After reading the three reviews of "Bury The Chains", there are many parts to them i both agree and disagree with...
Brookhiser's review in the Boston Globe
My opinion: Thumbs Up
I do in fact agree wholeheartedly with Brookhiser's criticism about Hochschild's book. While there is clearly a personal dislike for Christian ideals and past history, i believe this is simply just another case of an author spinning facts in his own way. However, i do not see it as deterring enough to not appreciate the value of the novel thus far. Because it is done in a subtle way, it is not such a burden on the reader that it becomes a problem.
"Freed" review of Bury the Chains in NY Times by By MARILYNNE ROBINSON
My opinion: Thumbs Down
This review of the novel is done in a biased and cynical manner. Robinson claims that the economic benefit of the abolition movement was an important factor in the uprising, which i do agree with. However, without the support and initiative of a few key figures leading the way, no amount of money could have ended the tradition of slavery. Do i believe that Clarkson was affected in any way by personal financial gain? No. Therefore, since the novel is themed around the life of Thomas and his Quaker sidekicks, there is no real reason for Hochschild to make this a big factor. Thus far, i believe "Bury the Chains" covers the events that were most important to the success of Clarkson and his passive following, while sometimes ignoring important themes. Obviously, ending slavery has far too many facets to fit into a 400 page book; therefore, the author selected what he thought were the greatest contributing efforts to abolition.
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