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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
Very enjoyable book about principles, and the choices people make when life gets in the way of those principles. Many interesting sides: silence, quilting, relationships and antebellum America as seen through the eyes of an immigrant Quaker.
Slow but thought provoking. I liked Honor. I’m afraid the portrayal of Virginie was so limited - why would this woman help Honor the way she did? Why does a story about the Underground Railroad largely use Black people as props for Honor’s growth? Mrs. Reed is the exception.
The Last Runaway– Tracey Chevalier
4 stars
Young, Quaker, Honor Bright, is an unlikely immigrant. Her sister, Grace, was the adventurous one. But, within days of their arrival, Grace is dead of yellow fever. Honor is awkwardly forced into a dependent position with her sister’s former fiancé. She is thrust into a strange new American life and the realities of the slave trade in the divided United States. As she struggles with the limits of her situation, she also grapples with her conscience and tries desperately to maintain her spiritual center.
For the most part I enjoyed this book and its picture of the Quaker community in 19th century Ohio. I liked Honor’s interactions with the non-Quaker characters who formed part of the Underground Railroad. In most histories, Quakers are depicted as heroes of the abolitionist movement. It was interesting to see Quaker characters portrayed as individuals motivated by self-interest rather than conscience. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the different quilting and hat making techniques that form the background of so much of the story’s action.
The story fell flat for me when it came to Honor’s love life. Although, I could believe the religious community could easily back her into a marriage of convenience, I did not find the sexual content of the ‘courtship’ to be likely. I was also unconvinced by her relationship to the villain of the story. The book’s ending allowed Honor to maintain her dignity and her values, but I felt it was a bit too neatly tied up with a bow.
4 stars
Young, Quaker, Honor Bright, is an unlikely immigrant. Her sister, Grace, was the adventurous one. But, within days of their arrival, Grace is dead of yellow fever. Honor is awkwardly forced into a dependent position with her sister’s former fiancé. She is thrust into a strange new American life and the realities of the slave trade in the divided United States. As she struggles with the limits of her situation, she also grapples with her conscience and tries desperately to maintain her spiritual center.
For the most part I enjoyed this book and its picture of the Quaker community in 19th century Ohio. I liked Honor’s interactions with the non-Quaker characters who formed part of the Underground Railroad. In most histories, Quakers are depicted as heroes of the abolitionist movement. It was interesting to see Quaker characters portrayed as individuals motivated by self-interest rather than conscience. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the different quilting and hat making techniques that form the background of so much of the story’s action.
The story fell flat for me when it came to Honor’s love life. Although, I could believe the religious community could easily back her into a marriage of convenience, I did not find the sexual content of the ‘courtship’ to be likely. I was also unconvinced by her relationship to the villain of the story. The book’s ending allowed Honor to maintain her dignity and her values, but I felt it was a bit too neatly tied up with a bow.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Interesting insight into the Quaker way of thinking. Honor Bright emigrates from England to America with her sister, Grace. Grace was to marry a man from their community in England who was already established as a merchant in Faithwell, Ohio. Only Grace dies before they get to Ohio. Honor is left to find her own way as she unknowingly be comes deeply involved in the Underground Railway. I very much enjoyed this historical novel, despite the cumbersome "thee" way of speaking
I thought this was plain boring except for the last couple chapters. So much of it is just daily life in the early years of Ohio told by a character I couldn't connect with. The main character is a Quaker so does not say much, does not do much. She is also a quilter and I get bored reading about quilting, different types of stitches, etc.
Chevalier's writing style was good, as always. That is why I will give this two stars rather than just one. This just wasn't the book for me.
Chevalier's writing style was good, as always. That is why I will give this two stars rather than just one. This just wasn't the book for me.
Picked this one up from the Yellowknife Library. I enjoyed the Girl with the Pearl Earring and if you like that one you'll enjoy this one too. Well written historical fiction.
The main character, Honor Bright, has recently arrived from Dorset to Ohio, to keep her sister company. Honor ends up living in a milliner’s shop who’s owner is part of a underground operation helping runaway slaves to reach freedom in Canada.
After this she goes to live with a Quaker family, and she really misses Dorset. Many of you will recognise the descriptions here. This is also where she is exposed to quilting as part of every day life. The descriptions in the book will make you smile and nod in agreement, whereas at other times you may shake your head in disagreement, or wonder why you’ve never done it that way…
This was the first book I selected for a Book Club that I run for quilters and patchworkers.
After this she goes to live with a Quaker family, and she really misses Dorset. Many of you will recognise the descriptions here. This is also where she is exposed to quilting as part of every day life. The descriptions in the book will make you smile and nod in agreement, whereas at other times you may shake your head in disagreement, or wonder why you’ve never done it that way…
This was the first book I selected for a Book Club that I run for quilters and patchworkers.