Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
Isabel and her sister Ruth’s owner is dead. Instead of being worried about being sold, though, Isabel is happy, because she knows that Ms. Finch has freed them both in her will. She would have freed their mother too, had she not predeceased the mistress. When Ms. Finch’s nephew comes to claim her belongings, though, the girls encounter a problem. The lawyer who drew up Ms. Finch’s will has fled the area in the midst of the revolutionary chaos that comes from the American colonies attempting to gain their freedom from the British. Isabel and Ruth find themselves sold to the Locktons, a loyalist couple from New York. Isabel, renamed Sal by Mrs. Lockton, finds herself pulled between the patriot and loyalist causes, determined to do what it takes to win the freedom she knows is their due.
Isabel/Sal was a delightful character. I’m not sure precisely how old she was meant to be (perhaps I just missed that), but she was perfectly believable anywhere between 10 and 16. I loved how fiercely protective she was of her sister and how, even after a life of slavery, she refused to be beaten down and clung like a bulldog to her dignity. It was very interesting to read a novel set during the Revolutionary War that did not cheerlead for the colonists. In the eyes of those who were enslaved, life did not become more free with the vanquishing of a foreign king.
“Chains” would be a great read for anyone from upper elementary through adulthood. I’m excited to read more of Ms. Anderson’s work.
This is a new-to-me book and it sounds like a good one. I like HF and I like finding novels that I can share with my 14-year-old niece.
Beth F’s last blog post..Weekly Link Round-Up (April 5)
wow, i am impressed with the range of appeal for the book!
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I’m always looking for a good book to read with my kids. I know Anderson has a long list of good ones. I will look into this one!
Sandy’s last blog post..Why I’ve been out of commission lately, and why I won’t finish Gone With the Wind this week
I can’t wait for the sequel for this book! I really liked this one. I think it’s amazing how she can write such great historical fiction and contemporary novels for teens both so well.
Natasha @ Maw Books’s last blog post..Always by Ann Stott, Illustrated by Matt Phelan
This is on my wish list after reading Wintergirls and loving it! It was at our bookfair, but only in hardback, and I just have a hard time paying the price. I did pick up Fever and some of her Vet Volunteers series for my classroom. Thanks for the review.
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Do you mean TSS?
I’ve had this in my TBR pile for about a year now. (got an ARC) That is really bad, I need to read it.
Amy @ My Friend Amy’s last blog post..The Weekly Review Week Ending April 4
I loved this book and can not wait until Forge comes out. I have a lot of kids at school who really liked it too!!
Staci’s last blog post..Handle With Care- my thoughts
Wow, this sounds like a great book to read. I love these types of stories and the cover is very captivating.
Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit)’s last blog post..An Offer You Can’t Refuse by Jill Mansell
I keep picking up this book, but I keep putting it down. I’m glad to hear that it is as good as it sounds. I may have to buy or borrow it soon!
Aimee’s last blog post..Teaser Tuesdays
im still in the 4th grade and im in the top 5 smartest kids in the school list. my friends and i formed a book club and are 3/4 through with this book. i like how it mentions real historical figures like molly pitcher, nathan hale, and the enslaved famous poet, phyllis wheatley.
dont miss the sequel to this book, FORGE, im waiting to open it after i finish, CHAINS