Regina Silsby's Secret War

Rating:
Summary: Amazing Book...must-read
Review: I am not a fan of either historical fiction or ghost stories. But to my pleasant surprise, Thomas J. Brodeur's novel "Regina Silsby's Secret War" is a very satisfying combination of both. And at the risk of overburdening this book, it's also a lively look at feminist empowerment, early-American style.

That third aspect is embodied in Rachel Winslow, the story's heroine. The novel begins on the night of the Boston Tea Party, at which Rachel ends up being an innocent bystander. Of course, the redcoats are out to catch all bystanders, innocent or not. Two of the redcoats pursue Rachel from the scene of the event.

Suddenly, Rachel is saved by a ghost, as it were. A redcoat's boot catches upon the tombstone of Regina Silsby, known thirty years after her death as an evil sorceress who tries to drag live souls down to the grave with her. The redcoat escapes and flees for his life, causing Rachel to wonder if she really was helped by Regina's spirit. When things continue to get worse for Boston patriots, Rachel takes it upon herself to be Regina Silsby, at least inasmuch as it will help the patriots' cause.

A few of the story's elements seem lifted from the recent Mel Gibson movie "The Patriot"--particularly the arrogant British soldier who pursues a flighty patriot, and the humbler superior officer who realizes that the Britons' tide is turning. The novel's masterstroke is to show how Rachel becomes emboldened by her alter-ego, in an era when women were expected to be homebodies who dared not speak one whit of their minds.

All at once, Rachel/Regina becomes a hero for the patriots' cause and a scourge to the British, who cringe to see their intimidating tactics being undone by a woman, ghost or not.

With richness of character and dialogue, Brodeur captures perfectly the atmosphere of early Americans chafing against British oppression. And as in "The Patriot," a former pacifist is spurred by circumstances to find more strength than she realized she had. It's a rousing read for all ages.





Rating:
Summary: Outstanding book ... must read
Review: I recently read "Regina Silsby's Secret War" as a primer to reading it with my 10 year old daughter and got hooked!! The vocabulary is rich, the pace is fast, and the entire story is extremely believable and engaging. My 10 year old daughter is now reading it and is thrilled with the antics and courage of Rachel, the main character. She's also excited about how well the plot ties in with her recent history lessons about the Boston Tea Party, Stamp Act, Quartering Act and the other Intolerable Acts. Kudos to Thomas Broduer for an extremely well written book that's fun to read for kids and adults!

Rating:
Summary: Regina Silsby's a Super Read
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A wonderful adventure, the book is intrigue and mystery from the start. I'm an avid reader. Regina Silsby's Secret War held my interest and contained several unanticipated plot twists which was a pleasant surprise. Historical details are woven into the story as support for the plot rather than as a boring history lesson. The characters are well developed and believable. Rachel/Regina is a positive role model for any girl 9 to 90. To help her friends and family, she faces many challenges and obstacles. Yet, despite the odds against her and the expectations of colonial society, she rises up and meets each one by faith and determination. Guys, don't pass this book by simply because the main character is a girl. It has enough adventure - cannons, muskets, evading capture - that you nearly forget Rachel's not a guy.
I do and would recommend this book to everyone and am looking forward to reading other books by Mr. Brodeur.

Rating:
Summary: Regina Silsby's a Super Read
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A wonderful adventure, the book is intrigue and mystery from the start. I'm an avid reader. Regina Silsby's Secret War held my interest and contained several unanticipated plot twists which was a pleasant surprise. Historical details are woven into the story as support for the plot rather than as a boring history lesson. The characters are well developed and believable. Rachel/Regina is a positive role model for any girl 9 to 90. To help her friends and family, she faces many challenges and obstacles. Yet, despite the odds against her and the expectations of colonial society, she rises up and meets each one by faith and determination. Guys, don't pass this book by simply because the main character is a girl. It has enough adventure - cannons, muskets, evading capture - that you nearly forget Rachel's not a guy.
I do and would recommend this book to everyone and am looking forward to reading other books by Mr. Brodeur.