Dreamers of the Day

A fascinating book. More rich and memorable than a lifetime of history textbooks. Exquisitely researched down to the last details.

Two things keep Dreamers of the Day from joining Russell's other books among my absolute favorites –
1) Agnes Shanklin often seems a mere vessel to convey historical facts and opinions on colonization decisions. The main character is more properly T.E. Lawrence. By necessity, historical fiction contains true historical figures, and Russell has clearly done her homework, never misattributing opinions. Nevertheless, Lawrence and other historical figures (Gertrude Bell, Winston Churchill and others) in starring roles makes the book feel less like a novel and more like a fictionalized historical text.

2) The ending was superfluous, silly and totally detracted from the tone of the book.