The Bloody Country

by James Lincoln Collier, J. L. Cllier

In the mid-eighteenth century a family moves from Connecticut to Pennsylvania and becomes involved in the property conflict between the two states

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Middle Grade, Fiction, Novels, Childrens

183 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

James Lincoln Collier (born June 27, 1928) is a journalist, author, and professional musician.

Collier's notable literary works include My Brother Sam Is Dead (1974), a Newbery Honor book that was also named a Notable Children's Book by the American Library Association and nominated for a National Book Award in 1975. He also wrote a children's book titled The Empty Mirror (2004), The Teddy Bear Habit (1967), about an insecure boy whose beatnik guitar teacher turns out to be a crook, and Rich and Famous (1975), sequel to The Teddy Bear Habit. His list of children's books also includes Chipper (2001), about a young boy in a gang. His writings for adults include numerous books on jazz, including biographies of Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington. He has also contributed entries on jazz-related subjects to the Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians.

In addition to his writing, Collier is an accomplished jazz musician who plays the trombone professionally.

Reviews

[Andria Potter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd thought this was a continuation of the first book, but no. Instead its about land rights and men fighting Indians and I just lost interest. Still good writing, but I liked the first book loads better. 2.5 ⭐

[Maura · Rating 2 out of 5]

To set the background, Connecticut and Pennsylvania are more or less arguing over the disputed Wyoming Valley in what is now Pennsylvania (Wilkes-Barre). The Buck family, who moved from Connecticut and were living in the valley under Connecticut law find their livelihood (and lives) in danger when Congress reverts the land back to Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania isn't exactly kind to the settlers from Connecticut.

This story takes place over a span of about 5-7 years. We start in the beginning with the hardship of the Revolutionary War and the tragedy that it brings the family. After, we have the decision from Congress and how that effects the Buck family and their ability to hold onto their land. And then of course there's the hardship of nature as they struggle to survive floods and harsh winters and what not. And underneath it all is a theme of being your own man, responsible unto yourself and not having to live your life like a slave, even if legally you are one.

I had mixed feelings about this book. It was definitely engaging and had me turning pages so I could find out what would happen next. But it also had me very irritated with certain characters (maybe that gives them a greater sense of realism?). Annie started out annoying at first and eventually became the voice of reason (though some with different priorities might disagree). I liked how Ben struggled with his feelings about Joe Mountain and whether or not Joe should be free and why Ben didn't really want him to be. And I almost wish that it had gone in the direction where Joe was free and Ben had to live his life, as he viewed it, similarly to a slave working for someone else (though he'd never truly understand how he WASN'T a slave). I think I was disappointed in the ending and the lessons learned by these people. Instead of coming to the realization that survival and protecting your family are most important of all, they stuck to the idea that owning your own land and working for yourself (as they term it, not living like a slave) is more important than anything else...lives of your family, having the people you love not suffer, letting your wife get scalped. Sure it worked out marginally well for them, but is that really the lesson that should be taken from this story? Or are my priorities just wildly different in that I don't prize my independence over the suffering of the people that I love? More than anything, I really wanted Father to face some serious consequences. Maybe let him lose his entire family and re-evaluate whether it was really worth it or not. Or maybe it was the fact that nobody looked at any other options. It was either stay here and possibly die or go back to Connecticut and be "slaves" (give me a break...) There is usually more than one solution and these characters ignored that. Hell, even Joe came up with a million things he could do with his free life. So in that respect, it was frustrating...it all came down to not liking/disagreeing with the theme of this book.

[Michele The Bookish Tea Room · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt so offended with the racial slurs at the beginning of this book I almost stopped reading it. The authors do note this at the end of the book — that these terms were used commonly during this time period — but it’s still hard to read. This was an incredibly eye opening book about the end of the revolutionary war and it’s aftermath in Pennsylvania. It’s completely based on true facts of which I never knew! It’s definitely a middle grade novel and the stilted writing provides evidence of this. I’m glad I read this though so I can know to recommend this to much older children. Like early teens. This book is very violent and graphic, which honestly serves a purpose since this time period was so violent, but it would be too much for younger children or sensitive individuals to endure.

[Maylanie Bosgieter · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a powerful read and I don’t regret reading it. I know some where and are offended by the language and that’s ok that just means that are way of thinking has changed some. This book sheds light to many harsh realities of American history not only as it happened but how we perceive it. I can’t say I have any exceptional knowledge about the conflicts between the Natives and Americans but I do not believe that the natives that were presented in this book represent the actions of all natives in those times. However we have to ask ourselves whether we are entirely blameless for that violence. I found it a sad twist of irony how the Connecticuts of the valley fought the pennamites over land and felt it was unjust that they were being forced out with nothing but meager belongings. Land that they had cultivated and lived on for years and made their livelihoods on. I’ll admit I was sad by this because no one deserves to be chased out of the only place they have known, however there predecessors or even themselves and there descendants would to the same to the natives who had lived in this country for thousands of years before us. It was mentioned in the book that there was millions of rich land and yet people were fighting for the same portion of it. It was said there wasn’t a lot of natives around in the book but I don’t believe to be entirely true. Another great point of this book was Joe. Joes’s very existence and Role in life causes the modern reader to question. But what I like most is how through the book Ben conflicting feelings about Joe being a slave. And when he comes to the realization that he would be no better if he was to go work his uncles land because he would only be hired hand. Both Ben and his father believes working for another is a dire fate. However I don’t entirely agree with that. As we see much in modern society we don’t have the same “opportunities” for the “American Dream.” We largely are more likely to be an employee over employer. A renter over an owner. Those that do are fortunate but they also have their own trials. This book poses a lot of questions and things to think about without it necessarily being thrown in your face. It’s definitely worth a read but, considering kids I think they should wait first for them to understand the basics of war and colonization before they read this book. I would say 6th grade and beyond but don’t take my word for it.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

For all that's been said about My Brother Sam is Dead, there's very little I'd heard about this book. It is very similar in style to other books by this author and really sheds light on a piece of history that we don't learn much about. The beginning of the book is really hard to read due to the use of the n word. However, it's pretty accurate to the time period and very sadly, how people would have thought in that time. There are a few graphic things that may not be good for younger children, such as scalping, cannibalism, and nudity (not described though). However, it shows a lot about the hardships of settling your own land, the confusion of a young boy who's family owns a mixed-race slave, but raises the slave as a member of the family. It shows the terrible things the British, and their Tory and Native American allies did, and it shows the problem of having men in charge with no morals. Overall, the story is told from the perspective of a 12yr old-15yr old boy and deals mostly with their personal life and the runnings of a mill and how the war impacts that life. It was a good read and I'd recommend it, but probably for more middle to high school age kids rather than upper elementary.

[Trevor Bosse · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Bloody Country is a very good book. I felt as if I was in the book and I was part of it. It definitely kept my attention throughout the whole book. Ben is also a very good character. I rate this book a three star.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, TBH, sometimes I can write good reviews. but now, IDK, this book was just ehhh....Not that great, but not terrible. There were some pennamites who wanted a bunch of people to leave Pennsylvania and tried to force them out. There was also a flood. People died. That's all I got to say.

[Melissa Namba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than I thought it would be. The cover doesn't match the story. I like that he is tormented about his slave friend becoming free, but in the end, that is something that helps him out significantly. I was broken hearted at his mother's sacrifice.

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!!!!

[Rose]

np

[Gale · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Violent Colonial Land Disputes”

In Colonial Pennsylvania several opposing forces wanted control of the land: the British, the Native Americans (always the first to be displaced), and hopeful settlers from Connecticut. Plus there those folks already living there (without formal ownership) called Pennamites, who derived their name from the Quaker founder of the colony, William Penn. Increasing the volatile dissension over land use the French stirred up local Indian tribes to war on English-speaking settlers; atrocities were committed on both sides—ramping up national and state hostility and paranoia. Warning for the literary faint of heart: the disputed land was truly describes as Bloody.

Narrated in somewhat uneven pacing the story alternates intermittent sections of exposition with bursts of action. Themes include the struggle for survival (legal land ownership, human life and the existence of the vital mill). Ben Buck, his family and their half Black slave, Joe Mountain, endure many trials and disasters from warring factions, so there is plenty of drama scattered throughout the plot. But the young protagonist and his family never surrender their will to continue on theri claim, to fight for thier lifestyle as millers and--even if temporarily displaced--to return to rebuild on what they consider their land.

Battling against both Man and Nature (in the form of spring floods) the Bucks demonstrate staunch Yankee resilience and determination to unite against their diverse and sometimes allied foes. Ben comes of age as violent events force him to shoulder responsibilities beyond his years in this interesting work of YA historical fiction. For middle school students and particularly boys 10-14.

(September 25, 2013. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only thing I can say for this book is the reason I gave this even two stars is because I remember after seeing My Brother Sam is Dead on the list of books to choose from that I read a similar book by the same authors...so if I gave this two stars for at least being in my memory but I couldn't tell you one thing about this book, only that I read it when I was in elementary school and after I read My Brother Same is Dead which had a huge impact on me and I loved.:)

[Colewi · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like the American revolution and what happened after it than this is your book. This book is about a boy named Ben and his family. It's about how Ben and his family go through great struggles that most people can't recover from.

[Rebecca Radnor]

Not available on kindle

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was a good revolutionary war read, yet the story and the character development was not as developed as expected.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned some Pa history and about the life of a miller.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not know about this aspect of history. Very interesting read.

[Jeremiaha]

did not like the book

[JimtheDean · Rating 5 out of 5]

While slow moving at points, the book kept me reading and engaged to the end. A good story reflecting true details of American history during that time period.