Read With Me Wednesday: Chains

Chains
Written by Laurie Halse Anderson
336 pages

If an entire nation could seek its freedom, why not a girl?

As the Revolutionary War begins, thirteen-year-old Isabel wages her own fight… for freedom.  Promised freedom upon the death of their owner, she and her sister, Ruth, in a cruel twist of fate become the property of a malicious New York City couple, the Locktons, who have no sympathy for the American Revolution and even less for Ruth and Isabel.  When Isabel meets Curzon, a slave with ties to the Patriots, he encourages her to spy on her owners, who know details of British plans for invasion.  She is reluctant at first, but when the unthinkable happens to Ruth, Isabel realizes her loyalty is available to the bidder who can provide her with freedom.

Compelling.  Heart breaking.  Inspiring.  I have read several books about slavery, but none that have stuck with me quite like Chains.  The book has been impeccably researched, but the writing does not suffer because of the facts.  If you follow the title link above to Amazon, you can read a chapter excerpt by clicking on the “Look Inside!” link.  I cannot wait for the sequel Forge to come out in October!