Steve Sheinkin's The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery tells the story of one of the most complicated figures in American history: Benedict Arnold. The novel paints a portrait of the multifaceted life of Arnold, a hero-turned-traitor.
Benedict Arnold was born in Norwich, Connecticut. into a once-respected family that later faced financial hardships. In order to help his family's financial situation, Arnold had to forgo formal education and took up an apprenticeship to earn more money. Later, Arnold became a merchant, where he navigated British trade restrictions—restrictions which caused him to be disillusioned with the British government. Along with growing disharmony and tension within the colonies, Arnold starts to move over to the patriot cause in the American Revolution.
As the American Revolution ignited, Arnold's military prowess caused him to be notorious amongst Patriot and Loyalist circles. Arnold was exceedingly competent in his role; his audacious capture of Fort Ticonderoga alongside Ethan Allen caused him to be a hot commodity. Additionally, his valiant leadership during the march to Quebec, where he was injured, showcased his unwavering commitment to the revolutionary cause. In the naval Battle of Valcour Island, Arnold's military prowess prevented the Patriots from being completely destroyed by the overmatched British military. Other engagements, including the Battle of Saratoga, helped to turn the tide of the war for the Patriots, further showcasing his military importance. Despite these resounding military victories and the adoration he received from Loyalist leaders, Arnold felt chronically underappreciated, consistently overlooked for promotions that he felt were long overdue, and beset by allegations of misusing funds—funds which were in short supply and desperately needed.
While managing his military career, Arnold had to contend with a complicated private life. Peggy Shippen, his wife, was a known loyalist sympathizer. Through her, Arnold became acquainted with Major John André, a British officer. The two became fast friends. The two spoke consistently, and Arnold revealed to André that he was growing disillusioned with the Patriot cause.
Together, the two worked to secure Arnold a post as the leader of the West Point military academy. There, Arnold plotted its surrender to the British in return for wealth and prestige. However, the scheme unraveled with André's capture and the discovery of papers that implicated Arnold in the plot. André died; Arnold escaped into British territory.
After his treachery and subsequent defection to the United Kingdom, during the rest of the war, Arnold led attacks on American soil. However, he found himself in a strange spot at the end of the war. He was not trusted by the British and hated by the Americans. He wasn't able to find a job, and his family life was almost as poor, causing him to die nearly destitute in 1801 in England (after spending some time in Canada prior to his death).
