Genre 5: Historical Fiction - Post 3

Bibliographic data:

Anderson, Laurie Halse. (2008).  Chains.  New York : Atheneum Books for Young Readers.  ISBN 9781416905851

Brief plot summary:

Miss Finch promises Isabel, a thirteen year old slave, and Ruth, her five year old sister, their freedom upon her death, but, when she dies, Miss Finch's one living relative sells the sisters to a New York couple, the Locktons.  Upon their arrival to New York, Isabel meets Curson, a slave who's owner is directly connected to the Patriots.  Curzon encourages Isabel to spy on the Locktons, suspected to be Loyalist supporters, but she refuses because her only concern is taking care of Ruth and herself.  But when Mrs. Lockton discovers that Ruth has the "falling sickness," she wants Ruth out of her home; Mr. Lockton refuses.  When his involvement in the plot against the Patriots is discovered,  Mr. Lockton escapes New York.  That's when Mrs. Lockton gets rid of Ruth, and Isabel's physical and mental struggle for her freedom takes new resolve as she is determined to get Ruth back.

Critical analysis:

Set during the Revolutionary War in New York, Anderson captures the resentment between the Loyalists and the Patriots through the actions and words of characters like the Loctons and Bellingham, a Patriot supporter.  The Loctons are Loyalists who conspire against the Patriots while supporters of Washington are willing to risk their lives for personal freedom -both from England and slavery.  Anderson begins each chapter with historical quotes from various sources and authors including Thomas Paine, Abigail Adams, and Benjamin Franklin which adds authenticity to the novel.  She also weaves historical events like the British military occupation of New York, the Great Fire of New York (1776), the capture and hanging of Nathan Hale seamlessly into the lives of fictional characters like Isabel, Lady Seymour, and Curzon.  Anderson also includes the horrible treatment of slaves (punishment, branding, and public humiliation) and prisoners of war (overcrowding, starvation, and little to no medical attention) at that time.  The author's style does reflect the vernacular of the time with words like "et" for "ate" spoken by Isabel and the formal syntax spoken by Lady Seymour.  Throughout the novel one sees a reoccurring theme:  the importance of standing up for what one believes in despite the hardships that may come.

Review excerpt(s):

“Anderson brilliantly recreates New York City in the summer of 1776, viewed through the eyes of a remarkable heroine. ”—Kirkus (Sept. 2008)

“...Anderson (Speak ; Fever 1793 ) packs so much detail into her evocation of wartime New York City that readers will see the turmoil and confusion of the times, and her solidly researched exploration of British and Patriot treatment of slaves during a war for freedom is nuanced and evenhanded, presented in service of a fast-moving, emotionally involving plot. ”—Publishers Weekly *Starred review* (Oct. 2008)

Awards:

IRA Teachers' Choices booklist for 2009

2008 Booklist's Editors Choice-Books for Youth

2008 National Book Award Finalist

2009 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction

2009 Top 10 Black History Books for Youth

2009 Notable Children's Book

Connections:

Forge is the sequel to Chains starting where Isabel and Curzon land in Jersey, but the perspective changes.  Now it's Curzon telling the story.  This would be a wonderful moment to discuss point of view and its impact a story.

This books compliments a study of the Revolutionary War, specially the topics of slavery, spies, and prisoners of war during that time.

A thematically similar book is Five 4^th of Julys by Pat Raccio Hughes.