Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

A Legacy of One is a political fiction novel written by Kevin G. Chapman. The twentieth anniversary of Columbia’s class of ‘93 was attended by a number of illustrious alumnae, but none, Jonathan Prescott III figured, had reached quite the prominence he had. It was with some diffidence and a bit of awkwardness that he navigated the crowds and made sure to greet those who had donated to his campaigns. Jonathan had memorized each donor’s name and was aware of the ever-present need to add still more donors to that list. His reluctance to attend the reunion had been overruled by Max Foster, the GOP fixer, who had mentored and groomed him for his rise in the Republican party, as well as his father and his wife. Gwen was in her element at the affair, glowing with pride as she discussed her committees, fundraisers and social events. Jonathan was more circumspect, especially after he recognized his old roommate and best friend, Frank Elkhardt, who seemed not to have aged in the intervening years. Frank had fulfilled his dream of setting up a small practice in public interest law, and bantering with him was such a welcome change from Jonathan’s normal lackluster interactions with aides and agenda-driven constituents. Frank seemed happier, more comfortable in his own skin, despite his relative lack of financial security. It gave Jonathan pause for thought as he went home later that evening.

Kevin G. Chapman’s political fiction novel, A Legacy of One, is an enthralling tale of three young adults whose lives intersect during their studies at Columbia University. The author’s own experiences as a student at Columbia, class of ‘83, and his position as an attorney for The Wall Street Journal give this novel a sense of authenticity that is seamless and absorbing. I enjoyed the way the author alternated his tale between Jonathan’s present day and those memories of his past life, particularly those concerning the interactions of Frank, Jonathan and Janice. In many ways, it seemed the best and most enduring lessons the young conservative learned were at his friends’ hands: Frank, whose resilience and dedication to doing good was undeterred by his limited means, and Janice, who showed Jonathan a different world where even being brilliant and working hard wasn’t necessarily enough. There’s something for everyone in this excellent and thoughtful tale about ambition, ethics and integrity. A Legacy of One is most highly recommended.