read4thesoul reviewed on 8/14/2023

The story of Thornton and Ruthie/Lucie Blackburn, two slaves whose escape from the United States to Canada in the early 19th Century had a lasting effect on history in both countries. Many, if not most, slaves who attempted to reach freedom were primarily on their own. The Underground Railroad was a guide for countless but, with the exception of counterfeit documents from a kind soul, the Blackburns had to rely on their own wits and boldness.

Their journey was arduous and, for whatever reason, decided to stay a while in Detroit just across the river from Canada. There they lived, worked, went to church, and made good friends. Friends who came to their defense and aid when the Blackburns were hunted down by representatives of their former masters. After a harrowing second escape, they stayed in Canada and eventually settled in Toronto. In this city, Thornton discovered a family member and mysteriously was able to sneak back to Kentucky and rescue another.

Although the Blackburns were prominent community members, after their deaths they were eventually forgotten until almost hundred years later an old school excavation uncovered the long-buried remains of their cozy home. The author included some helpful maps and intriguing photos of areas and artifacts. At times she took literary liberties in imagining what someone said or thought. She clearly did a lot of research. Still, one can't help but wish there was more available on this illiterate but esteemed couple and the two family members who were able to escape.

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