Title: Bandy
Author: Craig R. Hipkins
Genre: YA Historical Fiction, YA Historical Thriller
Book Blurb:
1860 Virginia -Young, orphaned- Isaac's only friend is a pigeon named, Bandy. Then he meets a dying slave girl named Joy. Isaac helps Joy escape, but they are pursued by an evil slave master bent on revenge.
Isaac’s only friend is a passenger pigeon named Bandy. He deludes himself in believing the bird talks to him. Bullied, he is resigned to a life of being the misunderstood bookworm by neighboring boys until a disastrous fire kills his parents and little sisters, sparing only his younger brother, Thomas. He and Thomas are taken in by their Uncle Raymond, an abolitionist, who plans to send Isaac to Virginia to buy Joy, a young slave with debilitating health, from her slave owner, Wil Jericho. Shortly after arriving in Virginia, Isaac learns the ugly truth. The butler who accompanied him on the journey killed his uncle before leaving and plans to do the same to Isaac to steal Raymond’s estate.
Isaac, with Joy, escape into the backwoods of Virginia. Discovering passages of the Underground Railroad, stowing away in carriages, hiding in churches, and outwitting the mercenaries hired by Jericho, the two teens fight tooth and nail to make it to Boston before they’re caught. Will Joy be taken from this life by sickness before she’s found freedom? On their journey, they learn a lot about each other. Isaac promises to bring Joy to Bandy's pond, a heavenly place where peace and serenity reign.
My Review:
“Bandy” by Craig R. Hipkins is a gripping tale of survival and courage set in the antebellum South. After a fire kills his family, Isaac and his brother Thomas are taken in by their abolitionist Uncle Raymond, who sends Isaac to Virginia to purchase Joy, a sickly young slave. Upon arriving, Isaac discovers that his uncle has been murdered as part of a larger plan to steal the estate. Isaac and Joy escape into the Virginia backwoods, navigating the Underground Railroad and evading mercenaries in a desperate bid to reach Boston.
I LOVED this book. The plot is engaging and fast-paced, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The story masterfully intertwines elements of historical fiction with a thrilling adventure, offering a vivid portrayal of the harrowing journey to freedom. The pacing is perfect, with the tension building steadily as Isaac and Joy face numerous challenges.
The characters are well-developed. Isaac, the protagonist, is compelling and relatable, and his bravery and determination are inspiring. Joy’s character adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the harsh realities of slavery. The villains are also brilliantly crafted, evoking genuine fear and loathing. Their realism adds a layer of intensity to the story, making the readers feel the stakes involved. Even characters who make a single appearance are unforgettable, each contributing significantly to the story’s rich tapestry.
Craig R. Hipkins’ writing style is fluid and immersive. The narrative draws readers into the historical setting, making them feel as though they are living through the events. The dialogue, particularly the accents, is executed flawlessly, adding authenticity to the characters and setting. Despite occasional instances of head-hopping, the writing remains captivating and does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.
While the book addresses the horrors of slavery, it does so without being preachy. Instead, it tells a powerful and emotional story that conveys its message through the characters’ experiences and struggles.
The themes of resilience, courage, and the fight for freedom are woven seamlessly into the narrative. The setting is richly described, bringing the Virginia backwoods and the dangerous paths of the Underground Railroad to life. The historical context is well-researched, adding depth and authenticity to the story.
“Bandy” is a treasure—a gem of a read. From the moment I picked it up, I was swept into the time and place, living through the heart-wrenching events alongside the characters. The book reminded me of beloved novels like “The Secret Garden” and “Bridge to Terabithia” in its emotional impact and the depth of its storytelling.
I highly recommend “Bandy” to readers who enjoy historical fiction and adventure. It’s a beautifully written, emotionally charged young adult novel that captivates with its blend of historical authenticity and thrilling adventure. Craig R. Hipkins skillfully intertwines history and suspense, crafting a story that entertains and enlightens, leaving a lasting impression.
My Rating: 5+ stars
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Author Biography:
Craig R. Hipkins grew up in Hubbardston Massachusetts. He is the author of medieval and gothic fiction. His novel Adalbert is the sequel to Astrolabe written by his late twin brother Jay S. Hipkins (1968-2018) Bandy is his 6th novel.
Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HipkinsTwins/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craighipkins3/
Reviewed by: Lana