The Republic of Jack

The Republic of Jack is a satirical glimpse into Texas politics, as well as a look at what life might be like in Texas if she ever seceded from the United States. The author, Jeffrey Kerr, has written several other Texas-based books. I do believe, however, that rather than using this book as a cry to rally the Texas troops, Kerr is using it as a means to tell Texans, 
be careful what you wish for.

What would a satire be without stereotypes? Kerr’s cast is well-stocked with them. There is the politician who will stop at nothing to get the votes he wants, no matter how ridiculous or ill-advised it is. Then there is the one who walks in the shadow of the one taking the heat, only to turn on him at the first available opportunity. To his credit, Kerr also included some politicians who are very stalwart in their service. And there is also the must-have group of politicians who sway in the direction of whatever wind is blowing the hardest. Add to that some political staff and a couple political wives and you have the assembled cast of this story.

It would not surprise me if the author sculpted some or all of the characters from actual Texas politicians. I could probably venture a guess at some of them; but I won’t. However, to tell a story such as this, characters such as these are very necessary.

I do not consider this story a comedy, but it definitely has its moments. To begin with, the names of the characters are quite ingenious. The protagonist, Jack Cowherd, has his last name pronounced as “coward” by some, and as “cow-herd” by others, depending on their opinion of him. Another character is named Charlie Clutterbuck. I thought that name was pretty funny, but after I checked, there were several hits in my Google search.

Another bit of ingenuity the author used was the actual reason Texas seceded from the union. She was thrown out by the President of the United States, with the approval of state governors. Of all the ways Texas could secede, I would have never come up with that one.

I do wish Kerr would have included more examples of the federal benefits that Texans would have to forfeit if there was ever a secession. There were some, but I know there are many more.

Even though this is not a comedy, there is quite a bit of humor. Some of it is pretty dry, and some of it seems forced. What I mean is, there would be some funny dialogue near the end of a scene, but instead of ending with it, the scene continued and the humor was lost.

The book was well edited. There were some pretty huge character arcs. I suppose that would have to be expected in a story like this. Without them, the story would end much differently, I’m sure. The pacing was also good, with a fine lead into the climax.

With these politics and these politicians, God help Texas!

If you’re a Texan or know a Texan or thought about Texans, you need to read this book. I’m still chuckling from some of the humor!