Couldn’t put this book down. Felt each character’s pain and joy!

Just as powerful as her previous book. Looking forward to reading her next novel.

I loved this book. Couldn’t stop reading. I loved the Kitchen House a little more but this book was so good. And I loved how we got to see what happened to some of the characters from the Kitchen House. I could not put this book down.

A wonderful book rich in detail and although fiction, a feeling of much sad fact

What a great book! I felt as though I knew each of the characters. I wanted James to claim black in the end, but I knew it was easier not to, and I can't say that I would not have done the same under the circumstances. Keep up the good work and we want to know what happens to Pan and maybe Caroline is not dead, but maybe tucked safely in an institution somewhere?

AudioBook Review: Overall: 5 Narration: 4 Story: 5 A tale that brought to me, the tension and heartfelt awe of the children in The King and I when The Small House of Uncle Thomas was performed. Predating the American Civil War by over a quarter-century, the story is one of contrasts: perception and reality, slavery and freedom, hope and despair, and done with a sense that brings everything into focus despite the oppositional elements. James Burton is living a lie: a light skinned black man, thriving and succeeding as a silversmith in Philadelphia, far from the reality of his early life as the son of both a slave and a master. His journey to Burton from the young runaway slave Jamie Pike is a tale shared early in the story, giving dimension and background to listeners, providing a perspective of life viewed through his unique eyes. When his lover reveals her pregnancy, he must reveal his true identity but that revelation is waylaid when his beloved servant, Pan, is taken by bounty hunters and sold into slavery. A runaway slave himself, Burton knows that he is endangering himself by proximity to his former home, but a debt to Pan’s father must be paid. Throughout the story, these revelations are brought forward as we meet several characters both free and enslaved that share hopes and dreams, and Burton’s secret comes ever closer to the surface. With the advent of Sukey and her determination to be free, and to see Pan returned to freedom, with her own hopes to find that glorious state. Moments on the Underground Railroad, hiding in swampland, ever vigilant and watchful, and new moments that test and try everyone’s mettle, the story is gripping and engrossing, and fully emotional. Narration for this story was provided by Santino Fontana, Heather Alicia Simms, Madeleine Maby and Kyle Beltran. I’m not normally a fan of multiple narrators, but these four managed to present the story in a way that felt coherent, with conversations flowing naturally, reminiscences presented with a near lyrical storytelling flow, and never were moments over-played or overacted. You won’t go wrong with either the narrated or traditionally read version of this book- but be prepared: the desire for freedom did not come without its heartache or tears. I received an AudioBook of the title from Simon and Schuster for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Loved this book! I hope there will be a third book based off of these great characters

This book is a very good read! There are some dry parts in here however this book had me at the edge of my seat! I could not put the book down I had to finish till the end. This book had me on any emotional roller coaster, meaning happy then sad, angry & wanting to cry you would not be disappointed in this book!

Great follow up to The kitchen House. Read it in 2 days

I was so happy to find another book by this author. I loved the kitchen house & this one is just as great