Dewey defeats Truman

the long version

Thomas Mallon has masterfully appropriated a jubilant legend (and famous headline) of modern American history - Harry Truman's upset victory over Thomas E. Dewey in the 1948 presidential election - and built around it a midwestern Midsummer Night's Dream. Set in Dewey's Michigan hometown of Owosso, this is the captivating story of a local love triangle that manages to mirror the national election contest. Just as the voters must decide, so must Anne Macmurray choose between two suitors - the ardent UAW organizer and his polar opposite, the wealthy lawyer who's certain he will ride to state-senate victory on Republican coattails. As they weave a small-town tapestry of dreams and secrets, the people of Owosso ready themselves for the fame that is bound to shower down upon them after Dewey's sure-thing victory. But as the novel - and history - move toward election night, we watch the citizens of Owosso - in particular, Anne Macmurray and her suitors - await the outcome of the election and a rearrangement of their fates in a climax filled with suspense, chagrin, and unexpected joy.