Alice B. reviewed on 4/2/2018 + 3563 more book reviews

little-known aspect of the American Revolution comes alive in this absorbing novel set in 1775. Elspeth Monro and her grandparents recently moved from Scotland to North Carolina to escape the poverty and political instability of their homeland and are forced to choose sides in the brewing conflict. Elspeth tries to live a normal life, spending time with friends and learning to become a weaver. However, local Patriots continually confront the members of her family, using scare tactics to try and persuade her grandfather and cousins to join their cause. Even more disturbing, the Patriots seem able to anticipate the family members' whereabouts, suggesting that someone is spying on them. This well-told story has an intriguing plot, and details about the Scottish settlers and life in the Colonies are carefully integrated into the narrative. The element of mystery keeps readers guessing and the family's betrayer is truly a surprise. Each character is three-dimensional, with complex reasons motivating his or her behavior. A helpful section with information about the time period rounds out the description of this unique segment of history.

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