The Freedom Maze: A Novel by Delia Sherman - LTER September 2011
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1gildedspine
This is the type of book that makes me want to smack myself - mainly because I've had it loaded and ready to read for so long, and completely overlooked it. By now, you've probably gotten the idea that I enjoy historical fantasy. That's an understatement. I adore historical fantasy.
(That's why I'm writing one, but that's beside the point.)
The Freedom Maze is a time-traveling adventure, but not the sugar-coated, carefully distant and sans dabbling in the past fare that you've probably had in the past. Sophie, a repressed, henpecked thirteen-year-old who has always considered herself the average white girl, is in for a surprise when she's sent back in time by a mischievous "duppy" (spirit)...and becomes a slave.
It's always been imprinted in her mind that being part of her long, grand family is a privilege. But now, on the wrong side of the family tree, Sophie is able to see firsthand the sickening side of slavery. It was this aspect of the story that makes me feel as though (despite the lack of graphic information) this book is suited for late middle-grade and early YA, rather than any younger readers.
Slave girls being assaulted by their masters is a harsh truth of what went on during the golden days of the South. There were much worse conclusions than what Sherman seamlessly turns around into a happy ending (thankfully for me, because as much as I love cold, hard facts, I was really attached to Sophie and her extended family - well, some of them at least). It's a truth that is not often touched upon, and I appreciate that an author actually took that in hand, instead of choosing the sweeping skirts and romance of Southern Belles a la Scarlett O' Hara.
Warnings: Some trigger subjects, especially if you grew up during the Civil Rights Movement/are descended from former slaves yourself. If you really want to share this with a younger reader, be sure to prepare them before-hand. That's my personal opinion.
Final verdict: There is a happy ending - and, on Sophie's part, a hopeful one. Just keep that in mind before you decide not to read it.
(That's why I'm writing one, but that's beside the point.)
The Freedom Maze is a time-traveling adventure, but not the sugar-coated, carefully distant and sans dabbling in the past fare that you've probably had in the past. Sophie, a repressed, henpecked thirteen-year-old who has always considered herself the average white girl, is in for a surprise when she's sent back in time by a mischievous "duppy" (spirit)...and becomes a slave.
It's always been imprinted in her mind that being part of her long, grand family is a privilege. But now, on the wrong side of the family tree, Sophie is able to see firsthand the sickening side of slavery. It was this aspect of the story that makes me feel as though (despite the lack of graphic information) this book is suited for late middle-grade and early YA, rather than any younger readers.
Slave girls being assaulted by their masters is a harsh truth of what went on during the golden days of the South. There were much worse conclusions than what Sherman seamlessly turns around into a happy ending (thankfully for me, because as much as I love cold, hard facts, I was really attached to Sophie and her extended family - well, some of them at least). It's a truth that is not often touched upon, and I appreciate that an author actually took that in hand, instead of choosing the sweeping skirts and romance of Southern Belles a la Scarlett O' Hara.
Warnings: Some trigger subjects, especially if you grew up during the Civil Rights Movement/are descended from former slaves yourself. If you really want to share this with a younger reader, be sure to prepare them before-hand. That's my personal opinion.
Final verdict: There is a happy ending - and, on Sophie's part, a hopeful one. Just keep that in mind before you decide not to read it.
