Where Freedom Rings: A Tale of The Underground Railroad by Steven Donahue: A Book Review

Where Freedom Rings: A Tale of The Underground Railroad
Author: Steven Donahue
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: CreateSpace
Release Date: 2015
Pages: 192
Source: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review
Synopsis: The thrilling story of four slaves who try to escape to the northern area of the United States along the Underground Railroad in 1853. Kelsa Colver leads her husband and two young sons on the dangerous trek after a fellow slave is murdered by a vindictive slave owner. Along the way, the Colvers are assisted by various abolitionists, including a neighboring farmer, a progressive priest, a sympathetic lawman, and notable figures Harriet Tubman and William Still. However, their efforts are impeded by a dark family secret, and the interventions of a corrupt clergyman, vicious outlaws and greedy slave hunters.

     My review: This story tells of a slave family as they try to escape the South to find freedom in the North. Kelsa is a slave on the plantation with her husband and two children, but they are treated cruelly and with hate. When a new slave on the plantation talks about running away, Kelsa begins to dream of finding freedom herself. She and her family soon escapes through the Underground Railroad, but as they flee they know that danger is everywhere, even if they reach their destination in the North. Soon she begins to realize that her dreams of freedom is an illusion as she begins to understand her reality.

     Kelsa is the main character in the story, and it is told from her point of view. She is very idealistic, but over time she becomes a realist. She dreams of having a farm with her husband and that her sons would be free of bondage. Her dream of freedom is what she wants most, and she is willing to risk everything, including the lives of her family to have it. She is very courageous and strong-willed. It is clear that she is the leader of the family because everyone follows her decisions. She is intelligent, for she is literate. She is a compassionate mother, and she educates her sons and teaches them to read. Kelsa is a tough character, and it is through her strength that is the foundation of their family and what keeps them together as they flee to the North.

     Overall, this book is about family and sacrifice. It also questions the meaning of freedom. This book was a very thrilling read. It has action and suspense at every corner that I couldn’t stop reading to find out what would happen next. I was rooting for Kelsa and her family that I wanted them to find their freedom in the North. The reading was also very emotional because the family went through a lot of hardships. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the Underground Railroad and the abolitionist movement.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Here is the official book trailer to the book, Where Freedom Rings: