Promises to the Dead
Promises to the Dead by Mary Downing Hahn is a First Edition published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 2009. This 208-page book is written in English and presents a story set against the backdrop of a nation on the brink of civil war. The narrative follows Jesse, who unexpectedly encounters a dying slave woman in the marsh. She compels him to promise to take her young son, Perry, to a relative in Baltimore, challenging Jesse’s beliefs and the law.
Readers will find a gripping tale of action and adventure as Jesse grapples with his moral convictions while navigating a perilous journey. The story explores themes of family, loyalty, and the historical context of 19th-century America, particularly focusing on the experiences of African American individuals and the complexities of orphanhood and foster care. As Jesse and Perry face numerous dangers, the narrative delves into the struggles of a country divided, making for a thought-provoking read.
Official synopsis Publisher
When Jesse went down to the marsh on that fateful day, he expected to find a turtle for terrapin soup. Instead, he comes across a dying slave woman who makes Jesse promise he’ll take her young son, Perry, to a relative in Baltimore. Aiding and abetting a slave is against the law, and it also goes against everything Jesse has been taught to believe. But he can’t break a promise to the dead, and, more important, he has to follow what he knows in his heart to be right. The journey is more treacherous than Jesse ever imagined. At the crossroads of a country about to plunge into civil war, danger lurks around every corner. Will these boys on the run ever find a safe haven? Includes an author’s note.
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