This is the third book in Ann’s Quaker
trilogy of which No Shame No fear and Forged in the Fire precede it but like
all good stories it can stand alone.
This novel focuses on Josiah, the
rebellious teenage son of Will and Susanna. It begins in London
The
family are planning on leaving for the new world, they receive a letter from a
family friend: ‘This new colony of Pennsylvania Eden
Josiah is relieved to go as it will free
his family from persecution and he would not have to ‘feign indifference’ about
his Quaker faith.
As the family sail towards freedom another
ship follows in their wake and on it is Jokpa, an African boy who along with
three hundred others has just lost his freedom. His name is changed to Anthony and
he is sold to a Quaker family in Barbados
Jos finds himself apprenticed to a Quaker
merchant, George Bainbrigg. He finds the work stimulating and finds himself
falling for Bainbrigg’s daughter, Katharine.
Jokpa too finds love with Miata.
When Anthony and Jos’s paths collide in Barbados
The story is written with clarity and a
pace that slowly builds and captivates. You have to read on to find out what
happens to the characters. There is a strong sense of time and place. The
beautiful prose coils around your heart and the themes of justice and
conscience linger long after you have finished reading.
Seeking Return to REVIEWS HOMEPAGE
1 comment:
Sounds a strong historical novel for teens, Lynda, with lots of interest - although I am now puzzled about why taking the slaves to the Meeting House was dangerous and reckless. Perhaps I'll just have to read Seeking Eden to find out?
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