Saffire. A Book Review.

I loved this book. Let's just start with that. The history. The storyline. The characters. Saffire by Sigmund Brouwer is one of the best books I've read lately.

The time is 1909. The place is the American Zone of the Panama Canal.  The main character is a man named James Holt, a cowboy from the Dakotas. Holt has been sent to Panama by an unnamed person, who turns out to be President Theodore Roosevelt, to meet with Colonel George Washington Goethals. For meeting with Colonel Goethals, Holt has been promised enough money to prevent the bank from foreclosing on his ranch.  His intent is to hear what the Colonel has to say, decline whatever offer is made, and return home to his orphan daughter.

However, a chance encounter with a young girl of about the same age as his daughter changes all that. Meeting this young girl, Saffire ("because a p and an h is such a silly way to make the f sound"), changes everything. Saffire's mother is missing, and Saffire doesn't believe any of the explanations being handed to her about her mother's whereabouts.  Holt decides to help her, a decision which turns out to be life-changing.  In his words, "I reminded myself that once you start to defend someone, it's difficult to find a place to stop. But I went ahead and took that first step anyway."

Holt's decision draws him into the world of Panamanian politics and a possible revolution. It also leads to meeting the beautiful Raquel Sandoval.

Saffire is beautifully written, fast-paced, and filled with historical accuracy which brings the construction of the Panama Canal to life.  Holt's story is layered on top of the history. Added to that is mystery and political intrigue, topped off with just a hint of a love story.

Saffire is an excellent read, particularly for fans of historical fiction.

I was given a copy of Saffire by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.