline of a romance with a young woman in New London who was also a pupil, but the romance comes to nothing when Hale joins the revolutionary cause. This, along with his evident love for his family and friends, adds depth and colour to his character and creates interest in what might otherwise be a dry account of his education and brief military career.

Hale’s youth, lack of military experience and naivety led to his capture and death on September 22 by the British forces. To add insult to injury, it may have been his own cousin who betrayed him to the British. I commend Samantha Wilcoxson for bringing history to life and giving a voice to a historical figure that for many is probably just a name or a statue.