Some more Proud Destiny thoughts: I remember thinking when I read it that the „thank you, America“ intention comes across with Franklin who is clearly meant to embody the best of America, but that for that reason he doesn‘t feel as, hm, vivid or three dimensional or both as Beaumarchais, or for that matter supporting characters like Toinette or even guest starring Voltaire who‘s just in a few chapters. I mean, Franklin is clearly the better person, and gets the whole novel to himsef, but the short Voltaire appearances feel dead on and ic and just sharper drawn. But maybe that‘s just subjective and you see it differently?

Oh, and since you wanted another version with updated historical research of Joseph having THE TALK with Louis, voila: https://youtu.be/XVQRfkjYFjk?si=pREVropl6eTMkt5e