Super Short Summary

Lafayette in the Somewhat United States by Sarah Vowell uses the perspective of the Marquis de Lafayette, a wealthy, educated French orphan who sought military glory in the American Revolution, to provide an irreverent and timely history of the United States. Vowell juxtaposes her modern-day tour of Lafayette landmarks with historical events like the Battle of Brandywine, highlighting how Lafayette's actions illustrate the critical role of French support in America’s victory and drawing parallels to contemporary political divisions. While serving in the Revolutionary War, Lafayette encountered people with varying perspectives on his aggressive thrill-seeking.