4 out of 4 stars
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Bravery and the horrors of modern day slavery are the primary themes in James Callan’s A Silver Medallion. This fictional account draws attention to the real problem we have in the United States with people being brought in from Mexico under false pretenses. Callan draws you into a web involving international criminals and the efforts they will make to maintain their power and their wealth.
A Silver Medallion is cast with interesting and realistic characters. Rosa is a slave who has escaped from a wealthy and powerful Dallas executive, Hudson Blackwood. She finds herself out in the country, hiding on Eula’s land, where she is discovered by Eula and her granddaughter, Crystal. Rosa shares her story with Eula and Crystal. She describes how she got to Dallas, as well as the threats of what would happen to her husband, back in Mexico, if she escapes. She also shares that there are two other slaves being held at Blackwood’s home. All of this galvanizes Crystal to save them, but she has no idea what that will really take.
Crystal makes contact with one of the slaves being held at Blackwood’s home, setting off a chain of events spanning two countries. Crystal’s goal is to free Lucita and reunite her with her children, who are being held captive in Mexico. Juan Grande, a Mexican who Crystal is put in touch with, is a mastermind in figuring out the Mexican slaveholders weaknesses. However, is it possible to stand up to one of the most powerful men in Dallas? Blackwood is determined to stop Crystal and will stop at nothing, including killing her. As others become involved, can anyone survive? The villains and the courageous souls in this story span will do anything to thwart each other’s efforts.
Knowing as much as I personally know about modern day slavery, this book really touched my heart in so many ways. Callan is able to demonstrate the seriousness of the situation in his fictional account. However, it would have been better if he would have included some resources for people to follow up with, as people do need to know more about what they can do to help with this very real problem. Especially if they did not realize that is a real modern day problem.
The only other weakness in the book was an odd subplot involving Crystal and a former professor, Dr. Krupe. At one point, Dr. Krupe had used one of Crystal’s papers, without her permission, and wanted to continue to do so again, with her permission. Occasionally, there is a diversion from the main story to this subplot. I never really understood the point of including the subplot.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. A Silver Medallion truly demonstrates the horrors of modern slavery, in a way that makes one want to do whatever they can to stop it. At times, it makes one cry, it makes one nauseous, it makes one smile, and above all, it makes one truly gracious for the brave people in our world.
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A Silver Medallion
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