Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

Wow! This was a compelling and powerful read about the abolitionist movement of 1837 in Philadelphia. It focuses on the lives of three disparate women of color: a runaway slave, a young slave and a freeborn woman. The historical research which went into its telling is vast and spot on. The writing is smart, evocative and rich. The characters are well and and carefully developed. The setting of scene is exquisitely rendered. Ms. Lattimore's understanding of the law is apparent in the telling. It's truly difficult to imagine this being a debut novel; it's just that good.

Charlotte (formerly Carrie) is a young former slave who several years previously, fled a Maryland plantation with her father (who comfortably passes as a white man) and settled in Philadelphia. To keep up her father's charade as he establishes himself as a fine furniture maker, Charlotte presents herself as her father's maid. She bristles against the restraint of her lot in life, especially when her father forbids her being out in public, for her own safety, of course. For a free woman, she doesn't feel very free. She becomes friends with Nell, an altruistic freeborn woman with aspirations of making a difference in the world, specifically, raising funds in support of anti-slavery legislation and petitioning congress to make those necessary changes. But when called on by Charlotte to help a young slave girl break free from her mistress, how far is Nell really willing to go? Afterall, it's illegal to aid a slave in their flight for freedom.

If well written historical fiction appeals, then this may well be an excellent choice for you.

I am grateful to Ballantine Books for having provided a complimentary uncorrected e-book of this story. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.


Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publication date: April 2, 2024
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 978-0593600153