Module 6: Chains

Summary. The year is 1776, and Isabel and Ruth are young slaves in Rhode Island. Their freedom was promised when their mistress passed away, but a greedy heir ignored the promise and sold them. Now living in New York, the girls try as best they can to follow the rules. Ruth, age 5, is "simple," and afflicted with seizures, both of which annoy the all-powerful Madam Lockton. Isabel tries mightily to do the right things, but can never seem to please her owners. Will she help the rebel Americans, who promise to reward her loyalty? If her Loyalist owners ever found out, what would happen to her? And more importantly, what would happen to Ruth, whom she has sworn to protect?

Citation. Anderson, Laurie Halse. Chains. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2008. Print.

My Impressions. This is my first experience reading about the lives of slaves in the north, particularly as early as the American Revolution. Anderson does a great job of weaving in details about the history of New York during this tumultuous year with her moving tale. Isabel's life of abject imprisonment is the antithesis to what we might like to envision during this time of fighting for liberty for all. Will she involve herself in the politics that spin and crash around her, or will she care only for herself? I loved the quotations inserted at the beginning of each chapter from people as diverse as George Washington and Rev. D. George, a former slave. The books's characters are believable, although the evil characters are quite uniformly evil we accept that as their personality. I was disappointed that the ending was truncated to allow for the sequel, "Forge," due out later this year.

Library Uses. A book discussion could focus on any of various aspects of the novel. What is liberty, and what are the limits of liberty in our society today? Are people still enslaved in America today? What did you learn about the American Revolution? Anderson's notes at the conclusion of the book provide much discussion matter as well.

Reviews. (Booklist) *Starred Review* In the spring of 1776, Isabel, a teenage slave, and her sister, Ruth, are sold to ruthless, wealthy loyalists in Manhattan. While running errands, Isabel is approached by rebels, who promise her freedom (and help finding Ruth, who has been sent away) if she agrees to spy. Using the invisibility her slave status brings, Isabel lurks and listens as Master Lockton and his fellow Tories plot to crush the rebel uprisings, but the incendiary proof that she carries to the rebel camp doesn't bring the desired rewards. Like the central character in M. T. Anderson's Octavian Nothing duet, Isabel finds that both patriots and loyalists support slavery. The specifics of Isabel's daily drudgery may slow some readers, but the catalogue of chores communicates the brutal rhythms of unrelenting toil, helping readers to imagine vividly the realities of Isabel's life. The story's perspective creates effective contrasts. Overwhelmed with domestic concerns, Isabel and indeed all the women in the household learn about the war from their marginalized position: they listen at doors to rooms where they are excluded, and they collect gossip from the streets. Anderson explores elemental themes of power (She can do anything. I can do nothing, Isabel realizes about her sadistic owner), freedom, and the sources of human strength in this searing, fascinating story. The extensive back matter includes a documented section that addresses many questions about history that readers will want to discuss.--Engberg, Gillian Copyright 2008 Booklist (November)

(School Library Journal) Gr 6-10-Set in New York City at the beginning of the American Revolution, Chains addresses the price of freedom both for a nation and for individuals. Isabel tells the story of her life as a slave. She was sold with her five-year-old sister to a cruel Loyalist family even though the girls were to be free upon the death of their former owner. She has hopes of finding a way to freedom and becomes a spy for the rebels, but soon realizes that it is difficult to trust anyone. She chooses to find someone to help her no matter which side he or she is on. 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. An author's note gives insight into issues surrounding the Revolutionary War and the fight for the nation's freedom even though 20 percent of its people were in chains. Well researched and affecting in its presentation, the story offers readers a fresh look at the conflict and struggle of a developing nation.-Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information (October)