Anderson, Laurie Halse. Chains.
Simon & Schuster. 2008.
ISBN-13: 9781416905851.
$16.99. Hardcover. 316 pages.
Reader’s Annotation
When Isabel and Ruth lose their opportunity to become free slaves they are forced to work for the Locktons. Isabel becomes a spy for the patriots in hope of gaining freedom for herself and her little sister.
Plot Summary
It is 1776, and Isabel’s owner has promised her freedom upon her death. Isabel’s parents are long dead leaving the girls alone. When their kindly owner, Miss Mary Finch dies, Isabel and her sister, Ruth, are sold away. Their new owners the Locktons, are traditional wealthy loyalist slave owners. The Lockton’s are bound for their home in colonial New York. New York is now a hotbed of revolutionary activities. Their arrival is inauspicious. Accosted by revolutionary soldiers at the docks, the Lockton's refuse to cooperate. It is here that Isabel meets a young African American boy, named Curzon. Curzon is a revolutionary soldier, and a slave who works for Captain Bellingham. He asks Isabel to spy on the Lockton household for the revolutionary army.
Isabel and Ruth are in a city they don’t know with a new mistress who is unkind. Isabel is tasked to work in the house. She assists the housekeeper Becky, while fair skinned Ruth is dressed up like a doll and kept at Madam Lockton’s side. While Isabel is serving the Lockton household she become privy to information about the British army. She agrees to help Curzon, and the revolutionary army to gain her freedom. Isabel also helps the British loyalists in turn searching for a way to freedom. Isabel has many adventures including escaping a fire, and freeing Curzon from a British prison, but her greatest adventure is escaping from her owners in order to find her missing sister, Ruth.
Critical Evaluation
Chains is a story about struggles. The first struggle is that of Isabel attempting to gain her promised freedom. The second is the struggle for American Independence from British. While the Revolutionary War is often romanticized in history, this story brings to life the daily intrigue and battles that occurred. Anderson’s story allows the reader to process the perspective from both sides of the independence argument through Isabel’s eyes. This story is about the price of freedom and the choices one makes. Anderson examines the cost through Isabel’s eyes when the character chooses to help the American’s in their fight for freedom, and then the British in their attempt to hold back the inevitable war. The final price Isabel has to pay is not apparent in this novel, yet the reader knows that the loss of freedom is nothing compared to the loss of her sister. Isabel’s choice to finally escape from her loyalist owners comes only after she discovers where her sister is located. Isabel’s claim of freedom parallels the American fight without influencing either, for she comes to understand that she will remain a slave whatever side wins the battle.
Anderson’s chapters are short and easy to read. The story is a dynamic look at slavery from its earliest history. The choice to present a Revolutionary War historic novel, and not one placed during the Civil War is brilliant. Many people forget that slavery existed in this country for more than one hundred years before the onset of the Civil War. This novel brings history to life in a way that is complex and dramatic. Isabel, Ruth, and Curzon are not characters a reader will soon forget. This novel is the first of a set, and no date is available for publication of the second book. This book has the capability of becoming a classic in YA literature, and should be included in any discussion about slavery or the American Revolution.
Information about the author
Laurie Halse Anderson was born on October 23, 1961 in Potsdam, New York. Her novel Speak is a National Book Award finalist, Printz Honor book, and Booklist “Top 10 first novels in 1999.” Her novels are also featured on several ALA YALSA top 100 books lists.
Genre
Historic Fiction
Curriculum ties
This book could be included in any discussion about slavery or the Revolutionary War.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Discuss the sale of Isabel and Ruth despite their free status.
2. Talk about why Isabell is reluctant to become friends with Curzon. Why does she change her mind?
3. Discuss sister Ruth and her apparent disability.
Challenge Issues
Violence
Challenge defense ideas
• Become familiar with the book and its content.
• Refer to the collection development policy of the library.
• Refer to reviews from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publisher’s Weekly available for viewing on amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Chains-Laurie-Halse-Anderson/dp/1416905855/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0.
• Try to get reviews of the book from readers (including teens) that have read the work.
Reading Level/Age
Young Adult. Ages 14 and up.
Why I included this title:
This book is included on the YALSA “2009 Best Books for Young Adults.”
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