Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

This is one of the books no one tells you about. This is one of those jewels hidden in the rough. This is a book about a struggle, a struggle to understand, a struggle for freedom, a struggle of everything. 5 out of 5 stars.

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
5 out of 5 stars
Published 10.21.08
Summary from Goodreads:
If an entire nation could seek its freedom, why not a girl?

As the Revolutionary War begins, thirteen-year-old Isabel wages her own fight...for freedom. Promised freedom upon the death of their owner, she and her sister, Ruth, in a cruel twist of fate become the property of a malicious New York City couple, the Locktons, who have no sympathy for the American Revolution and even less for Ruth and Isabel. When Isabel meets Curzon, a slave with ties to the Patriots, he encourages her to spy on her owners, who know details of British plans for invasion. She is reluctant at first, but when the unthinkable happens to Ruth, Isabel realizes her loyalty is available to the bidder who can provide her with freedom.

From acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson comes this compelling, impeccably researched novel that shows the lengths we can go to cast off our chains, both physical and spiritual.


How do I begin a review of a book that is, put simply, a masterpiece? Simple, by saying this review does not do it justice. Laurie Halse Anderson's novel is a novel that moves people. It's a novel that tells a heartbreakingly sad story. It's a novel that truly speaks. (Figuratively...)

Isabel is possibly the best character in the history of characters. She truly loves her younger sister, Ruth, to the point where she takes Ruth's blame. She's smart, which I absolutely admire. I love it when a main character is witty. She's brave and courageous, which is best of all. While she isn't perfect, she is the most realistic and real character yet.

Laurie Halse Anderson captured the scene perfectly. I could imagine New York perfectly, complete with the wigs on people and all. I could imagine the tension and conflict between Loyalists and the Rebels with ease. But most of all, I could see it through Isabel's eyes. To describe scenes this well is a skill only Laurie Halse Anderson has.

Chains is heartbreaking, I'll admit that. In fact, it's more than heartbreaking; it's tragic. But unfortunately, it's realistic. I love how the author wasn't afraid to make Chains sad. Throughout the whole entire book, I was just about ready to cry. In fact, I actually did.

But most of all, I loved the ending. Instead of writing an unrealistic happy ending, the author wrote an ending that offered hope. She wrote an ending full of chance and choice (if that makes sense...)
She made wrote it perfectly.