I close the pages of my book and stare, once again, at the cover of The Mapmaker's Children.  I run my hand over the front, smoothing out any imperfections. And then I release a long sigh of satisfaction. What an amazing story! I sit and ponder all of the research Sarah McCoy must have done in order to tell the story of Sarah Brown, daughter of American abolitionist, John Brown. I felt like it deserved my undivided attention. I read at a slower pace, savoring the story that unfolded. I enjoyed the Little Women vibe it often evoked with me. When I read stories like this, I'm reminded why historical fiction is my favorite genre. McCoy does a brilliant job combining fact with fiction and I was easily transported back to an America divided by slavery, an America that was once North and South, divided by cruelty, greed, race, and hatred. During it all, the character of Sarah Brown remained devoted, loyal, and heroic in her beliefs and through her tireless efforts with the Under Ground Railroad. I was captivated by this portion of McCoy's novel. I found myself looking up real historical dates associated with the story and astonished at the accuracies. Of course, all authors take liberties with facts, trying to piece together bits and pieces, conversations, and relationships. McCoy is believable here, weaving a story that left me heartbroken for Sarah, her family, and those she loved and desperately tried to protect. Sarah Brown was a woman to be admired. She sacrificed so much, often risking her life. 

 

The Mapmaker's Children is told in past and present. I'm not normally crazy about these kind of tales but it works. The stories merge nicely, finding a common thread. Eden Anderson is the main character in the present day story. Initially, I had a hard time identifying with Eden. She's the complete polar opposite of Sarah Brown. Eden faces difficulties in her life with anger, resentment, and an accusing tone. She's very bitter. She could learn a lot from Sarah Brown. And she will! I enjoyed the way the two stories tied in. Very creative and clever! Even a little spooky. Overall, I would recommend this book. I think this book will become a historical fiction fave for all but be prepared to have your heart broken along the way. 

 

*Super special thanks to Sarah McCoy for sending me this incredible book through the AuthorBuzz Shelf Awareness Giveaway. Sarah, you sure know how to package a book. One fun surprise after the other! I promise, I was in no way swayed or bribed. I genuinely liked this book. 

 

 

 

It always pleases me to read historical fiction done right. The Mapmaker’s Children  by Sarah Mc Coy is extremely well done and interesting.

 

In this novel, Mc Coy introduces the reader to Sarah Brown the daughter of the abolitionist John Brown. While the author took liberties, her extensive three years of research establish the foundation for this remarkable story.

 

Sarah Brown was an artist and an activist that clearly was involved in the Under Ground Railroad. She never married but her love for children fostered a lot of her actions both in the South and later when she relocated to California.

 

Mc Coy’s story imagines a link to a modern day woman named Eden. Her life crisis evolves around the fact that she is unable to become pregnant. While she and her husband struggle to cope with this issue, they move to New Charlestown, VA and buy a house in a neighborhood historically tied to Sarah Brown and the Civil War.

In alternating chapters, the past and the present weave together. Historical facts about the UGRR (Under Ground Rail Road) as well as the personalities involved in it’s success are delivered seamlessly throughout the novel.

 

This reader can never get enough of historical fiction especially when it is written in the in this period of history. Thank you, Blogging for Books for providing me with the book for review. I encourage followers of historical fiction not to let this one pass. It is well worth the read.

The Mapmaker's Children

by Sarah McCoy

Hardcover, 320 pages

publisher Crown Publishing

ISBN 0385348909 (ISBN 13: 978038534804)

EXPECTED PUBLISHING DATE: 5th May 2015

 

The Mapmaker's Children is a definite must read. Sarah Brown, daughter of abolitionist John Brown, has a gift for artwork. After her father is hung, she continues to support the Underground Railroad by making maps for runaway slaves to follow. 150 years later, Eden and her husband move into a historic home and find an antique doll's head. Unable to bear children, Eden takes an interest in the house and tries to get it listed on a historical house registry. Sara McCoy brilliantly weaves the two stories into one, without leaving the reader confused. She took real life characters from the 1860's and realistically gives them life. Her 2014 characters are also well developed and likable. The story flows very well and leaves the reader into wanting to learn more of the history of the Underground Railroad and the Abolitionist Movement.
I would definitely recommend this to adults, young adults, and teachers wanting to spark their students into wanting to learn more about this time in history.

***This book was received through a Goodreads Giveaway offered by the publisher, Crown Publishing.***

 

I can't say this was the most exciting book but I did enjoy all the intrigue.
I got a little aggravated with Prudence. (I understand that the times were changing but they hadn't completely yet.) Prudence seemed a little too entitled to me. I understand that she was raised with the Buxton girls but it seemed a little overboard considering that she knew her mother was a maid/governess.
I also didn't like everyone placing all the blame on Rowena for everything. What was she supposed to do? I don't understand everyone's dislike for her. I mean, women still had no real voice. They were fighting to change that but it it hadn't changed yet. So, what was she supposed to do? Try to live with no home, no money, no rights, and raise Prudence and Victoria? I felt like she got the shafted. Her uncle lets out the house and some how it's her fault? It just showed how childish Prudence and Victoria were. Especially since Rowena felt so guilty and responsible for things she had no control over and they continued to blame her.
Victoria. What to say about this one? I really have no idea. I mean, she was unimportant until the end.
Overall, I'm curious to see what happens with the girls in the next book but I want the actual book so I can skim over the boring details about the house, decorations, and dresses.

This "very short introduction" was fine. One point it hammered home was that there is a historical connection between high wages and growth. That came up repeatedly. Another interesting idea for me was that without the Industrial Revolution, without growth, without, I guess, consumerism, a lot of us would work hard just to subsist. The book gave me a good impression of how various factors interact and why some nations have been more successful than others. Folks, education is much more important than the military. Likewise, giving the so called job creators too big a piece of the pie is good for them in the short term, but not good for long term prosperity. It's bad for everyone in the long term...