alexisdpatt's review
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
“Forge” by Laurie Halse Anderson ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Forge” is the second novel in the Seeds of America trilogy. Unlike “Chains,” “Forge” is told from the perspective of Curzon, a slave boy that Isabel befriended during her time in New York.
“Forge” mostly covers the the time frame and conditions during the 1778 Valley Forge winter encampment. Because this is middle grade, there is a lot left to be desired when it comes to the absolute brutality of Valley Forge. Although malnutrition and exposure to the elements are discussed, the horrors of disease, especially smallpox, is missing. This is kind of a let down given the disturbing depiction of the POW prison in “Chains.”
Since this novel is told from the perspective of Curzon, I would argue that it can actually stand on its own outside of the larger narrative. You do get the feeling of being a bit left out from Isabel’s story—though I suspect the reasoning behind that might be more adult than middle grade from the subtext.
All that’s left is to read “Ashes” and give my thought on the series as a whole.
kelliepalmer's review against another edition
3.0
More like a 3.5. I wish Goodreads would give me .5 rating options. I liked that it was Curzon's point of view in this part of the story. I have enjoyed this series so far, getting into the minds of slaves. Makes me wonder how close these thoughts and actions of the characters are true to life.
rosejoy's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
mommyhale's review against another edition
4.0
I love the Historical look at Valley Forge through the eyes of Curzon. I think I connected to the first book because it was told from Isabel's point of view, and I really wanted her feelings expressed. I have a feeling the third book will be through the eyes of Ruth, the little sister and missing third main character.
demottar's review against another edition
4.0
Such a wonderful followup to Chains! Forge felt heavier and more grounded in research than Chains, and I connected more with Curzon's account than Isabel's. This book reminded me of all the reasons why historical fiction was always my favorite genre growing up - I could learn about an event or place in history while also learning about human nature. Laurie Halse Anderson is a master of simplicity in story, and her words jump off the page with honesty and authenticity. I love that she began each chapter with epigraphs that focused the direction of the chapters, without revealing too much of where she was going.
The history of the encampment at Valley Forge touched my heart helped me see a familiar area with renewed eyes. While still for a younger YA audience (4th or 5th grade) Forge offers valuable insights into the trials of the soldiers encamped at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-1778 and the strength and growth of the American Revolution.
The history of the encampment at Valley Forge touched my heart helped me see a familiar area with renewed eyes. While still for a younger YA audience (4th or 5th grade) Forge offers valuable insights into the trials of the soldiers encamped at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-1778 and the strength and growth of the American Revolution.
christiek's review against another edition
3.0
I was not particularly connected to this book while I was reading it, but when I was done and mulled it over I decided I liked it more.
I think it suffers from being a series book that assumes you recently read the book before. I read Chains a while ago and didn't remember much. I didn't feel like this book did much to help jog my memory. I think it is the author's job to refresh my memory and not my job to have read the previous installment recently enough to remember.
I think it suffers from being a series book that assumes you recently read the book before. I read Chains a while ago and didn't remember much. I didn't feel like this book did much to help jog my memory. I think it is the author's job to refresh my memory and not my job to have read the previous installment recently enough to remember.
sdsweeney56's review against another edition
2.0
Barely remember, serviceable kids history book. 5.6
lazygal's review against another edition
3.0
Given that this is the second in a trilogy, the book doesn't really suffer from "middle child" syndrome: the backstory is filled in in drips and drabs (but you could get by without having read Chains) and the ending is semi-cliffhangery, so you could use your imagination to plot Isabel and Curzon's future without feeling compelled to buy Ashes.
The horrors of serving in, not fighting in, an army take up the majority of the book: the cold, hunger, lack of shelter and clothing, etc. that Curzon's company experiences is remarkably detailed. I was at BookFest this year where Ms. Anderson described, in somewhat painful detail, her research into bloody footprints and firecake, among other 'primary sources'. I think that it is this part that will attract the most readers, because the slavery story - while compelling - isn't really news.
That's not to diminish the betrayal Curzon feels when his former(? depending on your point of view) master grabs him, or the fury he has when it's clear that "freedom" they're fighting for is for whites, not everyone. That there was slavery in the North will surprise readers who think that states like Massachusetts and New York were always free states, and that slaves preferred to fight for the British (who promised their freedom) will also surprise readers.
The horrors of serving in, not fighting in, an army take up the majority of the book: the cold, hunger, lack of shelter and clothing, etc. that Curzon's company experiences is remarkably detailed. I was at BookFest this year where Ms. Anderson described, in somewhat painful detail, her research into bloody footprints and firecake, among other 'primary sources'. I think that it is this part that will attract the most readers, because the slavery story - while compelling - isn't really news.
That's not to diminish the betrayal Curzon feels when his former(? depending on your point of view) master grabs him, or the fury he has when it's clear that "freedom" they're fighting for is for whites, not everyone. That there was slavery in the North will surprise readers who think that states like Massachusetts and New York were always free states, and that slaves preferred to fight for the British (who promised their freedom) will also surprise readers.