Chains

A. Bibliographic Data:

Chains, by Laurie Halse Anderson, published by Simon & Schuster in 2008; ISBN: 1416905855

B. Plot Summary:

In Chains, Anderson tells the tale of a young slave coming of age at the same time as the United States of America. Readers meet Isabel as her mistress has just died, promising the girl and her younger sister, Ruth, freedom in her will. Unfortunately, her nephew does not follow her wishes and instead sells Isabel and Ruth to the Locktons, a wealthy couple in New York who are Loyalists to the British cause. Isabel is dismayed at this turn of events, but knows that she has few options. Her greatest concern is for Ruth, whose epilepsy they try to hide from their new masters. When they land in New York, Isabel begins to learn about the fight between the Continental rebels and the Loyalists, and she meets Curzon, an educated slave to an important man in the organization fighting for American freedom. Isabel also meets her new master's aunt, Lady Seymour, who is much kinder to her than her owners, and Becky, the hired maid who works with Isabel in the Locktons' home. Over the course of the novel, we follow Isabel as she overcomes enormous obstacles, discovers her own strength and value, and determines where her loyalties truly lie.

C. Critical Analysis:

Chains draws readers in to the life of a slave in New York during the Revolutionary War, and it depicts a part of the War that many Americans do not learn about during their studies of American History. New York, having been occupied by British forces for most of the war, is not one of the places that American history books talk about much. Her vivid portrayals of the sentiments and incidents of the time, including the friction between the Loyalists and Continentals, the fire after the British invasion, and the attitudes toward slavery, help readers feel a part of history. Anderson also describes the horrific conditions suffered by American prisoners of war, through Isabel's interactions with Curzon. An appendix at the end allows Anderson to answer potential questions from her audience, giving some further details and clarifications on what is truly factual from the story. Her acknowledgements mention some of the people and institutions that helped with her research, but she provides no bibliography or suggested further reading to support her writing. Despite the lack of documentation of its authenticity, the characters, plot, setting, themes, and style contribute to this high-quality work of historical fiction. The characters truly come to life in this story, so much so that you can almost feel her pain as Isabel is branded. Readers' hopes will rise and fall with Isabel's, and their eyes will open as she discovers the truths and realities of the world around her. An image of a poster at the end promises further adventures of these characters in Forge, and I cannot wait to read it!

D. Review Excerpts:

~ "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, School Library Journal

~ "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. . . . 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." - Gillian Engberg, Booklist starred review

E. Connections:

~ Include in a unit on the Revolutionary War.

~ Discuss the way different cultures (including British and Colonial at the time) view slavery and explore their reasons for doing so.

~ Compare/contrast with other stories about slaves during this period of history and later.

~ Discuss the hardships Isabel faces and how readers might have handled being in her place.