I have once again had the opportunity to read and review a book, this month one titled River to Redemption by Ann H. Gabhart. The description of this book drew me in from the moment I read it- "Orphaned in the cholera epidemic of 1833, Adria Starr was cared for by a slave named Louis, a man who passed up the opportunity to escape his bondage and instead tended to the sick and buried the dead. A man who, twelve years later, is being sold by his owners despite his heroic actions. Now nineteen, Adria has never forgotten what Louis did for her. She's determined to find a way to buy Louis's freedom. But in 1840s Kentucky, she'll need all of the courage and strength she possesses- an more." (back of book).
I thought this story sounded interesting, but I didn't realize at the time that it was actually based on true events. Louis, his heroic efforts, and his eventual freedom were all true. The author took liberties to imagine how his freedom might have happened, but the gist of the story was historical. I really appreciated this, when I got to the end and realized it!
The book itself was a decent read. It was rather slow at times, and in a way felt anti-climactic, but it was a good plot and the author carried it well. While I generally find books to be predictable, I found myself surprised at different areas of this novel. This is unusual, and I like it!
So really, if you are a fan of historical fiction, you should read this book. It's well written and -I feel, anyway- historically accurate.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
