Chains
By: Laurie Halse Anderson
Historical Fiction
While America struggles for independence, Isabel wages her own war for freedom. Even though she is promised freedom upon the death of her owner, Isabel and her sister Ruth are given to a cruel New York couple, the Locktons. She is offered an opportunity to spy for the American rebels, but soon realizes her loyalty lies with those who will give her freedom.
I don't read a lot of historical fiction, especially on the basis of slavery. However, you can't help but just have your heart go out to this girl. Her mother and father are both dead, and she's left to try to secure freedom for herself and her sister, while a war rages on outside her door. Isabel has a lot of grit and works very hard. There are other good-hearted redeeming characters in the story that make you feel like maybe someday Isabel will realize her dream of being free. The book is almost like a very real series of unfortunate events.
Although it wasn't the kind of book that I usually read, it was worthwhile. I gave it 3 out of 5 stars.
