The Last Runaway

The Last Runaway

By Tracy Chevalier

Published 29 August 2013 The Borough Press

This was chosen to read by my library’s book club and I knew I had a copy already at home somewhere. Brilliant! I can actually read a book I own and either shelve it or donate it. I had a dig around in my boxes of unread books, found it and dug in.

Now I’m not normally a scatty person but work had been very hectic, however, I managed to finish my Tracy Chevalier in time for the meeting...hurrah. My triumph was short lived as we all sat down and unpacked the book. I had read the correct author, but not the correct book! Gah! The bookclubbers found this very amusing. I did review At the Edge of the Orchard for them and promised to read The Last Runaway (when I found it).

This is now the second Tracy Chevalier I have read and features some of my favourite reading topics. It’s historical fiction, set in a Quaker community in America during the days of slavery. As a child growing up reading the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, any novel that features cabins and crafting and sugaring off is a win for me.

Honor Bright is accompanying her sister Grace from Dorset to America where she will be married. It was never intended for Honor to go but after her intended left the Church to marry another, Honor was keen to escape the pitying glances of her community. At least she would know Grace was settled in her new life, in a new country with her new husband. Tragedy strikes however in the form of Yellow Fever, taking Grace and leaving a grieving Honor alone to travel and break the news to her fiancée, Adam. Travelling between Quaker friends, she makes her was West from New York to Faithwell, Ohio. Once there, she discovers Adam already grieving for his recently deceased brother and supporting his brother’s widow. She is welcomed as a sister but the household atmosphere is strained and Honor knows she will be unable to stay. What will become of Honor Bright?

I loved this book from start to finish and read it very quickly. I really felt attached to Honor, she is brave, resilient and a little feisty and I found myself hoping her life would would work out well. As I read, I learned a little about the Quaker religion, lifestyle and their views on slavery. I also learned about patchwork quilting (which I plan to have a go at) and read about millinery which I’ve always found fascinating. Set amongst the subterfuge and drama of the Underground Railroad Honor learns to love, live and listen to her conscience, staying true to her faith even in the most testing times. The rich detail brings the novel to life and the author includes historical notes on the Underground Railroad at the back of the novel.

The Last Runaway will be on my ‘Best Books I’ve read in 2019’ list. It’s sitting on my shelf next to At the Edge of the Orchard waiting for more Tracy Chevalier books to join it. I know I have Girl With a Pearl Earring in a box somewhere...