The Secrets of Mary Bowser is a historical novel set in our darkest hour that packs a punch nation's featuring a slave-turned spy, heroine.
Mary Bowser spends her youth as a house slave in one of the grandest antebellum homes in Richmond. Richmond was "in the north of the south." That meant escape from slavery was possible, but dangerous because of the Fugitive Slave Act; mandating free states to return runaway slaves to the south. A precocious child, Mary grabs any opportunity to expand her knowledge. Visitors to the Richmond house bring a valuable commodity-information. Even so, at age eleven she says, "A slave to the best keep her talents hidden, feigned ignorance being the greatest intelligence in the topsy turvy, the house of bondage."
Outspoken abolitionist, Bet Van Lew, no-nonsense daughter of the deceased slaveholder, encourages Mary to go north to get an education. Mary's forward-thinking mother agrees, noting that Mary has a special calling in life. Mary Bowser takes a train to the free state of Philadelphia a decade before the Civil War begins. After experiencing an unsettling form of prejudice while in Philadelphia, she returns home to be part of a Union spy ring in Richmond. Her courage, resilience, and determination to make a difference are masterfully portrayed. (A) the master of stealth, Mary chooses to do what is right, rather than what is easy.
Author Lois Leveen holds a Ph.D in English from UCLA with a specialty in African American Literature. She came across Mary Bowser's espionage while reading a woman's history book. She gifts us a story about a real woman about whom little is known. The Secrets of Mary Bowser answers these questions:
? Why would anyone leave the North and sacrifice freedom?
? Does Mary choose freedom or her family?
? How did it feel to be educated, but spend her days with people who considered her ignorant?
? Does she have the courage to do what is ethical conduct at the expense of her personal safety?
The book focuses on the urban (as opposed to field) slavery and free black life in Philadelphia. This high intensity historical fiction novel brings to light an important, but yet untold story of slavery. Narrated by Mary, the dialogue rings true to slave culture of the nineteenth century. In a recently researched, the book is full of newspaper Notification Randomizer, the correspondence, the real historical figures, the Underground Railroad stories, and secret codes. This book has the "best seller" written all over it. The Secrets of Mary Bowser is not only fascinating reading, but also historical fiction of the highest caliber.
Harper Collins graciously provided the review copy for my unbiased opinion.
Article originally published by Holly Weiss is a http://www.blogcritics.org/.
Holly Weiss is the author of a historical fiction novel, Crestmont, writer and reviewer of newly-released books. http://www.hollyweiss.com/.
Free reprint of article if entire bio is intact.
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น