TOPPING THE DOME

The story of the statue FREEDOM, which tops the U.S. Capitol's dome, begins with sculptor Thomas Crawford's arrival in Italy for a rare chance to study there. Narrator Daniel Dorse's gravelly voice depicts the lives of ex-pats in Rome and examines the art of sculpture. Eventually, the author, who is himself a sculptor, draws the contrast that frames the novel: The featured sculpture is commissioned at that same time that our nation debates the issue of slavery. Although the story includes narrative on Crawford's marriage and death, art and history are the focus of this historical novel. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2015]