Bound is the story of the colonial period on St John’s Island when societal Britain is beginning to turn away from slavery. The governor of the island is desperately trying to make the colony economically successful and much of that strategy relies on slavery. He is selfish and shrewd and has little regard for women or anyone other than Protestant white men. His mistress traveled from England with him, expecting perhaps a more permanent, monogamous relationship. She is a more modern woman interested in botany, herbal healing and equality for all. She begins to see who he really is when a slave is accused of stealing and the issue of slavery is brought to a head within the colony. She pulls the women together to try to change the fate of this one woman but also perhaps the fate of the entire colony.
This one has a little bit of everything, it’s historical fiction with a focus on economics and politics as well as social issues like colonialism, slavery, women’s lib and religious intolerance… there is also a dash of romance if that’s your thing as well. This one is pretty cut and dry with characters you’ll love and ones you will loathe, hoping the whole time they get their comeuppance. Suzanna is a perfect protagonist, albeit, I’m sure a little modern for the time, which makes her much more relatable. The pace is quite quick so you never feel mired in the politics or history which makes for very readable historical fiction. I also loved the author’s note at the end about her inspiration for writing this story and the truth underneath the story.
Read this one if you liked Caleb’s Crossing, Elinor or even Outlander (there is no time hop but there is a headstrong woman focused on healing and a Scot’s man she finds herself entranced with).
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy. All opinions above are my own.
openmypages 