Reviews with content warning for Racism - The Last Runaway

even though i usually do not go for (in fact, i actively avoid) books set in any century later than the late 20th, i read girl with a pearl earring a few months ago. though that was also out of my comfort zone, i was so delighted by it i thought that if anyone could make me tolerate reading about 1850s quakers—in ohio, nonetheless—it would be tracy chevalier.

it breaks my heart to give three measly stars to a book written with such undeniable talent. my dull rating comes not as criticism for the quality of chevalier's writing, nor as a reflection of the novel's quality, but as a commentary on my personal enjoyment of the story. i simply do not enjoy books like this one. i have little patience for farms and dirt roads and houses without plumbing. others who have tastes unlike mine, who find joy in rural tales, will enjoy this book.

it is well-written, with a compelling plot, though it felt a tad white saviour-y at times. honor bright and mrs. reed are strong characters, but the rest feel a bit unfinished. dorcas haymaker shows some hints of growth near the end. however, others—jack haymaker, belle mills—are underwhelming, despite their vitality to the story.

if i could speak with chevalier, after supplying a generous amount of praise, my only request would be that perhaps she could try her hand at writing female characters who actually like their husbands. i understand this is more common now than in the time periods her stories take place in, but i think it would be nice to see. i have no doubt she could do a loving relationship justice.

Content Warnings

words_and_dreams's review

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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

4.0

A coming of age story set in 1850s America.
Honor Bright is a sheltered Quaker who emigrates to America with her sister. Her sister passes on the journey so Honor is left alone.
She is very passive for much of the story, not really knowing what she wants or what she is going to do. Around two thirds into the book she begins to make decisions for herself and I enjoyed seeing her strength grow.

She begins to help runaway slaves in small ways despite her new husband and her family being against it. However, fortunately it doesn't fall into the 'white savior' trope.

'Honor, you think you single handedly savin all the runaways? You think that one meal you give em or the sleep they get in your barn is goin to make all the difference? They already come hundreds o'miles by the time they get to you. They been through some terrible times. You jes one small link in a big chain. Sure, we grateful for what you done, but we managed before you come along last year, and we'll manage without you...'

Content Warnings

lauconn's review against another edition

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emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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