Chains [Paperback]

`While the reader becomes absorbed in the story of Isabel and Ruth, the vivid and authentic historical background is imperceptibly conveyed . . . This is one of those stories you hope will not end too soon! A sequel is promised'
--Books for Keeps

`An engrossing and meticulously researched novel'
--The Bookseller

`An engrossing and meticulously researched novel'
--The Bookseller The Bookseller

'I found this a particularly absorbing and moving story, beautifully written. Her use of real events (the American War of Independence) gives immediacy and urgency to the action and a true sense of the plight of black people of the time.' -- Bookseller, September 2009

`Another suspenseful novel' -- The Times, 17th January 2009 The Times, 17th January 2009 The Times, January 2009

`Featuring superbly drawn characters, this extraordinarily powerful novel deftly weaves fact and fiction to create an experience that makes the reader feel they are living the story' --The Bookseller Children's Buyer's Guide, January 2009

`Powerful, sometimes beautiful prose . . . an impressive work'
-- Glasgow Herald, March 2009

'An epic story of bravery, love and determination . . . Powerful stuff for children of 10+'
--Angels and Urchins, Spring 2010

`Totally gripping as a thrilling page-turner infused with humanity, it is constantly surprising and compulsively plotted'
--School Librarian

`Featuring superbly drawn characters, this extraordinarily powerful novel deftly weaves fact and fiction to create an experience that makes the reader feel they are living the story'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

`This is outstanding - it's my novel of the season and I can't wait for the sequel'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

`With a rare and compelling voice, this haunting novel tells not only the story of a remarkable girl and her incredible strength, but also of a time and place in which slavery was the order of the day'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

`A vivid historical novel with a wonderfully engaging character at its heart'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Isabel and her sister, Ruth, are slaves. Sold from one owner to the next, they arrive in New York as the Americans are fighting for their independence, and the English are struggling to maintain control. Soon Isabel is struggling too. Struggling to keep herself and her sister safe in a world in which they have no control. With a rare and compelling voice, this haunting novel tells not only the story of a remarkable girl and her incredible strength, but also of a time and place in which slavery was the order of the day and lives were valued like weights of meat or bundles of vegetables.

Laurie Halse Anderson lives in the USA and is the multi-award-winning author of many bestselling novels, including Speak and Fever 1793. Chains is the first in a series of three books to feature the defiant heroine, Isabel, and has been shortlisted for the 2010 Carnegie Award.