Beyond the River by Ann Hagedorn

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

The Untold Story of the Heroes of the Underground Railroad

This book is a great resource about the Underground Railroad leading up to the Civil War.

I read this book while researching for my novel, Byway to Danger, Book 3 of my “Spies of the Civil War” series. Though my novel is set in Richmond and Hagedorn’s book focuses on the history of the Underground Railroad centered in Ripley, Ohio, I learned a great deal about the courage it took to aid fugitive slaves.

Abolitionist John Rankin, his family, and many of his Ripley neighbors sacrificed repeatedly to lend their aid.

Hagedorn’s vivid scenes transport readers back in time in this nonfiction work, showing the everyday heroes that made in difference in many lives.

Well-written book.

Recommended for Civil War research and for lovers of American history.

https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-River-Untold-Underground-Railroad/dp/0684870665/