Chains is a moving book about a young slave girl, Isabel and her experience trapped between two countries. The book takes place in 1776 on the west coast when people have to decide where their loyalties lie. Isabel and her younger sister Ruth are set free with the death of their mistress, but things do not go according to plan. Isabel and Ruth are sold to the Locktons, and two more evil, terrible, violent, angry, selfish people are hard to find. Isabel is brought to New York where she becomes trapped between two battling countries and has to fight for her life.
As New York divides and rich Loyalists and poor Rebels fight among themselves the slaves are trapped in the middle. Most are forced to do what their masters demand, some run away to both sides. They are trapped because they belong to others, yet they belong no where.
Promises are made by Loyalists and Patriots alike to Isabel in exchange for her services. But who can Isabel trust? Not the Locktons, who threaten to sell her sister Ruth, who beat and starve her. Not the Patriots, who take Isabel’s information willingly but refuse to set her free. Not the Loyalists, who only care for the king. But perhaps a fellow slave boy, Curzon, can help her. But Isabel has to do some fighting on her own. As an old slave told her, she must fight against anything that stands in her way, and cross the River Jordan to freedom.
She has to muster up the courage to fight for herself, instead of going to others for help. No one is there for her, will she be able to build up the strength to save herself, her sister Ruth and Curzon? Can she cross her River Jordan?
Read this stirring book to find out.
With Anderson’s close attention to detail, each scene is brought vividly to life. Every feeling of Isabel’s is startlingly near to your heart, and this quick moving tale will bring tears to your eyes.
Recommended to ages 12 and up.