About the Author-
Laurie Halse Anderson was born in Potsdam, New York in 1961. During her senior year of high school, Anderson left home and spent thirteen months as an exchange student living on a pig farm in Denmark. This experience encouraged her to attend college when she returned to the United States. Anderson earned her associate's degree after completing two years at Onondaga Community College, where she worked on a dairy farm. Upon graduation, Anderson transferred to Georgetown University where she earned a Bachelor's degree (1984).
She began her career as a freelance reporter but soon moved to writing children's picture books. Many of her picture books are intended to teach children American history. Anderson is best known, however, for her young adult novels. In 1999, Anderson published Speak, her most famous work. It was a National Book Award finalist, a New York Times best seller, and a Printz Honor Book. The novel was added to school curricula across the country and a film version was released in 2004. Three years later, she published Catalyst, her second young adult novel. Anderson's other young adult works include Prom (2005), Twisted (2007), and Wintergirls (2009). In addition to contemporary fiction, Anderson has published several historical fiction novels, Fever 1793 (2000), Chains (2008), and Forge (2010).
In 2009, the Young Adult Library Services Association presented Anderson with the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Catalyst, Fever 1793, and Speak. She also received the ALAN award from the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents in 2008, recognizing her outstanding achievements in the field of adolescent literature. In 2010, the American Association of School Librarians chose Anderson as their School Library Month spokesperson.
Anderson currently resides in northern New York with her husband, Scot. She has four children.
http://www.gradesaver.com/author/laurie-halse-anderson
She began her career as a freelance reporter but soon moved to writing children's picture books. Many of her picture books are intended to teach children American history. Anderson is best known, however, for her young adult novels. In 1999, Anderson published Speak, her most famous work. It was a National Book Award finalist, a New York Times best seller, and a Printz Honor Book. The novel was added to school curricula across the country and a film version was released in 2004. Three years later, she published Catalyst, her second young adult novel. Anderson's other young adult works include Prom (2005), Twisted (2007), and Wintergirls (2009). In addition to contemporary fiction, Anderson has published several historical fiction novels, Fever 1793 (2000), Chains (2008), and Forge (2010).
In 2009, the Young Adult Library Services Association presented Anderson with the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Catalyst, Fever 1793, and Speak. She also received the ALAN award from the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents in 2008, recognizing her outstanding achievements in the field of adolescent literature. In 2010, the American Association of School Librarians chose Anderson as their School Library Month spokesperson.
Anderson currently resides in northern New York with her husband, Scot. She has four children.
http://www.gradesaver.com/author/laurie-halse-anderson
Laurie Halse Anderson's Inspiration, in Her Own Words, for Writing Chains
It was Benjamin Franklin who set me on the path to write Chains.
Benjamin Franklin held people in slavery his entire adult life.
This shocked me. I knew about the slaves of Jefferson and Washington, but Ben Franklin? I loved Franklin, I adored him. How could he own slaves? This rocked me to my core. I realized that I did not understand the extent of slavery in colonial America. I spent years rummaging through archives, visiting museums, and pestering historians with relentless questions.
In the beginning I was disillusioned and disheartened. I am a proud and patriotic American and I could not reconcile my love of country and admiration for the Founding Fathers with the fact that so many of them owned people who had been kidnapped from their homes in Africa, or were descended from people who had been kidnapped.
Because it wasn’t just Franklin. Ten of our first twelve presidents owned slaves, the notable exceptions being John Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams. Interestingly, Abigail Adams grew up in a slave-owning household. Her father, Rev. William Smith, owned at least two African Americans: Pheby and Tom. Aaron Burr was a slave owner, as were generals Philip Schuyler and Horatio Gates, first chief justice of the United States John Jay, the famous artist Charles Willson Peale, and one-third of the members of the Continental Congress.
In 1776, while the rhetoric of freedom and liberty was thick in the air of Boston, Providence, New York, Albany, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Williamsburg, and Charleston, fully 20 percent of the population of the newly christened United American States — one in five — were owned as property and sold like cattle. Uncovering this bewildered me and made me sick to my stomach.
As I researched I began to hear my main character, Isabel, whispering to me. She was chained between two nations. The British promised freedom to any slave who fled to British lines, with one exception — slaves owned by Loyalists would be returned to their owners. The Patriots talked a good game about freedom, but few were willing to extend that inalienable right to people of color.
Isabel is the heart of America, yearning for the promise of our Revolution, but attacked at every turn by hatred and ignorance. She is the property of wealthy Loyalists in New York City, watching as Washington’s troops falter and the city is turned into a stronghold of the Crown. Isabel must negotiate the daily chores of a slave, the challenges of a shifting political landscape, and the dangers of a battle zone. Above all, she must find a way to rescue her little sister, who was sold away from her.
Working on this book eventually made me hopeful. My melancholy about the poisonous effects of slavery lifted as I understood that people like Isabel and her friend Curzon were the real Americans, the quiet ones who fought battles every day and grew stronger in the face of resistance. They were willing to risk everything for liberty, knowing that it is better to die fighting than to live in chains. But it is best to live free, in a world where we are all valued, in the world that our Founding Fathers and Mothers dreamed of, even if they weren’t brave enough to make the journey in their lifetimes.
Slavery affects all Americans today, regardless of ethnic background, or how long our families have lived here. Slavery is the elephant in our country’s living room. It won’t go away until we acknowledge, understand, and deal with it.
I hope that Isabel’s story will help young readers break free of the chains of ignorance and misunderstanding. I pray they will be strong enough to move our country forward to empathy and healing, and finally allow America to fulfill the precious dream of liberty and justice for all.
Benjamin Franklin held people in slavery his entire adult life.
This shocked me. I knew about the slaves of Jefferson and Washington, but Ben Franklin? I loved Franklin, I adored him. How could he own slaves? This rocked me to my core. I realized that I did not understand the extent of slavery in colonial America. I spent years rummaging through archives, visiting museums, and pestering historians with relentless questions.
In the beginning I was disillusioned and disheartened. I am a proud and patriotic American and I could not reconcile my love of country and admiration for the Founding Fathers with the fact that so many of them owned people who had been kidnapped from their homes in Africa, or were descended from people who had been kidnapped.
Because it wasn’t just Franklin. Ten of our first twelve presidents owned slaves, the notable exceptions being John Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams. Interestingly, Abigail Adams grew up in a slave-owning household. Her father, Rev. William Smith, owned at least two African Americans: Pheby and Tom. Aaron Burr was a slave owner, as were generals Philip Schuyler and Horatio Gates, first chief justice of the United States John Jay, the famous artist Charles Willson Peale, and one-third of the members of the Continental Congress.
In 1776, while the rhetoric of freedom and liberty was thick in the air of Boston, Providence, New York, Albany, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Williamsburg, and Charleston, fully 20 percent of the population of the newly christened United American States — one in five — were owned as property and sold like cattle. Uncovering this bewildered me and made me sick to my stomach.
As I researched I began to hear my main character, Isabel, whispering to me. She was chained between two nations. The British promised freedom to any slave who fled to British lines, with one exception — slaves owned by Loyalists would be returned to their owners. The Patriots talked a good game about freedom, but few were willing to extend that inalienable right to people of color.
Isabel is the heart of America, yearning for the promise of our Revolution, but attacked at every turn by hatred and ignorance. She is the property of wealthy Loyalists in New York City, watching as Washington’s troops falter and the city is turned into a stronghold of the Crown. Isabel must negotiate the daily chores of a slave, the challenges of a shifting political landscape, and the dangers of a battle zone. Above all, she must find a way to rescue her little sister, who was sold away from her.
Working on this book eventually made me hopeful. My melancholy about the poisonous effects of slavery lifted as I understood that people like Isabel and her friend Curzon were the real Americans, the quiet ones who fought battles every day and grew stronger in the face of resistance. They were willing to risk everything for liberty, knowing that it is better to die fighting than to live in chains. But it is best to live free, in a world where we are all valued, in the world that our Founding Fathers and Mothers dreamed of, even if they weren’t brave enough to make the journey in their lifetimes.
Slavery affects all Americans today, regardless of ethnic background, or how long our families have lived here. Slavery is the elephant in our country’s living room. It won’t go away until we acknowledge, understand, and deal with it.
I hope that Isabel’s story will help young readers break free of the chains of ignorance and misunderstanding. I pray they will be strong enough to move our country forward to empathy and healing, and finally allow America to fulfill the precious dream of liberty and justice for all.
Laurie Halse Anderson's Inspiration for Writing Forge
Historical Background of Chains
Slaves in the Americas
By the late 1500’s, plantation slave labor was a major part of the first European colonies established by the Spanish. It progressed northward to the English colonies later. The first black Africans arrived in Virginia in 1619. They were treated as indentured servants, people who came to America under contract to work for an employer for a period of years. About a decade later, the first African slaves arrived in New Amsterdam (current-day New York City). By the end of the 17th century, every colony had slaves. On the eve of the American Revolution, about one in five colonists was a slave- around 500,000 people. Most black Africans were enslaved in the southern colonies, but there were slaves all over the colonies, including big cities like Boston and New York.
International War Breaks Out
By 1750, the British, French, and Spanish all held claims to various parts of North America. In 1754, the French built Fort Duquesne (the present day site of Pittsburgh) in the disputed Ohio Valley. This led the British to send George Washington to inform the French that they were encroaching on British territory. The Battle of Fort Necessity occurred April 1754. This sparked a war which became known as the French and Indian War. While the British sent thousands of troops to the colonies to lead the war effort, France relied on Indian allies. The war finally ended in 1763 with France ceding all of Canada to Britain. As a result, Britain became the dominant colonial power in Eastern North America, and the American colonists were able to settle in new parts.
Colonists are Taxes
Despite its victory, the war left Britain in great debt. To pay it off, the British government issued a Stamp Act in 1765, forcing colonists to buy a stamp for every piece of paper they used. Most colonists were furious! For decades, they had made their own laws, and now a Parliament hundreds of miles away was taxing them. Newspapers mocked the Act, and many protested by refusing to buy the stamps. The Stamp Act was repealed several months later, but not before the seeds of anti- British sentiment had begun to spread throughout the colony.
In 1767, the British Parliament further angered the colonists. Intent on raising money to keep British troops in America, the Parliament issued the Townsend Acts. These acts taxed American colonists on common items like tea, clothes, and lead. In response, groups of colonists organized a boycott of British goods. In 1770, the British Parliament repealed all of the Townsend Acts except the tax on tea.
Shots are Fired
By the spring of 1770, tension in Boston between the colonists and British soldiers was high. On March 5, a mob of colonists surrounded a British sentry. Soon after, British soldiers fired into the crowd killing five Bostonians. The “Boston Massacre” as the event became known, stirred up passion throughout the colonies. Some called for the British troops to leave the colonies for good and to allow the colonies to be free of British rule- this group because knows as Patriots. Others remained loyal to the British King-these colonists were known as Loyalists, and they hoped that the colonies would remain under British rule.
Tea is Dumped
The colonists boycott of British goods, especially that of tea, had greatly diminished the profits of the British East India Company. By 1773, the company needed to sell millions of pounds of its tea or go broke. In an attempt to rescue the company, the British government actually lowered the cost of tea so that the colonists would buy it. Soon the company gained complete control over the tea trade in the colonies.
Patriot leaders in Boston, known as the Sons of Liberty, were enraged that the British company had gained a monopoly off the drinking habits of the colonists. And so, on December 16, 1773, they dumped about 90,000 pounds of tea into the Boston Harbor. This event became known as the Boston Tea Party. When news of the event reached Britain, Parliament reacted with a new set of laws so harsh that they were termed “the Intolerable Acts.”
Colonists Begin to Organize
In September 1774, Patriots and Loyalists leaders from twelve colonies convened at the First Continental Congress. They agreed to send a letter to the British King George asking for a repeal of the Intolerable Acts. They also decided to initiate a peaceful boycott of British good and to meet again in May.
Throughout the winter and spring of 1774-1775, leaders urged colonists to continue to boycott British goods. They also organized local militias where volunteers (called Minutemen) trained to be ready to fight in case of a rebellion.
Onward to Lexington and Concord- The Beginning of the American Revolution
On April 19, 1775, two Patriot spies, Paul Revere and William Dawes, learned that British troops were going to march to Concord, Massachusetts, to destroy a purported stash of colonist military supplies. Revere and Dawes rode through the night warning villagers of the upcoming British attack. Fighting broke out at sunrise in Lexington, and soon eight colonial soldiers were dead. This initial conflict came to be known as ‘the shot that was heard around the world.’ When the British arrived in Concord, however, the local militia was waiting; after the first British shots rang out, Minutemen surrounded the British and forced them to retreat back to Boston. Despite their losses, colonists saw the British retreat as a victory and as proof that colonists were willing to fight for their freedom.
The American Revolution Begins
In May 1775, colonial leaders met again in Philadelphia during the Second Continental Congress. There they chose George Washington to lead the Continental Army against the British. They also set about managing the war effort and writing the Declaration of Independence.
In January 1776, Patriot Thomas Paine published a pamphlet called Common Sense. In it, Paine called on colonists to overthrow its British tyrants and to become independent. Over 120,000 copies were distributed throughout the colonies, and Paine’s words persuaded many to support the Patriot cause.
Despite Washington’s ragtag army, the Continental Army had some early successes, including pushing the British out of Boston in March 1776. Washington then moved his army south anticipating a British naval attack on New York City.
By May 1776, New York residents felt an attack by the British was imminent.
YouTube Audiobook Playlist for Chains: Read by Deborah Hansen
Vocabulary Found within Chains from Vocabulary.com
Chapter Summaries for Chains
External Journey
Chapter 1: (Silent Ghosts)- The reader is introduced to Isabel, a slave whose master has died. Isabel needs to speak to Dinah, her mother's ghost, but misses the chance.
Chapter 2: (No Longer Freed)- Miss Mary Finch's nephew (Robert) announces that Isabel and Ruth (her younger sister) will travel to Newport to be sold, despite the will granting their freedom. Despite being able to read, having reviewed the will, Isabel isn't believed- the lawyer, who could provide the truth, is stuck in Boston due to the rebellion.
Chapter 3: (Old Friends & New Enemies)- In Newport, Isabel meets Jenny, an Irish woman who co-owns the tavern and who once knew Dinah- Jenny is a former indentured servant. Jenny feeds the girls, but cannot buy them from Mr. Robert. The Lockton's arrive and speak to Mr. Robert about purchasing both girls, until Madam insults Jenny, inspiring her to change her mind about buying Isabel and Ruth. Madam wins the bidding war.
Chapter 4: (Sailing the High Seas)- On Lockton's ship, the girls travel to New York City. Isabel realizes she's severed from her mother's spirit because ghosts cannot travel over water.
Chapter 5: (Dirty Laundry)- All arrive in NYC, but Master Lockton is immediately warned about Patriot/Rebel control over the city. Bellingham (Lockton's antagonist) attempts to inspect Lockton's cargo to prove his connections to England. Madam throws a fit about her chest of underwear and the Lockton's escape persecution- Isabel is slapped after covering for Ruth's laughter over Madam's scene.
Internal Journey (with a mix of "External Journey" as Isabel adjusts to her new life)
Chapter 6: (Making Deals)- Curzon, Bellingham's slave, guides Isabel through NYC to the Tea Water Pump, where all the elite members of society send their servants to collect the clearest, tastiest water in the city. Curzon asks Isabel to spy on her new Loyalist master to possibly earn her and Ruth's freedom- she refuses, however.
Chapter 7: (New House; New Rules)- Isabel meets Becky Berry and learns the house rules along with (officially) learning the Lockton's loyalty to the British Crown.
Chapter 8: (A Girl Becomes a Doll)- Madam makes Ruth her personal servant and curiosity, which troubles Isabel greatly. Becky warns her not to anger or rebel against Madam, who beat and broke a slave's arm before selling her off, despite the girl's newfound disabilities. Isabel then begins to rethink Curzon's offer.
Chapter 9: (A New Name)- Guests arrive at the Lockton's. While serving Lady Seymour and Madam, the latter changes Isabel's name to Sal Lockton. Ruth's behavior during that visit indicates Madam abuses her. Isabel serves Master Lockton and his loyalist friends. In the library, Isabel witnesses the Loyalist's plan (what was hidden in Madam's underwear chest): the Loyalists/Tories have money and deeds of land to bribe the Rebels into returning their loyalties to the Crown.
Chapter 10: (Mission Impossible)- Isabel sneaks out of the house to tell Curzon about the bribery money and deeds.
Chapter 11: (Catching a Loyalist)- Bellingham and his men arrive to strip Lockton's home of lead for the war- a farce to get into the home to find the money and deeds. Despite locating the chest, Lockton has hidden the money elsewhere. Bellingham arrests Lockton anyway, and Madam faints.
Chapter 12: (Cookies and Kindness)- Isabel rushes to Lady Seymour's home (a quaint Dutch-style house) for help to bail Master Lockton out of jail. Lady Seymour sits at the kitchen table with Isabel and insists the girl nourish herself with cookies and milk. This is the first real kindness that has been shown to Isabel in a long time.
Chapter 13: (Reading in the Dark)- The next morning, Master Lockton returns home after his release from prison. He discovers Madam Lockton packing and the two argue. The fight turns violent revealing the domestic abuse the couple has attempted to hide. At the Tea Water Pump, Isabel meets "Grandfather" and speaks with Curzon who asks her for new information (which she doesn't have). Later that night, Isabel plants her mother's seeds in the garden and sneaks into the library to read Robinson Crusoe.
Chapter 14: (Plot to Kill a General)- Despite Master Lockton's warning to remain undisturbed, Madam sends Isabel to serve him and his Loyalist friends in the library, there, the mayor reveals a plot to assassinate General George Washington. Lockton does not favor this plan because he feels that Washington is a gentlemen, even though he leads the Rebel cause. Eventually, he relents and agrees to the plan; but, he first ensures that he'll avoid jail (again) by collecting all the signatures of the conspirators involved in this assassination plot.
Chapter 15: (The Falling Sickness)- After hearing a commotion, Isabel rushes to the kitchen to find Madam with a broom beating Ruth, who is suffering a seizure. Madam believes that Ruth is possessed by a demon and demands that her husband sell her; meanwhile, Master Lockton understands Ruth's ailment and refuses to separate the sisters. Madam warns Isabel, however, that she will get her way.
Chapter 16: (To the Stars)- Isabel sneaks into the library to steal the list of signatures to show Colonel Regan. Although she nearly never makes it into the camp, Isabel manages to give Regan the list; but, he tells her to return it to avoid suspicion of her espionage activities and to lure the Loyalists into a false sense of security to follow through with their plot.
Chapter 17: (The Great Escape)- After two long days, the Loyalists learn they've been caught. Master Lockton tells Madam he must flee the city and that she must stay behind to protect their home and belongings. Master ships himself in a crate of cheese and escapes.
Chapter 18: (Hanging Hickey)- Isabel and Ruth run into Curzon while attending the public execution of Hickey, a man who almost killed General Washington. Curzon insists that (in time) they'll be rewarded for helping debunk the plot against Washington. Isabel doubts the rebels will give her such mercy.
Chapter 19: (The British are Here)- While in church, the British fleet arrive. Amid all the chaos (due to the gunfire and cannon blasts), Ruth faints forcing Isabel to carry her home. Lady Seymour tries to cover for Ruth's "odd behavior" by joining in on the lie Isabel made claiming that Ruth is tired. Days later, Madam catches Ruth washing rocks adding more proof to sell Ruth.
Chapter 20: (Gold for Lead, Milk for Betrayal)- A group of rebels topples down the golden statue of King George III. Inside is lead which the men joke about and claim "the king will supply them with bullets for the war." After a visit with the reverend's wife, Madam is incredibly kind with Becky and the girls. She gives Becky the night off and the girls gingerbread and milk, which is extra sweet and indicates it's been mixed with a sleeping potion. Isabel regrets falling asleep, even when she couldn't help it.
Catharsis (the Dark Moment)
Chapter 21: (Ruth is Sold)- Isabel wakes to find her sister gone. After questioning Becky, who admits Madam has sold Ruth to a physician's family (in Nevis, the West Indies) to work in the fields or as a housemaid, Isabel confronts Madam. The confrontation becomes so heated that Isabel advances on Madam, calling her a "miserable cow." Feeling deeply threatened, Madam hurls a painting at Isabel. She runs for the open door that Becky has opened and heads to Colonel Regan; he refuses to help her because he doesn't wish to purchase her from Madam Lockton. Colonel Regan instead returns Isabel back to Madam Lockton. Despondent, Isabel bolts for the window but is stopped.
Chapter 22: (Imprisoned)- Isabel endures much trauma while in prison and stays three nights, in various holding cells, before her trial. There the judgment is passed that Isabel be lashed twenty times; however, Madam insists on a permanent remedy- branding.
Chapter 23: (Trial by Fire)- Isabel is presented to the crowd gathered and jeering at the prisoners in the courtyard. During her branding ("I" for Insolence), Isabel hallucinates and believes her parents are there.
Chapter 24: (Swarm of Bees)- Six days later, Isabel wakes up in Lady Seymour's home. The lady and her Dutch servant, Angelika, cared for Isabel and prove her with a healer. Lady Seymour informs Isabel that she must return to Madam and helps prepare her for the trip "home."
Chapter 25: (Darkness Inside)- Depressed and despaired (a hive of bees swarm within her and drown her inside with dark honey), Isabel retreats into herself. She barely communicates with anyone even though Curzon tries to speak with her. When he finally does, he asks her intel on the Lockton's. Realizing Curzon is only asking her to spy, Isabel tells him she'll never speak to him again.
Spiritual Journey
Chapter 26: (Overflowing Water)- A storm rages throughout New York just as war takes over the city. Isabel's chores lead her once more to the Tea Water Pump where she witnesses an argument among the slaves over who will provide them with their freedom; many put their hopes on the Patriots, because they wish for liberty and freedom too, whereas others believe the British will free the slaves. Grandfather laughs claiming neither can give anyone the freedom they seek. Instead, he notes that freedom can be attained through the "River Jordan (faith)." Then, he kisses Isabel's scar and tells her it is a sign of strength and survival.
Chapter 27: (A "Political" God)- The British tip the scales of war in their favor, to Madam's delight. However, Becky feels otherwise as she believes that God is aiding the Rebels, especially after General Washington rows 9,000 soldiers back onto the island during a fog (whom many believe Washington conjured himself). Becky also hints at leaving the city.
Chapter 28: (The True Invasion)- The British bring bloodshed to the streets of New York City. Sensing victory, Madam sends Isabel out into the battle-torn streets to buy whatever provisions needed for an impending celebration. Isabel, however, has other plans.
Chapter 29: (A Surprise Return)- Isabel runs to the British camps hoping they will take her in and then free her. After Isabel proves helpful, informing the officers where Washington's headquarters once were, Captain Campbell almost considers taking her on but reconsiders due to Isabel's scar. Once she explains what happened, the captain empathizes over the loss of her sister. Sadly, he cannot take Isabel because she belongs to a Loyalist/Tory household. Master Lockton arrives, but shows no upset over Isabel's scar or insolence. Captain Campbell covers for Isabel making it seem like she is at the camp to congratulate the British over their takeover of New York City.
Chapter 30: (Hessian "Brutes")- The British celebrate their victory and soldiers populate the city. Master Lockton sends Isabel to aid Lady Seymour, who is housing a dozen German soldiers, much to the upset of Madam Lockton. Lockton reminds his wife that this is her own doing- had she not sold Ruth, the house would have an extra pair of hands to help (KARMA). At Lady Seymour's home, the Hessians lack every form of manners except that they acknowledge Isabel and thank her during the meal. Isabel works hard to clean up after the men and falls asleep quickly, only to be woken by flames and smoke.
Chapter 31: (Blazing Memories)- During the fire, Lady Seymour struggles to save her precious belongings by dragging a trunk down the stairs. She suffers a stroke in the process. To help get them out of the house, Isabel can only save herself, Lady Seymour, the picture of the lady's husband, and their love letters. Ruth's doth is sacrificed and perishes in the flames.
Chapter 32: (Recovery)- Five hundred homes are destroyed in the fire, which is rumored to have been started by God "who passed judgment on the British" or "rebel sabotage." Lady Seymour must recover at the Lockton's home, which now hosts five soldiers and their wives. Sarah, one of the wives, is put in charge of the kitchen. Becky is official gone, and Isabel misses her.
Chapter 33: (Conquering of Fort Washington)- After taking time to recover and return to normalcy, Lady Seymour rewards Isabel by gifting her with new winter clothing, a heavy skirt and thick woolen cloak. Isabel worries about repaying the lady, who insists "they'll not discuss payment," since Isabel saved the portrait and letters. Meanwhile, the British capture every soldier at Fort Washington and parade them through the streets to the prison. Curzon is the last soldier to walk into the cell.
Chapter 34: (Fine Dining)- The Lockton's host a grand party where the General and Colonel share how they'll dispose of the rebels through disease, plague, or starvation. Lady Seymour is unnerved by such treatment and informs the men they should care for their enemy because "turnabout is fair play." The atmosphere gets tense until Madam's mousy eyebrow falls into her rice pudding. Moved by all the talk, Isabel saves the scraps from the feast and debates over helping Curzon.
Chapter 35: (Inside Prison Once More)- Against her own better judgment, Isabel travels t0 City Hall to see Curzon. She lies to the guard and claims he is her brother. Hungry and selfish, the man allows Isabel entry but only if he is permitted to inspect her bucket of food. Once inside, Isabel learns what happened to Curzon (shot through the leg without hitting the bone) and the other men. After a commotion over the food, the sergeant creates order and, upon Curzon's consent, passes the bucket (now with only half its scraps) around twice to the men. Before Isabel leaves, he asks her to help send messages out to other rebel officers; Isabel is unsure whether or not she can spy again.
Chapter 36: (Secrets Abound)- Lady Seymour falls ill with fever and Isabel runs errands for her specifically to buy reading material. Isabel must return to the same bookstore from Chapter 6. There, she sees a poetry book written by a former slave which shocks yet inspires her. The bookstore keeper also surprises her by revealing how Curzon begged for food on her behalf; this discovery changes our perspective of that earlier chapter and shapes our view of Curzon. Before leaving, the shopkeeper reveals that he know (much like Lady Seymour) that Isabel is feeding Curzon and the prisoners. He encourages her to continue her work and gives her a copy of Common Sense by Thomas Paine, thus revealing that the bookstore keeper is a secret supporter of the rebels who is helping keep the revolution alive.
Chapter 37: (Making Deals)- After Mary and Hannah argue over whose turn it is to go to the Tea Water Pump, Isabel volunteers to go. In reality, the pump is on the way to the prison and will allow her to visit and feed Curzon daily. When she eventually visits Bridgewell, Private Dibdin is in charge (the Sergeant died however long ago). Isabel threatens him saying "you'll never see me again" if Curzon dies. Dibdin agrees, however he insists that in return Isabel send a message to Captain Morse about acquiring a doctor to come examine the prisoners who suffer from an outbreak of fever and pox. She reluctantly agrees. At home, Master Lockton prepares to leave for London as Christmas approaches, much to the upset of Madam. That night, Isabel begins to read Common Sense and learns that society and government have two different wants.
Chapter 38: (Christmas Cheer)- Lady Seymour gifts Isabel with new leather shoes; Madam gives her nothing but a warning to never visit or feed the rebel prisoners even if Lady Seymour did request it of Isabel. She informs Isabel that she should fear the day Lady Seymour and her husband are gone as Isabel will only have Madam to deal with. Despite such threats, Isabel "keeps Christmas" by making a maple syrup bread pudding, the recipe her mother used to make on Christmas day. She then takes the dessert to Canvastown (the burned district) to give away to a family in need.
Chapter 39: (Something Fishy)- While helping Sarah at the fish market, Isabel is stopped by Captain Morse who begs her to deliver another message for his men in prison. She agrees before she is nearly caught by Sarah. The two speak and Isabel inquires if Madam has spoken of her to Sarah. Sarah tells Isabel that Madam no longer wants her getting water but Sarah agrees to allow Isabel to continue performing this task as it lessens many burdens for her. Sarah agrees to keep this chore a secret. At the Golden Hill Tavern, Morse gives Isabel a note baked in bread. He insists the men must see his signature to know the message is true: the rebels attacked the British and won a battle.
Chapter 40: (Birth of Freedom)- While out and about, the old British guard (Fisher) catches Isabel and asks her to bring him food in return for watching her brother. Likewise, he asks if her household will sell her services to help clean out the cells in the prison. She agrees on both accounts. At home, Sarah has a baby boy whom she names George. Although Lady Seymour wishes to see the child, she is still too unwell. While confined to her bed, the lady begs Isabel to forgive her for not forcing her nephew to let Isabel serve in her household. Isabel is offended because the lady never suggested about freeing her. Later that night, Isabel continues to read Common Sense and learns that those with wealth had "no right to rule over others." She feels a great connection to these words.
Chapter 41: (Icicles and Memories)- Madam prepares for the Queen's birthday celebrations in the colonies, while Lady Seymour's condition worsens with another stroke. Madam orders that Lady Seymour be moved to rid her room of the smell of decay. While Isabel tends to the laundry, she remembers Ruth in the sparkling icicles that cover the frozen lines and determines that Madam cannot harm her soul.
Chapter 42: (More Messages)- Although she has her wits, Lady Seymour can no longer speak. Isabel finishes reading Common Sense and learns that all men are created equal regardless if they have been born into wealth or not, hence why America could "make its own freedom." While continuing to visit the prisons, Isabel runs into Captain Morse who asks that she transfer debt money to Captain Farrar. Whenever she meets him however, Farrar requests that Isabel take a note (regarding news about the war from headquarters) back to Morse. Rather than directly deliver the message, Isabel returns home as she is running late. Madam enters the kitchen, just as Isabel sets down her things, and slaps Isabel.
Chapter 43: (Caught)- Madam chastises Isabel for consorting with Rebel prisoners and demands that Isabel hand over the note Jane Drinkwater saw passed to her. Isabel instead throws it into the fire and Madam beats her with a riding crop. Accidentally, Madam reveals that she'll sell Isabel and her sister, revealing that Ruth has been at the Lockton's Carolinian estate and never in Nevis. Then, Madam orders Hannah to lock Isabel in the potato bin before preparing for the ball. Isabel manages to break herself out of the bin. Before escaping, she runs to the library to write a note proclaiming her freedom as "Isabel Gardener," a name that hearkens to her deeply rooted connections to gardening.
Chapter 44: (A Dying Woman's Wish)- With the note in hand and her copy of Common Sense, Isabel checks on Lady Seymour one last time. The lady allows Isabel to take a purse full of coins and encourages her to run before taking her final breath. Isabel then rushes to the prison claiming she is there to clean the cells. Fisher does not dispute the lateness of her arrival and prompting falls asleep while on duty. Isabel tends to a few cells then tells Curzon to play dead. She announces to the entire cell that Curzon is dead and dumps him into a wheelbarrow before taking off into the night.
Chapter 45: (The River Jordan)- While working their way to the docks, Curzon and Isabel are nearly caught when a guard dog notices them and begins to bark. The fireworks celebrating the queen provide the two cover as they hurry towards the docks. Because Curzon lacks any strength, Isabel must row their boat even until her hands bleed. After passing out from exhaustion, Isabel wakes up on the west bank of Jersey. She wakes Curzon informing him they have crossed the river Jordan.
Chapter 1: (Silent Ghosts)- The reader is introduced to Isabel, a slave whose master has died. Isabel needs to speak to Dinah, her mother's ghost, but misses the chance.
Chapter 2: (No Longer Freed)- Miss Mary Finch's nephew (Robert) announces that Isabel and Ruth (her younger sister) will travel to Newport to be sold, despite the will granting their freedom. Despite being able to read, having reviewed the will, Isabel isn't believed- the lawyer, who could provide the truth, is stuck in Boston due to the rebellion.
Chapter 3: (Old Friends & New Enemies)- In Newport, Isabel meets Jenny, an Irish woman who co-owns the tavern and who once knew Dinah- Jenny is a former indentured servant. Jenny feeds the girls, but cannot buy them from Mr. Robert. The Lockton's arrive and speak to Mr. Robert about purchasing both girls, until Madam insults Jenny, inspiring her to change her mind about buying Isabel and Ruth. Madam wins the bidding war.
Chapter 4: (Sailing the High Seas)- On Lockton's ship, the girls travel to New York City. Isabel realizes she's severed from her mother's spirit because ghosts cannot travel over water.
Chapter 5: (Dirty Laundry)- All arrive in NYC, but Master Lockton is immediately warned about Patriot/Rebel control over the city. Bellingham (Lockton's antagonist) attempts to inspect Lockton's cargo to prove his connections to England. Madam throws a fit about her chest of underwear and the Lockton's escape persecution- Isabel is slapped after covering for Ruth's laughter over Madam's scene.
Internal Journey (with a mix of "External Journey" as Isabel adjusts to her new life)
Chapter 6: (Making Deals)- Curzon, Bellingham's slave, guides Isabel through NYC to the Tea Water Pump, where all the elite members of society send their servants to collect the clearest, tastiest water in the city. Curzon asks Isabel to spy on her new Loyalist master to possibly earn her and Ruth's freedom- she refuses, however.
Chapter 7: (New House; New Rules)- Isabel meets Becky Berry and learns the house rules along with (officially) learning the Lockton's loyalty to the British Crown.
Chapter 8: (A Girl Becomes a Doll)- Madam makes Ruth her personal servant and curiosity, which troubles Isabel greatly. Becky warns her not to anger or rebel against Madam, who beat and broke a slave's arm before selling her off, despite the girl's newfound disabilities. Isabel then begins to rethink Curzon's offer.
Chapter 9: (A New Name)- Guests arrive at the Lockton's. While serving Lady Seymour and Madam, the latter changes Isabel's name to Sal Lockton. Ruth's behavior during that visit indicates Madam abuses her. Isabel serves Master Lockton and his loyalist friends. In the library, Isabel witnesses the Loyalist's plan (what was hidden in Madam's underwear chest): the Loyalists/Tories have money and deeds of land to bribe the Rebels into returning their loyalties to the Crown.
Chapter 10: (Mission Impossible)- Isabel sneaks out of the house to tell Curzon about the bribery money and deeds.
Chapter 11: (Catching a Loyalist)- Bellingham and his men arrive to strip Lockton's home of lead for the war- a farce to get into the home to find the money and deeds. Despite locating the chest, Lockton has hidden the money elsewhere. Bellingham arrests Lockton anyway, and Madam faints.
Chapter 12: (Cookies and Kindness)- Isabel rushes to Lady Seymour's home (a quaint Dutch-style house) for help to bail Master Lockton out of jail. Lady Seymour sits at the kitchen table with Isabel and insists the girl nourish herself with cookies and milk. This is the first real kindness that has been shown to Isabel in a long time.
Chapter 13: (Reading in the Dark)- The next morning, Master Lockton returns home after his release from prison. He discovers Madam Lockton packing and the two argue. The fight turns violent revealing the domestic abuse the couple has attempted to hide. At the Tea Water Pump, Isabel meets "Grandfather" and speaks with Curzon who asks her for new information (which she doesn't have). Later that night, Isabel plants her mother's seeds in the garden and sneaks into the library to read Robinson Crusoe.
Chapter 14: (Plot to Kill a General)- Despite Master Lockton's warning to remain undisturbed, Madam sends Isabel to serve him and his Loyalist friends in the library, there, the mayor reveals a plot to assassinate General George Washington. Lockton does not favor this plan because he feels that Washington is a gentlemen, even though he leads the Rebel cause. Eventually, he relents and agrees to the plan; but, he first ensures that he'll avoid jail (again) by collecting all the signatures of the conspirators involved in this assassination plot.
Chapter 15: (The Falling Sickness)- After hearing a commotion, Isabel rushes to the kitchen to find Madam with a broom beating Ruth, who is suffering a seizure. Madam believes that Ruth is possessed by a demon and demands that her husband sell her; meanwhile, Master Lockton understands Ruth's ailment and refuses to separate the sisters. Madam warns Isabel, however, that she will get her way.
Chapter 16: (To the Stars)- Isabel sneaks into the library to steal the list of signatures to show Colonel Regan. Although she nearly never makes it into the camp, Isabel manages to give Regan the list; but, he tells her to return it to avoid suspicion of her espionage activities and to lure the Loyalists into a false sense of security to follow through with their plot.
Chapter 17: (The Great Escape)- After two long days, the Loyalists learn they've been caught. Master Lockton tells Madam he must flee the city and that she must stay behind to protect their home and belongings. Master ships himself in a crate of cheese and escapes.
Chapter 18: (Hanging Hickey)- Isabel and Ruth run into Curzon while attending the public execution of Hickey, a man who almost killed General Washington. Curzon insists that (in time) they'll be rewarded for helping debunk the plot against Washington. Isabel doubts the rebels will give her such mercy.
Chapter 19: (The British are Here)- While in church, the British fleet arrive. Amid all the chaos (due to the gunfire and cannon blasts), Ruth faints forcing Isabel to carry her home. Lady Seymour tries to cover for Ruth's "odd behavior" by joining in on the lie Isabel made claiming that Ruth is tired. Days later, Madam catches Ruth washing rocks adding more proof to sell Ruth.
Chapter 20: (Gold for Lead, Milk for Betrayal)- A group of rebels topples down the golden statue of King George III. Inside is lead which the men joke about and claim "the king will supply them with bullets for the war." After a visit with the reverend's wife, Madam is incredibly kind with Becky and the girls. She gives Becky the night off and the girls gingerbread and milk, which is extra sweet and indicates it's been mixed with a sleeping potion. Isabel regrets falling asleep, even when she couldn't help it.
Catharsis (the Dark Moment)
Chapter 21: (Ruth is Sold)- Isabel wakes to find her sister gone. After questioning Becky, who admits Madam has sold Ruth to a physician's family (in Nevis, the West Indies) to work in the fields or as a housemaid, Isabel confronts Madam. The confrontation becomes so heated that Isabel advances on Madam, calling her a "miserable cow." Feeling deeply threatened, Madam hurls a painting at Isabel. She runs for the open door that Becky has opened and heads to Colonel Regan; he refuses to help her because he doesn't wish to purchase her from Madam Lockton. Colonel Regan instead returns Isabel back to Madam Lockton. Despondent, Isabel bolts for the window but is stopped.
Chapter 22: (Imprisoned)- Isabel endures much trauma while in prison and stays three nights, in various holding cells, before her trial. There the judgment is passed that Isabel be lashed twenty times; however, Madam insists on a permanent remedy- branding.
Chapter 23: (Trial by Fire)- Isabel is presented to the crowd gathered and jeering at the prisoners in the courtyard. During her branding ("I" for Insolence), Isabel hallucinates and believes her parents are there.
Chapter 24: (Swarm of Bees)- Six days later, Isabel wakes up in Lady Seymour's home. The lady and her Dutch servant, Angelika, cared for Isabel and prove her with a healer. Lady Seymour informs Isabel that she must return to Madam and helps prepare her for the trip "home."
Chapter 25: (Darkness Inside)- Depressed and despaired (a hive of bees swarm within her and drown her inside with dark honey), Isabel retreats into herself. She barely communicates with anyone even though Curzon tries to speak with her. When he finally does, he asks her intel on the Lockton's. Realizing Curzon is only asking her to spy, Isabel tells him she'll never speak to him again.
Spiritual Journey
Chapter 26: (Overflowing Water)- A storm rages throughout New York just as war takes over the city. Isabel's chores lead her once more to the Tea Water Pump where she witnesses an argument among the slaves over who will provide them with their freedom; many put their hopes on the Patriots, because they wish for liberty and freedom too, whereas others believe the British will free the slaves. Grandfather laughs claiming neither can give anyone the freedom they seek. Instead, he notes that freedom can be attained through the "River Jordan (faith)." Then, he kisses Isabel's scar and tells her it is a sign of strength and survival.
Chapter 27: (A "Political" God)- The British tip the scales of war in their favor, to Madam's delight. However, Becky feels otherwise as she believes that God is aiding the Rebels, especially after General Washington rows 9,000 soldiers back onto the island during a fog (whom many believe Washington conjured himself). Becky also hints at leaving the city.
Chapter 28: (The True Invasion)- The British bring bloodshed to the streets of New York City. Sensing victory, Madam sends Isabel out into the battle-torn streets to buy whatever provisions needed for an impending celebration. Isabel, however, has other plans.
Chapter 29: (A Surprise Return)- Isabel runs to the British camps hoping they will take her in and then free her. After Isabel proves helpful, informing the officers where Washington's headquarters once were, Captain Campbell almost considers taking her on but reconsiders due to Isabel's scar. Once she explains what happened, the captain empathizes over the loss of her sister. Sadly, he cannot take Isabel because she belongs to a Loyalist/Tory household. Master Lockton arrives, but shows no upset over Isabel's scar or insolence. Captain Campbell covers for Isabel making it seem like she is at the camp to congratulate the British over their takeover of New York City.
Chapter 30: (Hessian "Brutes")- The British celebrate their victory and soldiers populate the city. Master Lockton sends Isabel to aid Lady Seymour, who is housing a dozen German soldiers, much to the upset of Madam Lockton. Lockton reminds his wife that this is her own doing- had she not sold Ruth, the house would have an extra pair of hands to help (KARMA). At Lady Seymour's home, the Hessians lack every form of manners except that they acknowledge Isabel and thank her during the meal. Isabel works hard to clean up after the men and falls asleep quickly, only to be woken by flames and smoke.
Chapter 31: (Blazing Memories)- During the fire, Lady Seymour struggles to save her precious belongings by dragging a trunk down the stairs. She suffers a stroke in the process. To help get them out of the house, Isabel can only save herself, Lady Seymour, the picture of the lady's husband, and their love letters. Ruth's doth is sacrificed and perishes in the flames.
Chapter 32: (Recovery)- Five hundred homes are destroyed in the fire, which is rumored to have been started by God "who passed judgment on the British" or "rebel sabotage." Lady Seymour must recover at the Lockton's home, which now hosts five soldiers and their wives. Sarah, one of the wives, is put in charge of the kitchen. Becky is official gone, and Isabel misses her.
Chapter 33: (Conquering of Fort Washington)- After taking time to recover and return to normalcy, Lady Seymour rewards Isabel by gifting her with new winter clothing, a heavy skirt and thick woolen cloak. Isabel worries about repaying the lady, who insists "they'll not discuss payment," since Isabel saved the portrait and letters. Meanwhile, the British capture every soldier at Fort Washington and parade them through the streets to the prison. Curzon is the last soldier to walk into the cell.
Chapter 34: (Fine Dining)- The Lockton's host a grand party where the General and Colonel share how they'll dispose of the rebels through disease, plague, or starvation. Lady Seymour is unnerved by such treatment and informs the men they should care for their enemy because "turnabout is fair play." The atmosphere gets tense until Madam's mousy eyebrow falls into her rice pudding. Moved by all the talk, Isabel saves the scraps from the feast and debates over helping Curzon.
Chapter 35: (Inside Prison Once More)- Against her own better judgment, Isabel travels t0 City Hall to see Curzon. She lies to the guard and claims he is her brother. Hungry and selfish, the man allows Isabel entry but only if he is permitted to inspect her bucket of food. Once inside, Isabel learns what happened to Curzon (shot through the leg without hitting the bone) and the other men. After a commotion over the food, the sergeant creates order and, upon Curzon's consent, passes the bucket (now with only half its scraps) around twice to the men. Before Isabel leaves, he asks her to help send messages out to other rebel officers; Isabel is unsure whether or not she can spy again.
Chapter 36: (Secrets Abound)- Lady Seymour falls ill with fever and Isabel runs errands for her specifically to buy reading material. Isabel must return to the same bookstore from Chapter 6. There, she sees a poetry book written by a former slave which shocks yet inspires her. The bookstore keeper also surprises her by revealing how Curzon begged for food on her behalf; this discovery changes our perspective of that earlier chapter and shapes our view of Curzon. Before leaving, the shopkeeper reveals that he know (much like Lady Seymour) that Isabel is feeding Curzon and the prisoners. He encourages her to continue her work and gives her a copy of Common Sense by Thomas Paine, thus revealing that the bookstore keeper is a secret supporter of the rebels who is helping keep the revolution alive.
Chapter 37: (Making Deals)- After Mary and Hannah argue over whose turn it is to go to the Tea Water Pump, Isabel volunteers to go. In reality, the pump is on the way to the prison and will allow her to visit and feed Curzon daily. When she eventually visits Bridgewell, Private Dibdin is in charge (the Sergeant died however long ago). Isabel threatens him saying "you'll never see me again" if Curzon dies. Dibdin agrees, however he insists that in return Isabel send a message to Captain Morse about acquiring a doctor to come examine the prisoners who suffer from an outbreak of fever and pox. She reluctantly agrees. At home, Master Lockton prepares to leave for London as Christmas approaches, much to the upset of Madam. That night, Isabel begins to read Common Sense and learns that society and government have two different wants.
Chapter 38: (Christmas Cheer)- Lady Seymour gifts Isabel with new leather shoes; Madam gives her nothing but a warning to never visit or feed the rebel prisoners even if Lady Seymour did request it of Isabel. She informs Isabel that she should fear the day Lady Seymour and her husband are gone as Isabel will only have Madam to deal with. Despite such threats, Isabel "keeps Christmas" by making a maple syrup bread pudding, the recipe her mother used to make on Christmas day. She then takes the dessert to Canvastown (the burned district) to give away to a family in need.
Chapter 39: (Something Fishy)- While helping Sarah at the fish market, Isabel is stopped by Captain Morse who begs her to deliver another message for his men in prison. She agrees before she is nearly caught by Sarah. The two speak and Isabel inquires if Madam has spoken of her to Sarah. Sarah tells Isabel that Madam no longer wants her getting water but Sarah agrees to allow Isabel to continue performing this task as it lessens many burdens for her. Sarah agrees to keep this chore a secret. At the Golden Hill Tavern, Morse gives Isabel a note baked in bread. He insists the men must see his signature to know the message is true: the rebels attacked the British and won a battle.
Chapter 40: (Birth of Freedom)- While out and about, the old British guard (Fisher) catches Isabel and asks her to bring him food in return for watching her brother. Likewise, he asks if her household will sell her services to help clean out the cells in the prison. She agrees on both accounts. At home, Sarah has a baby boy whom she names George. Although Lady Seymour wishes to see the child, she is still too unwell. While confined to her bed, the lady begs Isabel to forgive her for not forcing her nephew to let Isabel serve in her household. Isabel is offended because the lady never suggested about freeing her. Later that night, Isabel continues to read Common Sense and learns that those with wealth had "no right to rule over others." She feels a great connection to these words.
Chapter 41: (Icicles and Memories)- Madam prepares for the Queen's birthday celebrations in the colonies, while Lady Seymour's condition worsens with another stroke. Madam orders that Lady Seymour be moved to rid her room of the smell of decay. While Isabel tends to the laundry, she remembers Ruth in the sparkling icicles that cover the frozen lines and determines that Madam cannot harm her soul.
Chapter 42: (More Messages)- Although she has her wits, Lady Seymour can no longer speak. Isabel finishes reading Common Sense and learns that all men are created equal regardless if they have been born into wealth or not, hence why America could "make its own freedom." While continuing to visit the prisons, Isabel runs into Captain Morse who asks that she transfer debt money to Captain Farrar. Whenever she meets him however, Farrar requests that Isabel take a note (regarding news about the war from headquarters) back to Morse. Rather than directly deliver the message, Isabel returns home as she is running late. Madam enters the kitchen, just as Isabel sets down her things, and slaps Isabel.
Chapter 43: (Caught)- Madam chastises Isabel for consorting with Rebel prisoners and demands that Isabel hand over the note Jane Drinkwater saw passed to her. Isabel instead throws it into the fire and Madam beats her with a riding crop. Accidentally, Madam reveals that she'll sell Isabel and her sister, revealing that Ruth has been at the Lockton's Carolinian estate and never in Nevis. Then, Madam orders Hannah to lock Isabel in the potato bin before preparing for the ball. Isabel manages to break herself out of the bin. Before escaping, she runs to the library to write a note proclaiming her freedom as "Isabel Gardener," a name that hearkens to her deeply rooted connections to gardening.
Chapter 44: (A Dying Woman's Wish)- With the note in hand and her copy of Common Sense, Isabel checks on Lady Seymour one last time. The lady allows Isabel to take a purse full of coins and encourages her to run before taking her final breath. Isabel then rushes to the prison claiming she is there to clean the cells. Fisher does not dispute the lateness of her arrival and prompting falls asleep while on duty. Isabel tends to a few cells then tells Curzon to play dead. She announces to the entire cell that Curzon is dead and dumps him into a wheelbarrow before taking off into the night.
Chapter 45: (The River Jordan)- While working their way to the docks, Curzon and Isabel are nearly caught when a guard dog notices them and begins to bark. The fireworks celebrating the queen provide the two cover as they hurry towards the docks. Because Curzon lacks any strength, Isabel must row their boat even until her hands bleed. After passing out from exhaustion, Isabel wakes up on the west bank of Jersey. She wakes Curzon informing him they have crossed the river Jordan.