Isaac’s only friend is a passenger pigeon named Bandy. He deludes
himself in believing the bird talks to him. Bullied, he is resigned to a
life of being the misunderstood bookworm by neighboring boys until a
disastrous fire kills his parents and little sisters, sparing only his
younger brother, Thomas. He and Thomas are taken in by their Uncle
Raymond, an abolitionist, who plans to send Isaac to Virginia to buy
Joy, a young slave with debilitating health, from her slave owner, Wil
Jericho. Shortly after arriving in Virginia, Isaac learns the ugly
truth. The butler who accompanied him on the journey killed his uncle
before leaving and plans to do the same to Isaac to steal Raymond’s
estate.
Isaac, with Joy, escape into the backwoods of Virginia.
Discovering passages of the Underground Railroad, stowing away in
carriages, hiding in churches, and outwitting the mercenaries hired by
Jericho, the two teens fight tooth and nail to make it to Boston before
they’re caught. Will Joy be taken from this life by sickness before
she’s found freedom? On their journey, they learn a lot about each
other. Isaac promises to bring Joy to Bandy's pond, a heavenly place
where peace and serenity reign.
About the author
Craig R. Hipkins grew up in Hubbardston Massachusetts. He is the author of medieval and gothic fiction. His novel Adalbert is the sequel to Astrolabe written by his late twin brother Jay S. Hipkins (1968-2018)
He is an avid long distance runner and enjoys astronomy in his spare time.
Review
Winner of the Readers' Favorite Gold Medal
Craig
R Hipkins' Bandy is a breathtaking work that kept me glued from the
beginning till the end. The narration is wonderful, and the characters
are particularly well-constructed. I was too quick to judge Raymond, but
Craig soon made me change my attitude toward him. Old Moses is yet
another marvelous character who leaves a lasting impact despite being
there for a rather brief time. Joy and Isaac, though young, put up a
brilliant fight, and their bravery, resilience, and determination are
indeed inspirational. I especially love how Craig shows the power of
kindness through the interactions between these two and one of the
hunters in the woods. In this, there is a lesson for everyone. I would
recommend this book to readers aged twelve and above. -Readers' Favorite 5- Star Review
The Underground Railroad and a Passenger Pigeon - an Editorial Review of "Bandy"
Hipkins'
storytelling is nothing short of genius, weaving a narrative that
balances sadness with hope, loneliness with companionship, and darkness
with newfound light. The descriptions of landscapes, historical details,
and emotional nuances evoke a strong sense of time and place. The
pacing is excellent, too - each chapter propels the story forward with
suspenseful encounters, heartfelt dialogue, and unexpected alliances
that keep the narrative engaging.
Young
readers will discover meaningful lessons conveyed through truly
exceptional storytelling. Hipkins masterfully presents the inequities of
slavery through the eyes of children, offering a poignant perspective
that resonates deeply. "Bandy" is a testament to the resilience of the
human spirit and the power of friendship during times of the greatest
inequality.
The
writing in "Bandy" is both engaging and enlightening, treating its
subjects with honesty and respect. This novel champions the underdog in
society and those who face challenges or are different in some way.
Hipkins infuses the narrative with heart and emotion, leading readers on
a poignant journey that culminates in a satisfying conclusion. This is
definitely a book that will leave a lasting impact on its audience.
Perhaps
Hipkins's greatest accomplishment lies in his ability to craft a story
that is simultaneously complex and accessible, appealing to readers of
all ages. He delivers a richly textured narrative filled with adventure,
emotion, and profound insights - overall, a delightful read that
provides a window into history while delivering an entertaining story.
It's a recommended choice for anyone interested in historical fiction
with depth and excitement.
*********The Historical Fiction Company**********
From the Author
Winner of the 2024 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal.
Winner of the 2024 Barrie Gold Medal from the Historical Fiction Company.
Content Rating
Violence: There is some violence as Isaac defends Joy from the slavers trying to take her back. Also, Isaac kills a man in self defense.
Adult Content: None
Language: No F bombs. There are a few instances of the word ‘damn’ but that is about it.
Religious or Moral: It is Christian. Isaac and Joy are given temporary sanctuary in a church. Isaac’s creed is honor and courage and doing what is morally right. It is the theme of the book.
Drug Content: No drugs but there is one scene where the bad guy literally forces Isaac to drink wine.
No comments:
Post a Comment