The Mapmaker's Children, by Sarah McCloy

REVIEW: This is a very interesting book, particularly with the combination of historical fiction and pure fiction and the way they intersected many times throughout the story.  I also found it interesting that the two female characters from different centuries, Sarah and Eden, both had to deal with infertility, the impact that had on their lives during each time period, and the way they both fashioned a satisfying and worthwhile life.  The story was told very creatively and effectively using narrative, newspaper articles, legal documents and letters.  This is a very enjoyable, well-researched and well-written book.  I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my review.

 

Characters
1859 Note: These people are historical figures	2014
John Brown – abolitionist Mary – second wife Sarah – daughter Annie – older sister Ellen – younger sister Other siblings: Owen – half brother Ruth – oldest daughter Oliver – deceased son Martha – Oliver’s wife, also deceased   George Hill - abolitionist Freddy  - son Ruth – wife  Pricilla - wife Alice – daughter, mentally slow   Siby Fisher – free black, housekeeper and cook Hannah and Clyde –  younger siblings	Jack Anderson Eden Norton Denny – Eden’s brother Cricket – dog   Cleo – neighbor Mr. Bronner – Cleo’s grandfather   Ms. Silverdash – historian, book store owner   Morris Milton Matt – son – Morris’ cafe Mack – son – Milton’s market   Vee Niles – appraiser

 

For discussion:
NOTE: The page numbers are from the hardback edition of the book.

1. What parallels did you find between Sarah and Eden?  Given that they lived in two different time periods, how were they the same?  How did the issue of infertility affect their lives and how did they overcome it?
2. On page 33 Eden introduces the idea of pictographs when examining the doll head.  Did you think it was realistic that she would think about that or was this idea forced?
3. Discuss Eden and Jack's relationship.  Is it a realistic portrayal of the struggle many couples go through when having trouble conceiving?
4. Did you think Sarah should have told Freddy why she would not marry him?  Was her response typical of the time period?
5. After Brown was executed, Mary's stuttering disappeared (page 102).  Why do you think this happened?
6. Discuss Siby and her relationship with the Hill family.  When thinking about the complexity of the war against slavery from all perspectives, Sarah reflects that her father was disappointed in the few slaves that joined him at Harper's Ferry.  On page 55 she thought, "The problem was, freed or slave, they all had ties to while families...It was a weighty decision for them to lift a spear against people they'd lived beside all their days."  Did the book give a realistic view of slavery?  Did you learn anything about the issue?
7. Did you find the fictional characters believable?  Which was your favorite?  Why?
8. Were you surprised about the outpouring of sympathy and food when Cricket died?  Did you feel that the reaction was extravagant for a pet?  Would your reading be influenced by whether or not you are a pet owner?
9. About 2/3 of the way through I finished Eden's story, then read the Author's Note, and then Sarah's story.  I thought this added to my reading experience.  What was your reading experience?

*****
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