Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

Isabel’s mistress Miss Mary Finch promised her that she and her younger sister Ruth would be freed in her will. But when Miss Mary dies and no will is available, Isabel and her sister pass into the possession of her nephew who takes them to Newport and sells them to a wealthy Loyalist couple. When Isabel arrives in New York City with her new owners, she is immediately asked to spy on them and provide information to the rebels. Isabel refuses until she realizes that perhaps the rebels can help her achieve freedom for herself and her younger sister. Isabel soon feels the harsh betrayal of broken promises and after her cruel mistress separates the sisters, Isabel becomes determined to do whatever it takes to achieve her freedom- no matter which side she has to fight for.

Laure Halse Anderson has crafted a remarkable novel that captures an often overlooked perspective of the American Revolution. Isabel is a fiery and determined girl who is sure to capture reader’s hearts. Readers will feel each and every indignity and injustice that Isabel suffers as if it were happening to them. They will be so involved in Isabel’s story that they will demand to know more about what happens to Isabel than what is revealed at the end, so this reviewer hopes that Anderson has a sequel planned. The setting and time period are recreated superbly, it is obvious that Anderson has done the research required to create such an authentic historical novel. Laurie Halse Anderson fails to disappoint and her fans will enjoy this as much as her other novels.