BOOK REVIEW: Redfield Farm

Our book group knew that the author of this month’s book would be joining us. This is a scene that can be very uncomfortable ---- what do I say if I really thought the book was terrible? However, once I started reading, I could not wait to meet her, especially in the company of women who enjoy a good book.

REDFIELD FARM, by Judith Redline Coopey, is a novel about the Underground Railroad in Bedford County, Pennsylvania in the 1860's. The story is told by Ann Redfield, a Quaker woman who grew up on a farm near Dunning Creek with her brothers and sisters.

Ann is nine when the story opens and devoted to her eleven year old brother, Jesse. When she learns that he is involved with helping escaped slaves get to Canada, there is no question but that she will help in any way. After all, it is easy for a young Quaker girl to transport the passengers; no one would suspect her.

Her life is complicated by the local authorities and there is reason to think that the brothers of scrawny Pru Hartey may be working with the slave catchers. Pru is always sneaking around the farm and when she leaves, something is usually missing.

One night Jesse comes home deathly ill  and with Josiah, a very sick run-away. Ann nurses both of them back to health, but Josiah has been too ill to move on. Over the winter, Ann teaches Josiah to read and write and when a disappointment almost crushes Ann, Josiah is there to comfort her. They develop a life-long relationship to each other and the cause that brought them together, the Underground Railroad.

Ann’s story is told in a calm voice and it is easy to see why she is the rock of her family. The tragedies of her life are serenely accepted. As she ages and loses those who are so important to her, our admiration for her grows.

A very strong part of this book is the descriptions of the other characters in Ann’s life. We feel that we know them. Even Pru Hartey becomes real and finally a figure of sympathy.

I really enjoyed REDFIELD FARM. I understand that Ms Coopey is already to have another book published. I hope that I can get it right off the press as I did this one because this is an author to watch.

NOTE:  Ms. Coopey is currently doing a book tour for REDFIELD FARM.  If you would be interested in having Ms. Coopey come to your area, please contact me and I will forward you her information.