Book Review: Redfield Farm: A Novel of the Underground Railroad by Judith Redline Coopey


Book Summary:
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.

My Thoughts:
It's not that often that a book goes on my favorites list, but this amazing novel could've made it on there twice. It's that fantastic. 

Ann Redfield are her family are courageous and amazing. They are a part of the underground railroad and hide and help transport escaped slaves. The unexpected happens when Ann gets pregnant and her baby turns out to be bi-racial. The Quaker community was not accepting of the child, so she isn't allowed to attend services anymore, but still lives within the community, pretty peacefully. She makes the hardest decision of her life after that, but still continues the fight and helps with the underground railroad. I can't even put into words how wonderful this book is. I could not put it down and felt so many emotions while reading it. The author did a great job researching and the story seemed so real. It's not often that you find a book about this aspect of slavery, so it was very interesting for me to learn more about this part of history. 

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!

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