This is the story of Annie Brown, a daughter of John Brown. It covers the period just before his raid on Harper's Ferry, and how he and those working with him lived in a farmhouse for some time, gathering strength, weapons and working out just how they were going to conduct their raid. Annie was alone to do 'women's work' and to serve as a look-out for the group, although she was not going to be taking part in the raid itself nor in its planning.
John Brown was a fanatic, period. In today's world he'd be placed along with the various militants who blow themselves up and kill innocent people. I think there would really be a major question about his very sanity in what he did, the way he treated people, and what he planned to do.
Opposing slavery? Fine.
Being an abolitionist? Fine.
Refusing to listen to people who knew the mission was basically a suicide attack? Stupid.
Killing innocent people and trying to set up your own government with its own army? Unacceptable.
Still, it's a worthwhile book to read and another one showing how good a writer Ann Rinaldi is.
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