Chains (novel)
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Founded | October 21, 2008 |
| Founder | Laurie Halse Anderson |
| Products | Young-adult historical novel |
Chains, authored by Laurie Halse Anderson, is the inaugural book in the Seeds of America trilogy, a series of young-adult historical novels. It was released in the United States on October 21, 2008. The narrative centers on Isabel, a young African-American slave girl striving for emancipation amid the American Revolutionary War. Primarily set in New York City during 1776 to 1777—a period when slavery was still lawful in the Thirteen Colonies—the novel is followed by the sequels Forge (2010) and Ashes (2016).
Although a work of fiction, the story weaves in actual historical incidents such as the unsuccessful assassination attempt on George Washington, the fall of Fort Washington, and the impact of Thomas Paine's influential pamphlet Common Sense.
Synopsis
During the initial year of the Revolutionary War, Isabel and her younger sister Ruth, both enslaved, hope to gain freedom promised in their late owner’s will. However, their owner’s nephew doubts Isabel’s ability to read and write and sells them to a harsh couple, the Locktons, who relocate them from Newport to New York City. Isabel encounters Curzon, another enslaved individual who requests her help in spying on the Locktons, Loyalists suspected of plotting against the Patriots. Seeking liberty for herself and Ruth, Isabel consents.
Isabel uncovers Master Lockton’s scheme to bribe Patriots into switching sides and overhears plans to assassinate General George Washington. She informs Curzon and later reveals the conspiracy to Patriot soldiers. Although Lockton evades arrest, he leaves his wife in charge. When Ruth is sold off to the West Indies, Isabel challenges Madam Lockton but is imprisoned and branded with an "insolence" mark. Undeterred, she continues her espionage until discovering that the British promise freedom to slaves who join their cause.
After the British triumph at the Battle of Long Island, Lockton returns alongside occupying troops; some soldiers are quartered in their home. Isabel nurses Lady Seymour, Lockton’s ailing aunt, during a devastating city fire. She also visits Curzon—now imprisoned by the British at Bridewell Prison—by bribing guards. A bookstore owner provides her with Common Sense, which she reads while caring for Lady Seymour and collecting intelligence.
Madam Lockton uncovers Isabel’s spying activities and assaults her but discloses that Ruth is held captive in Charleston, South Carolina. Isabel escapes with a map and a pass identifying her as a freedwoman. She returns to Bridewell Prison, fakes Curzon’s death, and liberates him by smuggling him out concealed in a wheelbarrow. Together, they steal a rowboat to cross into New Jersey and prepare for an overland journey toward Charleston.
Isabel
Isabel serves as both protagonist and narrator. At thirteen years old, she is resolute in securing freedom for herself and her sister Ruth and returning to Rhode Island. Her resilience and ingenuity enable her to spy on Loyalists and devise an escape plan. Deeply devoted to Ruth, Isabel forms a close bond with Curzon, a slave working under Patriot Master Bellingham. Despite considerable danger, she supports Curzon during his imprisonment. When confronting Mrs. Lockton about Ruth’s fate leads to her being branded with an I for insolence, Isabel embraces this mark as part of her identity. During the Queen's Ball night, she seizes the chance to flee, taking Curzon along with her.
Ruth
Ruth, Isabel’s younger sister aged five and also enslaved, endures epilepsy which causes her to have frequent seizures. She is quiet and obedient, traits that earn her the favor of Mrs. Lockton, who prefers Ruth as her maid due to her compliant demeanor. Although Ruth occasionally displays stubbornness—such as when she insists on keeping her baby doll despite its confiscation—she remains fragile and reliant on Isabel. Partway through the narrative, Ruth is sold to a new owner in the West Indies.
The Locktons
The Lockton family, Loyalists by allegiance, own Isabel and Ruth for the majority of the novel and treat the sisters with cruelty.
Elihu Lockton (Master Lockton)
Elihu Lockton is a self-interested Loyalist who actively supports the British cause. He engages in bribery of rebel forces by hiding money in his wife’s linen chest, a secret uncovered by Isabel through her espionage. He also collaborates with fellow Loyalists in a plot to assassinate George Washington, which Isabel manages to expose. At home, he is abusive toward his wife and enforces strict obedience from all under his authority.
Anne Lockton (Madam Lockton)
As the main antagonist in Chains and Elihu’s wife, Anne Lockton is a Loyalist though less passionate than her husband. She abuses Isabel both physically and psychologically, refusing to address her by name and insisting Isabel call her Madam. Her cruelty is highlighted when she brands Isabel as punishment for defiance. Anne shows preference for Ruth, whom she sees as more submissive than Isabel. She is impatient and quick to blame Isabel for any problems, even trivial ones like misplacing a dog statue. Anne expresses relief when her husband’s aunt, Lady Seymour, recovers from an illness.
Curzon
Curzon is a slave belonging to the Patriot Mr. Bellingham who supports American independence. He encourages Isabel to gather intelligence from the Locktons by spying on them for critical political information. Unlike many who join the Patriot army seeking freedom, Curzon fights out of loyalty to the cause despite risking imprisonment. He remains a loyal friend to Isabel, affectionately calling her "Country," and assists her in striving for freedom for herself and Ruth.
Lady Seymour
Lady Seymour, Elihu Lockton’s aunt, is notably compassionate toward enslaved individuals. She warmly receives Isabel and provides care such as food and medical attention after Isabel’s branding. Isabel returns this kindness by aiding Lady Seymour’s escape from burning buildings during the Great Fire of New York. Lady Seymour further helps Isabel escape from the Locktons’ household and gives her money to support her survival as a fugitive slave. Among Lady Seymour’s treasured belongings is a portrait of her husband.
Miss Mary Finch
Before their sale to the Locktons, Isabel and Ruth were owned by Miss Mary Finch. Upon Finch’s death, the sisters were sold off. Finch had promised them freedom in her will and was considered a kinder owner who treated slaves with respect and taught Isabel literacy skills.
Robert Finch
Robert Finch, Miss Mary Finch’s nephew and only relative, challenges Miss Mary’s will by claiming it was only verbal and therefore invalid. He asserts ownership over Isabel and Ruth following Miss Mary’s death and sells them to the Locktons while confiscating all their possessions, including Ruth’s cherished doll.
Mr. Bellingham
A devoted patriot and Curzon's employer, Mr. Bellingham evades military duty by hiring Curzon to serve in his place, offering him freedom if he joins the Rebel forces.
Angelika
Lady Seymour’s servant who speaks Dutch and tends to Isabel’s wounds after she is branded with an "I" for insolence; however, she shows no desire to learn English.
Becky
A maid working in the Lockton residence who frequently supports Isabel amid Mrs. Lockton’s severe treatment. Becky provides guidance on navigating household rules and cautions Isabel by sharing stories of previous punishments endured by slaves.
Grandfather
An aged African-American slave known as "Grandfather," he holds a respected position among the slaves gathering water at the Tea Water Pump and keeps abreast of war-related news.
Colonel Regan
Serving under Mr. Bellingham, Colonel Regan emerges as a possible supporter in Isabel’s attempt to regain custody of herself and her sister. She entrusts him with a list of conspirators plotting to assassinate General George Washington. Though he initially pledges assistance, he later rejects Isabel when she seeks help after escaping Mrs. Lockton.
Captain Morse
Officer in charge of war detainees at Fort Washington, Captain Morse appoints Isabel as a courier between military personnel. He treats her with kindness and allows her to deliver food to Curzon, who is held prisoner there.
Captain Farrar
A military official who hands Isabel a note demanded by Mrs. Lockton upon discovering Isabel’s involvement with the rebels. Isabel destroys the note to prevent Mrs. Lockton from reading it.
Pastor Weeks
The clergyman who officiates at the funeral of Isabel’s parents and aids Isabel in finding a safer environment where she might experience some measure of happiness despite remaining enslaved.
Old Ben
Pastor Weeks’ horse that pulled the wagon carrying Miss Mary Finch’s pine coffin at the beginning of the story.
Momma (Dinah)
Mother to Isabel and Ruth, who died young from pox. Before being sold to the Locktons, Isabel secretly takes some of her mother’s seeds.
Jenny
A tavern worker where Isabel and Ruth were sold; she has fair skin with freckles and a large build. Jenny was friends with Dinah during their indenture under their former owner.
Papa
Isabel and Ruth’s father, husband to Dinah, marked with tribal scars from Africa. Near the story’s conclusion, while confined in the potato bin, Isabel compares her own scar to his.
Literary elements
The book comprises 45 chapters numbered using Roman numerals, each accompanied by event dates beneath the chapter number. Every chapter begins with excerpts from historical documents—letters, newspapers, Common Sense, the Declaration of Independence, and statements from leaders—offering background that frames Isabel’s struggles.
Honors
- Chosen by Indie Booksellers for the Winter 2008 Kid's List
- Booklist Editor's Choice: Books for Youth 2008
- Finalist for the National Book Award in 2008
- Included in IRA Teacher's Choices booklist in 2009
- Awarded the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction in 2009
- Recognized among Top 10 Black History Books for Youth in 2009
- Honored with the Notable Children's Book Award by the Association of Library Service to Children in 2009
Bibliography
- Anderson, Laurie Halse. Chains. Simon & Schuster, 2008. ISBN 978-1-4169-0586-8
External links
- Chains (novel)