4 out of 4 stars
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Rapidan by Jeff Wallace is a historical fiction novel that delves into certain aspects of the Civil War. It especially deals with slavery and the Underground Railroad.
Captain John Holland, wounded in battle, has been moved to home of the Van Meer family for recovery. With time, they come to appreciate and feel for him. After a time, John’s superiors make the decision to remove him from the family home. The family members are accused of being spies. Not content to simply remove John from the premises, the family members are persecuted. Anna, the daughter, escapes prison and death. During his convalescence at their home, John had fallen in love with Anna. He disobeys military orders and goes in search of her. Can he locate her and save her before his superiors kill them both?
The Rapidan River in Virginia referenced in the story was a vital crossing point for the armies in the Civil War. The other historical facts are accurate and pertinent to the story. The author especially highlights the situation of the slaves. This theme is then expanded to include those who ran the Underground Railroad. The dangers they faced and the risks they undertook to get slaves to the North are presented in an understanding and thoughtful way.
I truly enjoyed the focus the author gave to the slaves and the Underground Railroad. He presents a side of this phenomenon that is rarely highlighted. The depictions of the army and their living conditions are also well done. The living condition of freed slaves is taken into account. And finally, the author presents in a clear and vivid way the social injustices which women in this time period confronted.
The conversations in this story were excellently done. The story is written in third person giving the reader a universal view of the motives and thinking of each individual. The mood was also appropriate to the plot. There is a swing between suspense and calm, tension and peace.
The only thing I did not like about the book was the frequent use of incomplete sentences. For example, on p. 6: “Surrounding Holland, the unfamiliar house and its creaks, knocks, and recurrent, bewildering sounds of scratching.” I understand that the author is using this as a literary device, but its excessive use became irritating.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The subject matter had been studied extensively and was true to historical facts. The story was interesting and engaging, including the insights into slavery, the Underground Railroad and the freed slaves. I would recommend this book to readers of historical fiction and students of history in general.
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Rapidan
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