Book Review: Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

Book Description:

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.  From acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson comes this compelling, impeccably researched novel that shows the lengths we can go to cast off our chains, both physical and spiritual.

My thoughts:
Do you like historical novels?  Do you enjoy learning about history from a different point of view than normal? If so, I highly recommend  Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson. I found this story very different, but so very compelling. There are many moments that made me shudder and cringe, but as Isabel struggles with who to trust, you are rooting for her all the way. There are many memorable characters, good and bad, fighting for and against freedom involved that add to the many twists and turns of the story.  This is a book that I would term a "living book", a story that is well told and inspiring. I look forward to reading, Forge (Seeds of America) and hope to add these books to my collection and into our home school history when we arrive at that point.

On a side note: I did listen to the audio version of Chains (Chains Series) narrated by Madisun Leigh.