North by Night

The typically excellent Christina Moore narrates this novel about 16-year-old Lucy Spencer, who works on the Underground Railroad in Ohio in 1851. The diary-format novel follows Lucy as she helps a family of 10 runaways reach freedom in Canada. Moore doesn't waste opportunities to make a connection between listeners and Lucy. Every word, even the date that starts each entry, is infused with Lucy's conviction, strength, fear, sadness, or hope. A subplot finds Lucy falling out of love with one boy and in love with another, and Moore conveys every bit of Lucy's confusion and joy. This is a sure hit for fans of historical fiction. A.F. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine

September 28, 1998
Told through journal entries and letters, this historical novel underscores the cruel consequences of the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act and the dangerous choices forced on Americans both black and white in the tense years leading to the Civil War. At 16, Lucinda Spenser has already helped slaves escape, as her family's Ohio farm forms part of the Underground Railroad route to Canada. On the eve of a party at the home of Lucinda's beau, Jonathan Clark, the Quaker Jeremiah Strong asks Lucinda to play a key role in a daring plot to protect 10 escapees, mostly children but also one pregnant woman. The plan involves a prolonged stay at the home of the unconventional Widow (Aurelia) Mercer, who shares her feminist notions with Lucinda. While Lucinda spends some time debating which of her two suitors, Jonathan or Jeremiah, she prefers, the friendships she forges with Miss Aurelia and the fugitive slaves transform the plot from predictable romance to a tale of bravery and sacrifice: Lucinda's passions shift from flirtation to an even deeper commitment to free slaves. Ayres's (Family Tree) plotting is not always plausible (for example, the ruse by which Lucinda goes to stay at Miss Aurelia's--a faked case of measles--works improbably long at keeping outsiders at bay). While there is more action here than in the similarly themed Bright Freedom's Song (reviewed below), it also seems more of a '90s novel, in which the heroine's dramatic self-actualization is at least as important as the period setting. Ages 10-up.

May 1, 2003
Gr 5-9-The talents of narrator Christina Moore enhance Katherine Ayers' heartfelt, suspenseful historical novel about a girl's involvement with the Underground Railroad (Delacorte, 1998). Set in 1851 Ohio, the story finds 16-year-old Lucy Spencer thinking about dating, parties, and friends. However, she decides to devote herself to helping runaway slaves after Congress passes the Fugitive Slave Act, and a Southern stranger arrives in town offering a reward for any slaves returned to him. Lucy moves in with the lively widow, Aurelia Mercer, and they help hide a family of fugitive slaves (one of them pregnant) in the attic. Moore reads the story with tenderness and clarity; her performance is beautifully understated. Her flexible voice brings to life a variety of characters, and her portrayal of Lucy's pesky brother is especially convincing. In Moore's hands, the tough yet lovable Aurelia makes an indelible impression. Told through Lucy's diary entries and letters, listeners seeking an historical drama laced with poignancy, some humor, and suspense will be captivated. Lucy is a decent, moral character whom many kids will enjoy getting to know, and Christina Moore helps bring Lucy and her adventures to life.-Brian E. Wilson, Evanston Public Library, IL

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