Historical Fiction

This book is so good and sad and heartrending. The characters are all interesting and deep, some a bit evil, but it paints a portrait of slavery that is so horrible in it's everyday cruelty. The lead character is someone the reader cannot help but root for, against the evil owner and against all those less clearly evil, but unwilling to stand up against the selling of humans and children enough to help Isabel or her 5 year old sister. I think telling a story of slavery against the backdrop of the American revolution is brilliant, and emphasizes the moral complexities we juggle every day. I think it is not an accident that books from this viewpoint (like Octavian Nothing as well) are a way of fighting against the canonization of the founding fathers. All history is complex and messy, and this book is taking a stand against looking at history as black or white. ( )

AR 5.2

EducatingParents.org rating: Caution - Read With Care

Good story about two young slaves during the American Revolution. Lots of very sad moments though. Looking forward to the next one. ( )