Raising Liberty by Joseph W. Hudgens is a richly detailed and emotionally resonant historical novel that brings to life the monumental journey of Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor behind the Statue of Liberty. Set against a backdrop of political upheaval, shifting international alliances, and deeply personal challenges, the book follows Bartholdi from his early artistic inspirations in Egypt through decades of tireless work and dogged determination. What begins as an ambitious dream of a colossal monument evolves into a powerful symbol of freedom and friendship between nations, but not without extraordinary obstacles, including financial shortfalls, skeptical governments, engineering dilemmas, and inner conflict.

Author Joseph W. Hudgens seamlessly blends historical fact with fictional depth, portraying Bartholdi as a visionary artist, a flawed man, and a relentless advocate for liberty with bold dialogue and an electric sense of personality. The attention to detail in terms of the period and mood is spot on, offering a stirring and historically grounded portrait of the man behind one of the world’s most enduring symbols, whilst also letting us get to know him on a relatable human level. The dialogue showcases this brilliantly, in keeping with the period but also remaining accessible and easy to understand, and this accessibility continues into the plotting and exposition of the complex dynamics behind the scenes. This allows Hudgens to excel at making history come alive with emotional depth and narrative elegance for a novel that’s as educational as it is entertaining. Overall, Raising Liberty is highly recommended to fans of historical fiction at its best and those seeking an educational, engaging, and profoundly moving read.

In Raising Liberty, author Joseph W. Hudgens presents a rich, character-driven story that follows the life of Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor behind the Statue of Liberty. Set across France, Egypt, and the United States during the 19th century, the novel opens on the eve of the statue’s unveiling in New York. It then takes readers back in time, exploring Bartholdi’s early inspirations in Egypt, his struggles for artistic recognition, and his love for Rachelle, a strong-willed woman of mixed race. The narrative captures his efforts to convince Egypt’s leaders to fund his dream, and later, how those efforts pivot to America when the original plan fails. Hudgens carefully blends historical facts with fiction, introducing real-life figures like Sa’id Pasha and Victor Hugo. The story comes full circle in the final chapters with a triumphant ending, as Bartholdi’s statue is finally revealed in front of a massive crowd, symbolizing hope, struggle, and perseverance.
 
A deeply researched and emotionally resonant novel, Raising Liberty by Joseph W. Hudgens brings 19th-century history to life through rich world-building, compelling characters, and a strong thematic core. One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its immersive sense of place—Hudgens vividly reconstructs Egypt’s desert heat, Parisian salons, and bustling 1880s New York with precision and texture. His use of French and Arabic phrases, left untranslated or subtly contextualized, adds authenticity without overwhelming readers. These multilingual touches reflect the multicultural settings and offer realism, especially during scenes of diplomatic tension or intimate conversations between characters. The political landscape is well-developed, offering insight into French imperial interests, the fallout of the American Civil War, and debates around race and nationalism. Bartholdi’s interactions with historical figures like Sa’id Pasha and Victor Hugo feel natural and credible. The characters, especially Bartholdi, are multi-dimensional. He is driven, flawed, and deeply human—his internal struggles with ambition, legacy, and love are portrayed with nuance. Rachelle, while not the center of the plot, adds emotional weight and offers questions about race and acceptance. The plot flows chronologically with a satisfying structure, starting with early failures and culminating in a historical triumph. The ending is both celebratory and earned. Emotionally, the story lands strongly—there are moments of heartbreak, joy, and reflection that make the novel memorable. Raising Liberty will appeal to readers who enjoy thoughtful historical fiction, particularly those interested in the intersection of art, politics, and legacy.