Benjamin Franklin's Bastard: A Novel

An absorbing work of literary historical fiction that brings to life a little-known chapter of the American Revolution from the author of The Widow’s War.

William Franklin, the son of Benjamin and his favorite mistress, Anne, is raised by Deborah, Benjamin’s wife. A steadfast loyalist, he and his father cannot reconcile their wildly disparate views, causing a rift in the bond both thought unbreakable.

Fascinating and heartbreaking, Benjamin Franklin’s Bastard is a gripping tale of family, love, and war, set against one of America’s most fascinating periods of history.

“This is a superb novel. Don’t miss it.” —William Martin, New York Times–bestselling author

“Cabot laces her assured novel with Shakespearean overtones as the characters continually misconstrue one another’s motives. From Franklin’s intense intellectual curiosity to Anne’s stubborn insistence on leading an independent life, this memorable cast makes for spellbinding reading.” —Booklist

“For all Franklin’s genius, fortune, and increasing stature, he is not spared the trials of women, concerns for children, or the struggles between a father and son with political differences . . . [Cabot is] a gifted writer.” —The Providence Journal

“[A] poignant tale of love, survival, loyalty, and the meaning of family.” —RT Book Reviews

“An enticing read for history buffs . . . genuinely heart-wrenching.” —Publishers Weekly

© 2013 HarperAudio (Audiobook): 9780062263117
© 2023 William Morrow (Ebook): 9780062241948

Release date

Audiobook: 7 May 2013
Ebook: 21 November 2023