Review: The Mapmaker’s Children

Eden and her husband have moved out of the city, hoping the slower pace will help them in their quest to have a baby.  Their new house is old and full of character and Eden finds a few old things stored away in her pantry.  A little investigation leads her to Sarah Brown, a strong woman from the past who wasn’t all that different than she is.  Sarah’s father was the well known abolitionist, John Brown.  He passed his values down to his children and Sarah uses her talents to help the Underground Railroad.

Sarah McCoy expertly weaves the stories of these two women together in her wonderful historical novel, The Mapmaker’s Children.  Even though the two women lived a hundred and fifty years apart and lived very different lives, deep down inside they were very much alike – seeking to find value in their lives.

McCoy imagines a life for John Brown’s real daughter Sarah and gives readers a peek into the workings of the Underground Railroad.  She spins a dual narrative with Eden and her struggle with infertility – a struggle so many women can relate to.  I was engrossed with both stories but have to admit that I enjoyed Eden’s just a little bit more because of Cleo, a wonderful secondary character.  Both women felt real to me, though, so I was invested in this gem right from the start.  The Mapmaker’s Children will have broad appeal for both historical fiction readers and women’s fiction readers.  This is a book you don’t want to miss!

Review copy provided by Random House.  I am an Indiebound Affliate.