Comments: Book Eval Review:
Isabel and her sister Ruth were supposed to be freed upon their owner’s death, but the nephew handling the estate refuses to search for the will Isabel has read herself, and sells them off to the Locktons, a Tory family who are staying loyal to the King in spite of the outbreak of the American Revolution. Madam Lockton treats Isabel horribly and uses young, simpleminded Ruth as entertainment for her guests. Isabel is approached by Curzon, a slave for a local rebel leader, to spy on the Locktons to gain information on the plans of the loyalists. Isabel furnishes this information, but the revolutionaries do not free her. After Madam Lockton sells Ruth, Isabel tries to run away. She is caught and branded with an ”I” on her cheek for ”insolance.” When Curzon is captured by the British army, Isabel makes it her mission to keep him alive. The language in this novel is exemplary; it is both easy to read and feels authentic to the time period. Many violent and gruesome scenes including a hanging, Isabel’s branding and the deplorable state of the prison may interest some boys not typically interested in historical fiction. This novel will probably not have a huge audience, but it could be booktalked or taught effectively. This National Book Award finalist is the first in a projected trilogy and contains an epilogue to help separate the fact from the fiction.
Other thoughts: I don’t like historical fiction. But I do like Laurie Halse Anderson. Glad I picked this one up. |
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