Redfield Farm

Author: Judith Coopey Redline
Genre: Historical Fiction (Slavery)
Type: eBook
Source: Personal copy
Publisher: Indi Best
First Published: January 11, 2011
Opening Lines: Jesse died today. Right here on Redfield Farm, where we grew up.

Book Description from GoodReads: REDFIELD FARM explores the paradox between peoples' professed beliefs and their actions. The main characters are Quaker and live in a solidly Quaker community. Quakers are non-violent yet the actions of the two main characters will go to any lengths to help fugitive slaves escape. Quakers believe in equality, yet when a mixed-race child is born they turn their backs and are uncomfortable with the child. Quakers are pacifists yet two brothers go off to war to fight for their country. Ann Redfield's strength is derived from her Quaker faith, yet she is thrown out of the church for an act of love. She is steadfast in her determination to live her faith, not just profess it. Ann's life is testament to the true meaning of the Quaker teachings.REDFIELD FARM is thoroughly researched for accuracy. The author is a history professor and historical researcher.

My Rating: 2 stars

My Review: Redfield Farm has been sitting on my Kindle for eight years, so it was high time I read it. Historical Fiction focusing on slavery is a genre I read quite often. Lawrence Hill, Kathleen Grissom and Alex Haley are some of my favourite authors who have written riveting, emotional and compelling reads that have stayed with me for years.

Redfield Farm is a very light Historical Fiction read that focuses on Ann, a Quaker woman and her family who aid runaway slaves on the Underground Railroad. It's such a light read, I think it could be considered (with one or two scenes being the exception) a Middle School read. It glosses over historical events and much of the story stays at Redfield Farm where, quite frankly, not a lot happens. Sure, we have the nasty 'Nelly Olsen'-type girl next door and a Quaker family that helps a few runaways, but the story is underwhelming. 

According to the blurb, the information is historically accurate which I always appreciate (the author is a history professor/historical researcher) but her writing is weak, her plot lacks focus, and her characters aren't given enough depth. What this book lacks in character development, it makes up in its vast number of characters so readers should be prepared to keep track of whom begat whom - a tiring venture because this family has a lot of kids. 

I ended up skimming much of the second half of this book and pushed myself to finish it which is unfortunate. This very light Historical read may be accurate, but this avid reader of the Historical Fiction - Slavery genre, needed a lot more substance and emotion. What I will take away from this book is the knowledge of Uncle Tom's Cabin, an Ontario heritage site that is mentioned in the book and resides a few hours from me in Dresden, Ontario.