About the History
The action takes place against the backdrop of the early 1970s, featuring several historical figures, locations, and events, central to that era’s political climate— the Cold War and the Watergate scandal:
“…takes us back…to 1972, when the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War had the entire world on the edge of its seats.”
Richard Nixon
The protagonist, Matt Thomas, works at the White House and anticipates catching glimpses of the President during the height of his administration’s turmoil.
Gerald Ford
The Unintentional Successor: His presence in the book foreshadows the end of Nixon’s presidency. He is portrayed as a man “preparing for a role he never sought,” serving as a beacon of stability for the country
Henry Kissinger
Henry Kissinger appears as the intellectual and strategic powerhouse of the administration, serving as both National Security Advisor and Secretary of State.
Locations and Events
The setting is focused on the seat of American political power:
Washington, D.C.
The main setting of the novel is 1972, portrayed during a time of intense national division over the Vietnam War and domestic scandals.
The White House:
Matt Thomas serves as a messenger and general staff member here, gaining access to top-secret documents that drive the espionage plot.
American University:
Matt is a freshman at this university in D.C., where he balances his academic and social life with his burgeoning career in the White House. Historical Context: The book utilizes specific historical events to ground its fiction:
Watergate Scandal:
The unfolding investigation into the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters is a primary source of tension.
Vietnam War Protests:
Frequent mentions of demonstrators gathering outside the White House reflect the social unrest of the period.
