Goodreads - November 4, 2025

T.W. Fitzhugh’s The Spirits of ’76 is a beautifully imaginative fusion of history and magic, a story that breathes fresh life into the American Revolution through the eyes of a young girl burdened with both a gift and a curse. With deft prose and cinematic pacing, Fitzhugh transforms familiar history into a tale of wonder, courage, and destiny that will captivate readers of all ages.

At the heart of the novel is Emmeline, an eleven-year-old with the extraordinary ability to see the future. When British loyalists seek to exploit her visions to sway the Revolution, she flees, finding refuge in a Tarrytown schoolhouse, only to be drawn deeper into the war’s moral and spiritual complexities. Her prophetic visions reveal nothing but defeat for Washington’s army, setting her on a desperate mission to change what seems unchangeable. What follows is a thrilling, heart-stirring journey that blends historical realism with an otherworldly touch, exploring the power of choice, faith, and courage in the face of destiny.

Fitzhugh’s writing is both vivid and lyrical. His depiction of Revolutionary America feels authentic and atmospheric, yet alive with a sense of enchantment that recalls The Book Thief and The Invention of Hugo Cabret. The novel’s integration of real historical figures, local myths, and supernatural folklore adds remarkable depth, making The Spirits of ’76 as educational as it is emotionally gripping.

For readers who cherish stories where history meets magic, and for anyone who loves seeing forgotten corners of the past reimagined with heart and imagination, The Spirits of ’76 is destined to become a standout in historical fantasy literature.