Chains

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

Isabel, and her younger sister Ruth, have been sold to the wealthy Lockton family in Manhattan during the 1770s. Isabel is given the chance to help the Patriots by spying on her masters. The Locktons, a Loyalist family, are cruel and harsh, even selling Isabel's younger sister to punish Isabel for disobeying Mrs. Lockton.

Isabel has little interest in the two fighting factions - the Loyalists and the Patriots - especially after she discovers that none will promise freedom to a slave girl. While Isabel struggles to survive in the Lockton household, she also endeavors to find a way to escape.

The first few chapters of this book were very uncomfortable for me to read. It was hard to read through Isabel's perspective as a slave. I couldn't bear the idea of being so controlled and owned. But the story line in entrancing, and you'll read on despite your own discomfort.

In addition, this book has definitely been extremely well-researched. Historical fictions fans will adore this book. There's information snuck into almost every detail. (BTW, I loved Anderson's other historical novel Fever 1793.)

Grade: A+