Book cover accessed from: goodreads.comBibliographic data:
Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2010. chains. New York: Anthenum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-1-4169-0586-8 (pbk)
Summary:
Isabel is a 13 year-old girl whose owner promised they would be set free when she died; of course, this doesn’t happen and she is sold together with her sister Ruth, to a horrible couple in New York. Isabel does not have many friends of people she can count on other than Becky, another slave, and Curzon—the boy he met on her first day in New York. Even though Isabel is young, she has grown up fast due to the lack of parents in her life and having to take care of her sister and the pain and suffering she has to go through (I tried to figure the whos and the whys of the matter, but my own name escaped me, and I knew only the pain in my head and the iron taste of lost teeth. My remembery broke into bits when they beat my head.”) (p. 142) Isabel fights for her freedom and her survival at a time of unrest. (This is my country mark. I did not ask for it, but I would carry it as Poppa carried his. It made me his daughter. It made me strong.”)(p. 280)
Critical analysis:
Any reader would be able to identify with Isabel, Curzon, and the soldiers. It is eye opening to read about her situation and think that there were many girls like Isabel and that many of the things in the story actually took place. Chains is a spellbinding story. “You are a small black girl, Country,” he said bitterly. “You are a slave, not a person. They’ll say things in front of you they won’t say in front of the white servants. ‘Cause you don’t count to them.” (p. 41)
Laurie Halse Anderson presents historical events that are not sugar-coated and presents them in terms that children can understand. The plot is not overwhelmed by details, but does make the reader feel (at least I did) like you are part of the period in which Isabel is living. In addition, the setting is an integral part of the story. The story takes unfolds in the USA during the American War of Independence between Britain and America. Anderson reflects the morals of the times and the universal themes of power and freedom. (If Madam sees you idling and jawing out there, there’ll be devil to pay” She paused. “She can be a harsh mistress to slaves.”)(p. 45)
Anderson also captures the flavor of the times and the speech patterns of the era combining all the literary elements to create a seamless story that just happens to be set in a previous historical time. (CHRISTMAS HAS COME, HANG ON THE POT, LET SPITS TURN ROUND, AND OVENS BE HOT; BEEF, PORK, AND POULTRY, NOW PROVIDE TO FEAST THY NEIGHBORS AT THIS TIDE; THEN WASH ALL DOWN WITH GOOD WINE AND BEER, AND SO WITH MIRTH CONCLUDE THE YEAR.—ROYAL VIRGINIA ALMANAC) (P. 242)
The appendix contains wide-ranging questions that readers may have in regards to history, what is fact and what is fiction, which is woven into this historical novel. A reading group guide is also included.
Review excerpt(s):
BookList, 11/01/2008
In the spring of 1776, Isabel, a teenage slave, and her sister, Ruth, are sold to ruthless, wealthy loyalists in Manhattan. While running errands, Isabel is approached by rebels, who promise her freedom (and help finding Ruth, who has been sent away) if she agrees to spy. Using the invisibility her slave status brings, Isabel lurks and listens as Master Lockton and his fellow Tories plot to crush the rebel uprisings, but the incendiary proof that she carries to the rebel camp doesn’t bring the desired rewards. Like the central character in M. T. Anderson’s Octavian Nothing duet, Isabel finds that both patriots and loyalists support slavery. The specifics of Isabel’s daily drudgery may slow some readers, but the catalogue of chores communicates the brutal rhythms of unrelenting toil, helping readers to imagine vividly the realities of Isabel’s life. The story’s perspective creates effective contrasts. Overwhelmed with domestic concerns, Isabel and indeed all the women in the household learn about the war from their marginalized position: they listen at doors to rooms where they are excluded, and they collect gossip from the streets. Anderson explores elemental themes of power (“She can do anything. I can do nothing,” Isabel realizes about her sadistic owner), freedom, and the sources of human strength in this searing, fascinating story. The extensive back matter includes a documented section that addresses many questions about history that readers will want to discuss -- Gillian Engberg. Booklist, published by the American Library Association. [1]
School Library Journal, 10/01/2008
Gr 6–10— Set in New York City at the beginning of the American Revolution, Chains addresses the price of freedom both for a nation and for individuals. Isabel tells the story of her life as a slave. She was sold with her five-year-old sister to a cruel Loyalist family even though the girls were to be free upon the death of their former owner. She has hopes of finding a way to freedom and becomes a spy for the rebels, but soon realizes that it is difficult to trust anyone. She chooses to find someone to help her no matter which side he or she is on. With short chapters, each beginning with a historical quote, this fast-paced novel reveals the heartache and struggles of a country and slave fighting for freedom. The characters are well developed, and the situations are realistic. An author's note gives insight into issues surrounding the Revolutionary War and the fight for the nation's freedom even though 20 percent of its people were in chains. Well researched and affecting in its presentation, the story offers readers a fresh look at the conflict and struggle of a developing nation.—Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD School Library Journal, A Reed Business Information Publication [1]
Kirkus Reviews, 09/01/2008
" 'Freedom and liberty' has many meanings," but enslaved Isabel knows that while Loyalists and Patriots battle for their own versions of freedom, she is "chained between two nations" that uphold slavery. She wonders, "If an entire nation could seek its freedom, why not a girl?" Anderson brilliantly recreates New York City in the summer of 1776, viewed through the eyes of a remarkable heroine. Taught to read by her previous owner, Isabel knows the Bible and has memorized poetry, and her eloquent first-person voice portrays her life as a slave even as she spies for the rebels, covertly delivers food to Bridewell Prison and plots her own escape. Readers will care deeply about Isabel and may feel frustrated by the abrupt ending to the novel, clearly poised for a sequel or two. While waiting, they can enjoy M.T. Anderson's The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation: Volume II, The Kingdom on the Waves, another superb take on the subject. (author's note) (Historical fiction. 10 & up) Copyright 2008, VNU Business Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved [1]
Publishers Weekly, 09/01/2008
Pursuing similar themes as M.T. Anderson's Octavian Nothing , this gripping novel offers readers a startlingly provocative view of the Revolutionary War. Isabel Finch, the narrator, and her five-year-old sister, Ruth, are to be freed from slavery upon the death of their mistress in Rhode Island, but the mistress's unscrupulous heir easily persuades the local pastor to dispense with reading the will. Before long Isabel and Ruth are in New York City, the property of a Loyalist couple, whose abusiveness inspires Isabel to a dangerous course: she steals into the Patriot army camp to trade a crucial Loyalist secret in exchange for passage to Rhode Island for herself and Ruth. But not only does the Patriot colonel fail to honor his promise, he personally hands her over to her Loyalist mistress when she runs away, to face disastrous consequences. Anderson (Speak ; Fever 1793 ) packs so much detail into her evocation of wartime New York City that readers will see the turmoil and confusion of the times, and her solidly researched exploration of British and Patriot treatment of slaves during a war for freedom is nuanced and evenhanded, presented in service of a fast-moving, emotionally involving plot. Ages 10–up. (Oct.) Publishers Weekly, A Reed Business Information Publication [1]
Connections:
Focusing on English Language Arts, students need to identify the plot, setting, main characteristics (protagonists and antagonists), main ideas, themes, climax, and the rising/falling action in Chains. Students should place their answers on 3x5 index cards to ensure organization; each index card indicating at the top whether the focus is plot, setting, etc. While performing this activity, students need to particular focus their attentions on understanding the main ideas and dilemmas Isabel and other characters encountered throughout the story, as well as, the climatic point of the novel. Students should support their choice of a climax with evidence and valid arguments as to why their climatic choice is indicative of the book. (This activity is from Chains: Decreasing Marginalization and Increasing Awareness--access more activities from: http://madwomanintheforest.com/pdfs/tg-chains-bilski.pdf ) [2]
Chains – Teacher Section
--Teacher’s Guide (download as PDF)
--Teacher’s Guide by Bilski
--Chains Reading Group Guide (download PDF)
--Inspiration for Chains
--How to put on a Colonial Tea
--Hands-on Activities & Social Action Projects
Other books by Laurie Halse Anderson [2]
Historical Thrillers: Fever 1793, Forge
Young Adult: Speak, Twisted, Wintergirls, Prom, Catalyst
Awards and Nominations: [2]
National Book Award Finalist
Pacific Northwest Young Reader's Choice Award
ALA Notable Children's Books
Bibliographies:
Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2010. chains. New York: Anthenum Books for Young Readers.
Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2008. Chains. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008. Book Index with Reviews, EBSCOhost (accessed July 29, 2011).
Citations:
[1] Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2008. Chains. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008. Book Index with Reviews, EBSCOhost (accessed July 29, 2011).
[2] Laurie Halse Anderson. http://madwomanintheforest.com/historical-chains/ (accessed July 30, 2011).
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