Redfield Farm: A Novel of the Underground Railroad

By: Judith Redline Coopey

Narrated by: Tamara McDaniel

Ann Redfield is destined to follow her brother Jesse through life - two years behind him - all the way. Jesse is a conductor on the Underground Railroad, and Ann follows him there as well. Quakers filled with a conviction as hard as Pennsylvania limestone that slavery is an abomination to be resisted with any means available, the Redfield brother and sister lie, sneak, masquerade, and defy their way past would-be enforcers of the hated Fugitive Slave Law.

Their activities inevitably lead to complicated relationships with other Quakers, pro-slavery neighbors, and the fugitives themselves. When Jesse returns from a run with a deadly fever, accompanied by a fugitive, Josiah, who is also sick and close to death, Ann nurses both back to health. But precious time is lost, and Josiah, too weak for winter travel, stays on at Redfield Farm where Ann becomes his teacher, friend, and confidant. When grave disappointment disrupts her life, Ann turns to Josiah for comfort, and comfort leads to intimacy. The result, both poignant and inspiring, leads to a life-long devotion to one another and their cause.

Author Judith Redline Coopey brings the Underground Railroad alive, giving us characters to remember - both real and compassionate, and conflict to explore - when belief in pacifism clashes with dedication to a cause where violence often rules the day.

©2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Judith Redline Coopey (P)2013 Judith Redline Coopey

Good Storyline

The book became more interesting the further I got into it. It was a good storyline and kept me wanting to hear more. Narrator was pretty good.

Great story...horrible narrator.

I had to read this story for my monthly book club meeting. And I immediately disliked the monotoned narrator. The deep timber of her voice just doesn't seem to be flexible enough to differentiate the characters. It was only because of my book club members raving about the story itself that I braved the story again. I eventually got caught up in the plot of slavery, love, right and wrong and even found myself on the edge of my seat. The book is great. Tells a tale from a side of slavery not told often. I won't say don't buy this book because I liked it in the end...BUT...I will tell you to hear the sample first.

Gripping story but bland narrator

Wonderful story! Literally could not stop listening. The narrator was a bit bland. All the voices sounded so much the same that it was hard to tell sometimes who was speaking. It was read like a parent telling a bedtime story rather than by a professional reader. However, the story is too good to be ruined by the way it was read. I would say to get this book!

narration

narration was awkward. very monotone. the story is good. would suggest actually reading it instead of listening