Bobby vs. The Duke (James Darling vs. The World)

Bobby vs. The Duke (James Darling vs. The World)

America, 1968 English journalist James Darling is sent across the Atlantic to cover the presidential campaign being fought between Robert F. Kennedy and John Wayne. After a very public failure in London, James plans to keep his head down, make a fresh start, and establish himself as a well-respected journalist in the United States. He doesn't plan to find himself partnered with Hal, a cool, confident, and unsettlingly attractive American. While chronicling the election of the century, James finds himself caught between Hal and the outspoken Lizzie Burns, a member of Kennedy’s campaign team. As the campaign criss-crosses the USA, James must decide what and, more importantly, who he wants in this romantic and funny debut from Sean Fallon. Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite In Bobby vs. The Duke: James Darling vs. The World Book 1, Sean Fallon has taken a time in American history that was a minefield for anyone running for president. The Vietnam War and protests against it were at their height. Anyone standing as a candidate to become the next President of the United States of America walked a tightrope. James Darling is a disgraced journalist shipped off to America by his uncle Sir Richard Barlow to work for his newly acquired magazine, The Coast, as a political journalist. He teams up with Henry Spurgeon. These two characters are like two naughty school boys let loose on the world and cause the campaign managers of Robert Kennedy, John Wayne, Eugene McCarthy, and Richard Nixon quite a few headaches with their adventures and misadventures. Bobby vs. The Duke by Sean Fallon is a most amusing book about the two main characters. The fact that they belong to the LGBTQ community makes it even more interesting as, during the 1968 era, it was still a taboo subject, and anyone who was gay still had to keep it under wraps. The plot is full of humor and history but is very down to earth and shows a side of the campaign trail that people don't ever really see. It is well worth a read. The minefields that Hal (Henry) and Darling (James) have to navigate -- some of their own making and others who don't play fair -- make the book a very interesting and relaxing read that will have the reader laughing at the antics of these two characters. The book sticks very close to the historical facts of that era as it brings the characters to life. It is the type of book that one will read again and again just for the humor and feel-good vibe. A delightful read. I really enjoyed it.