You are what you read

The Messenger by Siri Mitchell

Siri Mitchell has written a Revolutionary War story that probably mirrors the lives of many of the colonists during this time of history. I enjoyed reading about Hannah Sunderland and Jeremiah Jones. Hanna, a Quaker, finds her faith at odds with what is happening in Philadelphia under British occupation. The Quaker stance of non-violence and non-involvement in the war begins to take second place to helping her imprisoned twin brother. Captured by the British after he joined the Colonial forces, Robert lies sick inside the compound. How can she offer comfort to him and still adhere to the non-involvement her religion requires? How long can she keep the news about Robert from her family and would they help if they knew of his imprisonment? Enter Jeremiah Jones, an ex-British soldier. Jeremiah gives the impression that he is on the side of the British. Unknown to all, he is a spy for the colonists. Wounded while a British soldier and left with a handicap, Jeremiah is bitter for the way the army treated him.

Seeing Hannah sneaking around the prison trying to make contact with her brother, Jeremiah begins to wonder if she will work with him and pass information from the colonial army to the prisoners. Plans are in the works for the prisoners to dig a tunnel and escape. These plans call for coordination between General Washington’s army, the prisoners and a celebration planned by the British officers. The prisoners will escape the night of the celebration and the colonial army will be near to take care of them. While the escape goes well, things are not so good for Hannah and Jeremiah. They end up in prison, abandoned by the British when all the prisoners are moved to prison ships.

I received this book to review for free from Bethany House.