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3.5 stars. This one was recommended to me so I grabbed the audiobook from my library and jumped in. This is a historical fiction that takes place in Philadelphia in pre-Civil War (1837).

As the author’s notes shares, this book and story are told to shine a light on the often overlooked agency and ingenuity of the Black women and men who helped shape Philadelphia and the abolitionist movement during the pre-civil war period of American history. In the story we follow 3 women and their struggles and journeys (Charlotte, Nell, and Evie). Charlotte is a formerly enslaved woman who became a runaway with her father and they escaped to Pennsylvania, Nell was born into a free family who has lived her entire life in Philadelphia and has more of a privileged life than others. She is active in the Women’s Anti-Slavery Society. It was interesting reading about Philadelphia during this time and what was happening
in this self-proclaimed “cradle of liberty� city.

The story, history, and time period was interesting. I did find the writing to be a bit slow and tedious to get through at times though, so that is why it is definitely more of a 3.5 star read for me. I believe this is the author’s debut, so I’d be interested to pick up more from them in the future!