Book Summary and Reviews of The Mapmaker's Children by Sarah McCoy

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The Mapmaker's Children by Sarah McCoy
We are first introduced to ‘the house’ in the prologue. This house in Charles Town, VA was where John Brown’s family spent the night before he was executed for his organized raid against the armory at Harper’s Ferry. It was the same house bought in 2010 with the intention of ‘flipping’ it for profit. In 2014, it is the house Jack and Eden Anderson bought with the intention of starting a family.

This is basically history beginning just prior to John Brown’s capture at Harper’s Ferry in 1859. It is not his story per se; it is the story of his daughter, Sarah. She chooses to continue his work after his death. The novel alternates between Sarah Brown’s life in the nineteenth century and Eden Anderson in present day.

John Brown had drawn a map for slave runaways. But, they needed a clearer picture of exactly where to go. Sarah draws a pictograph showing scenic landmarks. It’s exactly what they needed and it’s how she first became involved in the Underground Railroad. She also drew a map for her father on the day before he was to be hung with the childish hope that he would escape and find his way back to them. Due to an earlier illness, she was told she’d never conceive children. With those hopes dashed, she gives her life to the UGRR continuing pictographs showing the way north to safe houses.

In present day, Jack and Eden find a doorway under the floor to an old cellar. The first thing they spot is a bizarre looking porcelain doll’s face. Ten year old Cleo next door teams up with Eden to investigate the history of the house and the doll. The doll’s head housed a key which was much newer than nineteenth century. More puzzles. They contact a local historian, Ms. Silverdash, to help piece everything together.

I love stories like this in which the novel swings between a historical time period and present day. The fictional portion is plotted seamlessly against the historical background. All of the characters are very engaging and brought to life on the pages of the novel. This story takes nothing away from the history of John Brown, but alternately fulfills his legacy in the strength, courage and compassion displayed by his daughter, Sarah. Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Other books by Sarah McCoy at BookBrowse