The Last Runaway

ByTracy Chevalier

Release Date: 2013-01-08
Genre: Historical Fiction

Score: 4

From 592 Ratings

Description

New York Times bestselling author of Girl With a Pearl Earring and At the Edge of the Orchard Tracy Chevalier makes her first fictional foray into the American past in The Last Runaway, bringing to life the Underground Railroad and illuminating the principles, passions and realities that fueled this extraordinary freedom movement.

Honor Bright, a modest English Quaker, moves to Ohio in 1850—only to find herself alienated and alone in a strange land. Sick from the moment she leaves England, and fleeing personal disappointment, she is forced by family tragedy to rely on strangers in a harsh, unfamiliar landscape. Nineteenth-century America is practical, precarious, and unsentimental, and scarred by the continuing injustice of slavery. In her new home Honor discovers that principles count for little, even within a religious community meant to be committed to human equality.

However, Honor is drawn into the clandestine activities of the Underground Railroad, a network helping runaway slaves escape to freedom, where she befriends two surprising women who embody the remarkable power of defiance. Eventually she must decide if she too can act on what she believes in, whatever the personal costs.

Reviews

The last runaway
2
By ecdu
Not an interesting book, very dull. Always waiting to see what it is about- waste of time.
The Last Runaway
5
By Disappointed grannie
I really liked the book. As a quilter I enjoyed all the history about the different quilt patterns and techniques. The way Tracy intertwined the story with the struggle of the slaves fleeing the southern states and seeking freedom in the north was riveting. It showed us what a dangerous time it was for all and how some people would risk everything to help their fellow man.
Wonderful
5
By Merrie29
From beginning to end, loved it. What a story of a woman 150 years ago who had the courage to stand for her convictions!
Gavinsgramm
5
By Gavinsgramm
This book is well-written and kept me reading non-stop. This story, from start to finish, makes you stop and think if we could be as strong and courageous as Honor was. I have read all of Tracy's books and they never disappoint!
The last runaway
5
By Swa05
Tracy writes as if you are with her in the moment. She takes you to places and helps you live it. I have enjoyed every one of her books, so much so that I have reread them often. This one will not disappoint.