Bats of the Republic by Zachary Thomas Dodson
Reviewed by: Carey Gibbons, Reference Assistant
Genre: Science Fiction
Suggested Age: Adults
What is the book about?: This is the story of two Texases – 300 years apart. One Texas, in 1843, is in the throes of civil war. Zadock Thomas travels from Chicago to Texas to deliver a mysterious message to a rogue general at the behest of the father of the woman he wants to marry. The second Texas, in 2143, is home to Zeke Thomas, new heir to one of seven Senate Seats vacated by his recently deceased grandfather. He must decide whether he wants to become part of the government or overthrow it. Zadock and Zeke’s lives intertwine and overlap despite the 300 year difference, calling into question whether or not either of these Texases are real.
My Review: Not only is this a thoroughly enjoyable book, but it is also a really pretty one. Zadock Thomas is a naturalist and Dodson incorporates his drawings and observations throughout, the most prevalent being the various species of bats. Bats of the Republic is an intricate tale of two men who are each responsible not only for their own survival but that of their nation, each one’s success or failure dependent on a single piece of paper – a message with “DO NOT OPEN” scrawled across the front. Is this the same piece of paper that has survived for 300 years down the Thomas line? Is the Texas of 1843 a fantastical work of illness and delusion? Does the Texas of 2143 only live in the manuscript of an imaginative Victorian woman? I can’t answer these questions – those would be spoilers! But if you’re curious about the answers, and willing to bend your mind a bit, give Bats of the Republic a try.
Rating: 5/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!