Chains

BOOK NAME: Chains
AUTHOR: Laurie Halse Anderson

Chains takes place during the Revolutionary War, a time in history when we were trying to make our own country. This is a story about one particular African slave, Isabel, who fights unfair circumstances and treatment. During these trying times, she questions herself and her life, and has many doubts. Isabel lives with her owner and is set to be freed upon the owner’s death. However, she is sold to cruel, unpleasant people who are loyal to the British. Since this story takes place in New York City while the war is happening, Isabel has a front row seat to lots of action. She faces much danger, but does her part to fight for both her freedom and that of her new country.

One time as a punishment, she is given a scar on her cheek in the shape of the letter S. The S stands for insolence and it causes her much humiliation. But after all her trials, she begins to take pride in the letter and says it really stands for Isabel. The story ends with a surprise, so I wont’ give it away, but I can tell you to never give up! I learned from Isabel that there is always hope, even in the bleakest situations. In fact, hope may be the only thing you have to get you through difficult times.

I really like historical fiction because you get a better insight as to the issues people faced during a specific time period. In Chains, you can better appreciate the horrors of both slavery and war. I also chose this book because it was nominated for the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award and these books are always a good read. This is one of the better books I’ve read, so I really wanted to stay up all night to finish it. I think everyone should read this book to see the mistakes of the past so we can avoid making them in the future.

Comments

escape2books
May 23, 2011, 1:48 pm

For anyone who likes this book there is a sequal called Forge.

This sequel to Chains opens with Curzon, an enslaved teen who was freed from prison by Isabel, recalling his escape and anticipating the future. After an argument with Isabel about where they should go next, the 15-year-old battles the British at Saratoga and winters in Valley Forge with the Patriots. He reveals many details of the conditions endured by the soldiers during the winter of 1777-1778, including the limited food supply, lack of adequate shelter, and tattered clothing. When Curzon and Isabel meet again, they have both been captured and must devise a plan of escape once again. While the Patriots are fighting for the freedom of a country, these young people must fight for their personal freedom. This sequel can be read alone but readers will benefit from reading the first book, which develops the characters and reveals events leading up to the winter at Valley Forge.
ballerinagirl
May 24, 2011, 9:56 am

OK I am a historical fiction fan , i love it . and allot of people t hink its boring but if you read the right historical fiction book a its just as exciting if not more so than an adventure book . and you learn cool info . like ive read about the holocost ,midevil times , the, revolutionary war ,the civil waar , labor union strikes , worl dwar one and 2 . the french revolution , and it goes on an on the japanese shoggun . and i ve read bookks from all over the worl india china , russia , and th e list goes on and on i would read this book . the americans were fighting for freedom when they wouldnt give freedom to those they held in oppresion .peace out ballerinagirl , 13
Chris13
May 24, 2011, 10:36 am

this book is cool
hayleelyn
May 24, 2011, 10:36 am

it sounds like a interesting book i mite read it some day or to day ill see if they have it in the libray maybe.
sembalion
May 24, 2011, 4:39 pm

i would’nt mind reading this……….perhaps i can get my mom to let me read this book………….
starburst271
May 24, 2011, 6:45 pm

I think sounds interesting.I don’t read alot of historical ficton, so I’ll keep a lookout for it.
lapai
May 25, 2011, 2:44 pm

I think this book sounds like a really good read, I hope to get it in the libery.
triplenine
May 26, 2011, 6:21 pm

yea i hope its in the library! I only read historic if its good and i think chains pretty good!
bj_10
May 30, 2011, 1:21 pm

I’ve read this book before and i LOVE it!!! I’m so glad you did a review on it , it’s a really great read. There is a sequel called Forge which, needless to say, is awesome too. I cant wait for the third book called Ashes to come out later this year.
poppo99
May 31, 2011, 11:59 am

Ive GOT to read this!
bookworm232
June 4, 2011, 7:31 pm

I would love to read this if I can get the chance. Thanks for blogging it – I really like historical fiction!
Marshiemouse
August 5, 2011, 3:54 pm

Chains is a very good Book
book worm
August 9, 2011, 8:23 pm

I loved this book! Can’t wait to read the sequel!
Saphira
August 10, 2011, 11:29 am

books are d only way i can understnd history…i kinda like d luk of tht buk…
Wolfheart
October 20, 2011, 1:48 pm

This book is so sweet and sad…. Im in a group home, and that’s one of the books i’ve read since i’ve been here. It really inspired me to keep looking ahead, not back.
naynay
April 30, 2012, 8:48 am

sounds like a juicy book . I can’t wait to get my hands on this book!
sluggy
May 27, 2012, 6:27 pm

My teacher has this book in our classroom… I think I will read it soon.
cleansky52
July 1, 2012, 8:30 pm

The Best book ever made also it it is kinda of sad but every one needs to read it!!!
zoenightshade12
August 21, 2012, 6:20 pm

This book is AMAZING!!!! Don’t read it if you are looking for something fairytale-ish. Chains shows the harsh reality of being a young slave during the mid 1770s. Given what Isabel went through, she was basically a target for unfortunate events. There are also a lot of parts where if you asked yourself ‘what if’ questions Isabel’s story would be completely different in a good way. It is really sad, but it’s part of a series, so we’ll see what happens……

~zoe