Review: Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
Originally published at biblio+chic. Please leave any comments there.
It’s been far, far too long since I have finished a young adult/middle-grade novel, and even longer since I’ve reviewed one. I just finished Chains and had to talk about it. One, because it’s sequel, Forge, will be coming out THIS MONTH and two, it was fantastic and riveting. Keep reading for my review!
Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
Isabel is a young slave living during the most heated moments of the American Revolution. After her owner dies, she is sold, along with her sister Ruth, to a couple, Loyalists, that live in New York City. While in New York, Isabel finds herself at the center of the conflict between those loyal to the British crown and the rebels fighting for American freedom. Despite her youth, she is resourceful and smart, and begins spying on her owners in hopes of earning her and her sister’s freedom. After a series of awful betrayals, Isabel realizes there are few people, if any, that she can trust in this world, and that she must continue to fight to survive, not only for herself, but for her sister and for a new found friend, a male slave named Curzon.
Anderson’s Chains will have you gripping the edge of your seat, holding on to every word as you continue through Isabel’s story. This book is extremely emotional, and told in the first person from Isabel’s point of view. Written for a middle-grade audience, this novel does contain a great deal of violence, however, given the time period and events happening, it is to be expected and is presented in an extremely accurate, and often sensitive way. Isabel’s relationships with the people around her, especially her sister Ruth, are touching, and I found myself holding back tears when reading about the life they have been forced to lead as slaves. Time after time again, Isabel’s and Ruth’s luck has run out, and the reader will feel Isabel’s heartbreak and fears.
I found this novel to feel extremely accurate in terms of history, setting-building, and characterization. The dialogue between characters is excellent, and the plot continues to build and build until reaching the final climax. I’ve come to expect excellent storytelling from Anderson after reading her other works, like Speak and Wintergirls, and I was not disappointed in the slightest with Chains. I am eagerly awaiting Forge and any other future works from her!
5Q, 4P, M/J
Paperback copy purchased from local bookseller.
For More: Visit Anderson’s Chains’ website!