1.Bibliography
Anderson,Laurie Halse Anderson.2008. Chains: Seeds of America.
New York,NY:Simon and Schuster Books for Young Reader's.ISBN:9781416905851
2.Plot Summary
Setting: Revolutionary New York.
Young slave Isabel and her sister Ruth are sold to the cruel Locktons during the American Revolution. Isabel spies for the revolutionaries because she believes they will grant her and her afflicted little sister Ruth, a chance at freedom.
3.Critical Analysis
"This country is going to be free and you and me with it",brash Curzon promises fellow-slave Isabel when he persuades her to spy for the rebels. His statement sums up the hope of all slaves during this time period. America's slaves, as well as the American patriots of the 1700's long for freedom. Alas,neither Colonel Regan,one of the leaders of the rebel forces, nor the other revolutionaries have any intention of granting universal freedom.
This novel is set during the American Revolution in the city of New York. Anderson skillfully portrays the turmoil brought about by the almost daily changing in fortunes during this era. The citizens never know who to welcome:one day Washington's rebellious forces appear poised for victory,the next day the British army seems sure to win. The tumultoous times are skillfully portrayed,as the plot never bogs down in details and intrigue that are overly convoluted.
In the book's most graphic chapter,the horror of fire is vividly brought to life by Anderson's description of flames,panic and burning houses during a conflagration in revolutionary New York.
Isabel's character is very believable and very real: She is by turns resourceful,naive,brave and fearful. She is mentally affected by the violence and the losses that she has suffered, yet at times she remains clearheaded.
The author writes this first person narrative using the voice of the intelligent,observant and even at times humorous and sarcastic young slave Isabel, who must look after her beloved sister Ruth after suffering devastating losses.
Isabel's surroundings and her interactions are effectively portrayed through the use of convincing dialogue and Anderson's sharp eye for detail. The banter between Curzon, a more sophisticated fellow slave, and Isabel,just new from the country, but with a good head on her shoulders ,is especially lively and engaging and captures the speech patterns of the era.
In additon to being entertaining,this book is also well-researched. The quotes that begin each chapter provide the reader with a historical context,while the useful appendix includes an interview where Andersen discusses her sources and inspirations for the novel. A careful reading of the Appendix and the acknowledgements would allow an interested and very committed researcher to seek out Andersen's sources and verify the facts presented in the novel.
4. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal
With short chapters, each beginning with a historical quote, this fast-paced novel reveals the heartache and struggles of a country and slave fighting for freedom. The characters are well developed, and the situations are realistic.
Horn Book
Anderson's novel is remarkable for its strong sense of time and place and for its nuanced portrait of slavery and of New York City during the Revolutionary War.
5.Connections
This book may start a class discussion on the definitions and responsibilities of freedom.
Gather other books about African-Americans during colonial America including:
Anderson, M. T. 2006. The Astonishing Life Of Octavian Nothing, Traitor To The Nation, Volume 1: The Pox Party. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick. ISBN 0763624020
and for slightly younger readers,
Berleth,Richard J. Samuel's Choice.ill by James Watling.Niles,Ill:Whitman.
ISBN:0807572187. In Samuel's Choice two African-Americans participate in the battle of Long Island and win their freedom.
No comments:
Post a Comment