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The Mapmaker's Children

Sarah McCoy (Goodreads Author)

3.73 · Rating details · 5,091 ratings · 894 reviews

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Baker's Daughter, a story of family, love, and courage

When Sarah Brown, daughter of abolitionist John Brown, realizes that her artistic talents may be able to help save the lives of slaves fleeing north, she becomes one of the Underground Railroad’s leading mapmakers, taking her cues from the slave code quilts and hiding he ...more

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Hardcover, 300 pages

Published May 5th 2015 by Crown (first published October 7th 2014)

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· 5,091 ratings · 894 reviews

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Oct 04, 2014 Sarah McCoy rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author)

Dear Reader Friends,

As the author, I couldn't give THE MAPMAKER'S CHILDREN anything less than five stars. Yes, I'm incurably biased. I aim to write nothing less than my absolute best for you-- readers I consider the BEST GoodReaders on earth. I worked harder on this novel than any before, and I'll admit, I'm completely smitten with the main characters: contemporary Eden and the true, historical Sarah Brown.

☆☆☆☆☆ I hope you FIVE-STAR love them, too, and I pray that if Sarah Brown is looking dow ...more

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Aug 13, 2014 Angela M rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley-reviews

I really enjoyed Sarah McCoy's The Baker's Daughter so I was happy to have the chance to read an advanced copy of her new novel. She has a wonderful way of creating characters that you love and makes history come alive through them. I was equally taken by her storytelling in this book. .

This is the story of the Underground Railroad and the brave people who helped the courageous runaway slaves find their way to freedom. It's a story about real people and imagined characters, their real and imagi I really enjoyed Sarah McCoy's The Baker's Daughter so I was happy to have the chance to read an advanced copy of her new novel. She has a wonderful way of creating characters that you love and makes history come alive through them. I was equally taken by her storytelling in this book. .

This is the story of the Underground Railroad and the brave people who helped the courageous runaway slaves find their way to freedom. It's a story about real people and imagined characters, their real and imagined lives that bring to life the reality of John Brown, the staunch abolitionist of Harpers Ferry fame and the history of this country in the 1860’s. The story focuses on Sarah Brown, one of his daughters.

Sarah McCoy in her notes writes of Sarah Brown, “Between her art education and commissioned pieces, there must be something more. But like her life, they seemed to have come and gone without detailed chronicling and, so they’re buried beside the people she aided as an abolitionist, the orphans she nurtured, the family, friends, and local community to whom she remained devoted.” This is Sarah’s story given to us by another Sarah’s imaginative writing and expert research skills.

This is also one of those stories that alternate between the past and the present and in this case the present is 2014. The times are connected by a house, by the head of a porcelain doll, and by ancestors of people in the past. I almost always like the historical story better and I did once again in this case, but one of my favorite characters, next to Sarah, is Cleo, a smart, feisty eleven year old girl who stole my heart in the 2014 story. The present story is Eden Anderson’s story and how she comes to grips with personal struggles with the help of Cleo and a wonderful dog named Cricket.

McCoy of Sarah Brown, also says, “I gained strength in the faith she displayed. I was inspired by her as a creative, independent woman. " I was too, Ms. McCoy. She also says “, I took liberties with some of the historical events and facts. I was more concerned with capturing Sarah’s heart ….” And she did it beautifully! I almost gave this 4 stars because I thought that the ending of Eden’s story was a bit predictable, but decided on 5 stars because I loved the ending of Sarah’s story. I highly recommend it.

Thanks to Crown Publishing and NetGalley. ...more

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Jan 11, 2015 Melinda rated it it was ok

Shelves: 2015

I was so excited to read this book, however I found myself let down. I know I am among the minority in my feelings.

As you know from my reviews I am worn out with the alternating narratives of past and present. Fully aware alternating narratives will not be disappearing anytime soon, however, when they work they are terrific, when they fail, they take down the entire story.

I liked Sarah, I liked her story. Sarah and her family - crusaders against slavery fight with all their might. Their streng ...more

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Apr 27, 2015 Aditi rated it it was amazing

Shelves: my-reviews, family, contemporary-romance, historical-fiction, penguin-books

“Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves”

----Abraham Lincoln

Sarah McCoy, the New York Times bestselling and international best-selling American author, pens her new novel, The Mapmaker's Children , that traces the journey of the daughters of the Brown family, who helped the slaves to find their way to freedom through Underground Railroad, though this is a work of fiction, but the events are inspired from the real Sarah Brown and John Brown who were a slave traders of t ...more

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Mar 01, 2018 Judy rated it liked it · review of another edition

Quite a disappointment. I was looking forward to a great historical novel about John Brown's daughter, Sarah. It's become so popular to have a split narrative, one historical character and the other current time or at least a different time period. I've read a number of books with this structure and enjoyed them. (As I reflect it seems that women authors do this frequently, but I can't think of any book written by a man that use this technique.). It didn't work for me in this book. I really enjo ...more

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Feb 25, 2015 TL rated it really liked it

Shelves: favorites

The old house on Apple Hill Lane shuddered against the weighty snow that burdened its pitch. The ancient beams moaned their secret pains to the wintering doves in the attic. The nesting duo pushed feathered bosoms together, blinked, and nodded quickly, as if to say, Yes-Yes, we hear, yes-yes,we know, while down deep in the cellar, the metal within the doll's porcelain skull grew crystals along its ridges. Sharp as a knife. The skull did all it could to hold steady against the shattering temperat The old house on Apple Hill Lane shuddered against the weighty snow that burdened its pitch. The ancient beams moaned their secret pains to the wintering doves in the attic. The nesting duo pushed feathered bosoms together, blinked, and nodded quickly, as if to say, Yes-Yes, we hear, yes-yes,we know, while down deep in the cellar, the metal within the doll's porcelain skull grew crystals along its ridges. Sharp as a knife. The skull did all it could to hold steady against the shattering temperature for just one more minute of one more hour./i>

Rounded up to 4.5 stars, A lovely start to the story :)

The chapters go between modern day with Eden, Jack, Cleo alternating with chapters from the time of Sarah Brown and their dear friends the Hill family. The POV/time swaps never felt awkward at all, seamless actually.. despite a couple mini-cliff hangers between chapters.

Sarah was easy to connect to. Her struggles, talent, courage, and faith... she was/is an incredible woman.

The Hill family and Siby and hers were vibrant people... I fell in love with them and Auntie Nan (she was quite a character as well).

Eden I didn't care for much at the beginning but she grew on me, many times over the novel I wanted to hug her and shake her for some things but I could see where she was coming from, sort of. I was rooting for her and Jack the whole time, crossing my fingers things would work out for them.

Cleo was a fun kid, bonus points she loved reading so much. Eden and Cleo helped each other in a few ways and I loved seeing them grow close.

Cricket: cutest puppy! Loved that little guy <3 Reminded me of my Tasha, sweet furry baby.

It's easy to sink into this and let the pages fly by...the writing style (and I know I've said this before but I mean it each time) is beautiful, bringing you right into everyone's lives. The MCs and the towns came alive for me, making want to drive there and walk down the streets locating everything.

It made me smile to think how everything connected together bit by bit over the course of the book... things seemingly not in common but sort of sitting by each other come together in sometimes unexpected ways. How some of the things survived so long, and passed along the family and still in existence today, what the people before us sacrificed to protect their legacy now.

It's incredible when you think about the history, everything that happened and the amazing people who didn't give up, fought for what was right. Makes me proud that they lived, and sometimes sad because I wish could have met them, known them.

Both stories end on a warm note, which made me smile.. still left me wanting more but that's just a compliment of the storytelling there.

Well done Miss McCoy, I look forward to your other works! *big hugs*

Side note: The recipe at the end and the author's note were nice touches :)
----
...more

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May 25, 2015 Lori rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Surprisingly, I really enjoyed both past/present stories... which very rarely happens for me. I have a tendency to enjoy the past story much more than the present one. Many times it feels that the present stories are used as 'fluff' and end up distracting from the 'real' story. However, McCoy did a very good job in creating two very interesting stories and characters that I felt fully invested in. 4.5 stars. ...more

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Aug 12, 2014 Mish rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2014, netgalley, faction, historical, romance, own-ebook, arc, drama

The only time I brush up on history is when a lifelike treasure comes along like this book. The Mapmaker’s Children is set in the 1800’s situated around Harpers Ferry and New Charlestown. It weaves fact with fiction to give you a truly captivating story of a group of abolitionist and The Underground Railroad network, who fought to end slavery, and aid slaves in their escape to freedom. This part history is unearthed once again and brought it to life in the 21st century, due to one woman’s discov The only time I brush up on history is when a lifelike treasure comes along like this book. The Mapmaker’s Children is set in the 1800’s situated around Harpers Ferry and New Charlestown. It weaves fact with fiction to give you a truly captivating story of a group of abolitionist and The Underground Railroad network, who fought to end slavery, and aid slaves in their escape to freedom. This part history is unearthed once again and brought it to life in the 21st century, due to one woman’s discovery and enquiry into porcelain dolls head and other mysterious objects found in her root cellar.

The heart of this story is the courageous Sarah Brown, daughter of the abolitionist leader John Brown. Her involvement in the abolishment movement came about when she over heard her father and his associate trying to convince a runaway the importance of memorising a map.

“We can’t give it to you, lest you be caught and the slave masters discover our stations. Please, my dear, practice your keenest memorization”
“My what?” asked Rolla
“Remember in your mind,” clarified her father associate. “So that day or night, you’ll know the way.”
“I’m trying Mr. Hill, but lines, numbers, words, maps – they all look alike,” she explained. “You ain’t got something with pictures? I does good with pictures.”

This is where Sarah comes in; she used her artistic talent to create art, through paintings, quilts and even children’s toys. To the unknown eye they were just colourful pieces of artwork, but to the network they’re highly critical; they’re maps with hidden codes and symbols to direct runaways on a route to safety.

Sarah McCoy made it clear in the author’s note that she didn’t set out to write a biographical account of Sarah Brown but imagined what her life might have been like. However Sarah’s involvement in the abolishment movement is real, as was her personal artwork and assigned one’s for the cause. And I praise McCoy of her interpretation of Sarah Brown life, McCoy showed the upmost respect for Brown and it radiated through in her spectacular writing. Sarah Brown was an intelligent and compassionate woman of her time; sacrificed her happiness for the man she loves, and took risked for her fellow allies and what she believed in. Where as women of that era would not think of interfering – not a woman’s duty, leave it to the men!

The story shift back and forward in time to a modern day era, centres on a woman called Eden Anderson. The similarity between Eden and Sarah is that they’re unable to bear children. Eden has been on the fertility program for several years without success. The hormone replacement drugs, the miscarriages, the disappointments year after year are taking its toll on her marriage. Her doctor suggested a change of scenery; a calm place away from the hectic city living. And that’s when the Anderson’s move into an old home in New Charlestown where hidden treasure’s are uncovered.

While Sarah story is intriguing, Eden story touched me in a way that resonates. Both women are trying to clarify what it means to them - not having children that they eagerly crave for – and what it means to their relationship/partners; how to find that ‘one thing’ to help them move on - and that’s what I loved; they find it in the most unexpected ways.

McCoy description of the backdrop and New Charleston is so beautifully; vivid and picturesque in both eras. I loved the warmth, and harmony of the town folk of Eden’s time and their acceptance of her with open arms – it did well for Eden self-esteem and motivation and was very uplifting. You could feel the difference in dynamic within New Charleston in Eden’s time compared to Sarah’s time; it’s during the Civil War, there was a lack of food and divided views on slavery which made the atmosphere aggressive and frightening but picturesque nonetheless. McCoy’s characters are well defined, likable but not without faults which made them feel real and alive.

Wonderful and engaging story and I’m so glad that I found Sarah McCoy.
...more

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Jul 21, 2014 Melissa Crytzer Fry rated it it was amazing

Shelves: first-reads

I am a big fan of the dual-period novel – especially when authors can braid together stories of past and present with what appears to be great ease. Author Sarah McCoy is among those talented individuals (adored The Baker’s Daughter, another dual-period novel). Blending the contemporary with the historical is such an engaging way to learn more about American (and world) history, and we should celebrate and devour these books!

Despite my fascination with the Underground Railroad after visiting on ...more

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May 22, 2015 Carol Brill rated it liked it

3.5...The Story alternates between the mid-1800's and 2014. The historical part is told from the point of Sarah Brown, daughter of abolitionist John Brown. The present day story is told by Eden Anderson, who is mourning the loss of an unborn child and has just moved to New Charleston with her husband of 7 years, Jack.

The author does a good job using language that creates a strong sense of the different time periods. Sarah is an artist who helps her abolitionist father by drawing maps to help sl ...more

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May 27, 2015 Raven Haired Girl added it

Shelves: 2015

I’m not a huge fan of split narratives. I feel as if one narrative overshadows the other, certainly was the case in this instance.

I found Sarah Brown and her family’s narrative of the past riveting and fascinating. Abolitionists, risking all to annihilate slavery as well helping slaves escape. Historical facts cited made for a wonderful narrative along with an intriguing cast of characters. I wasn’t thrilled or taken with Eden and her present day narrative. Her poor attitude, anger failed to win ...more

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Mar 01, 2015 Angie Reisetter rated it liked it

Shelves: firstreads

The Mapmaker's Children is an enjoyable 2-tiered story, one in modern-day West Virginia and one in 1850s-60s West Virginia and New England centered on Sarah Brown, daughter of John Brown of Harper's Ferry fame. There are connections between the two stories that are revealed in the course of the book and I thought the historical 19th century story was particularly interesting.

I didn't give it more stars because of the simplicity of the language/story-telling and the fact that I never could come t ...more

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Sep 30, 2014 Deborah Blanchard rated it it was amazing

Shelves: early-review-books, historical-fiction, netgalley

First of all, I would like to thank NetGalley for allowing me the honor of reading this book. I have been a fan of Sarah's books ever since I first read "The Bakers' Daughter" a few years ago. Sarah epitomizes what historical fiction should be and blends truth with fiction flawlessly. This book kept me reading well into the night for many nights. The characters that she creates are so realistic, that I felt a part of this amazing book. I truly enjoyed the way each chapter switched from past to p ...more

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Feb 11, 2015 Meredith ( on Semi-Hiatus until February) rated it really liked it

Shelves: first-reads

The late 1850's and 2014 are woven together to tell Sarah Brown's story in the Mapmaker's Children. Sarah, daughter of abolitionist John Brown, uses her artistic abilities to paint maps to assist those traveling on the Underground Railroad. When Sarah travels to New Charlestown, West Virginia with her mother and sister to Annie to visit her father before his execution, she meets the Hill family and falls in love with Freddy Hill. Circumstances keep Sarah and Freddy apart, but their story, which ...more

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Apr 30, 2015 Jayme rated it liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction

Sarah McCoy's "The Baker's Daughter" is one of my all time favorite books. I was hoping that this effort would be added to that list, but sadly, I would have to disagree with the majority of the reviews. I enjoyed learning how children's dolls were used as maps to help slaves find their way to freedom through the Underground Railroads, and how Sarah Brown devoted herself to this cause. But, the present day portion of the book lacked a sympathetic character that you could root for. Sarah was a wo ...more

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Nov 14, 2015 Myrna rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobooks

As a big fan of historical fiction (and Sarah's previous novel), I had great hopes for this book. However, it didn't WOW me. It's a character driven, sentimental novel with an interesting way of weaving two different storylines. Sarah Brown's story took awhile to become engaging and I was hoping for more accounts of The Underground Railroad. I also seem to be in the minority of liking the 2014 story more than the historical one. I say it is a good book - but it didn't live up to my expectations. ...more

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Feb 16, 2018 Suanne Laqueur rated it liked it · review of another edition

2.5 stars. This book had such a great premise but it missed the mark for me. The Civil War sections with Sarah Brown worked perfectly—the writing, the historical detail, the tone, the storyline. Left on their own, this could've been a four-star book. But the present-day sections just flopped. They were filled with nonsense—babies and puppies, cookie-cutter characters, lack of communication. I didn't connect with Eden at all, and she ended up dragging the whole book down to a weak finish. Still, ...more

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Oct 07, 2014 Suzanne rated it it was amazing

You've got to love a book which inspires you to spend time afterwards learning more about the historical characters in the story. The Mapmaker's Children introduced me to a part of America's history with names that I'd heard of but never really learned about (having grown up outside the States): John Brown, Harper's Ferry and the abolition movement. Plucky, clever, determined Sarah Brown, daughter of John Brown, was the wonderful main character.

There are two stories going on in this book, one in You've got to love a book which inspires you to spend time afterwards learning more about the historical characters in the story. The Mapmaker's Children introduced me to a part of America's history with names that I'd heard of but never really learned about (having grown up outside the States): John Brown, Harper's Ferry and the abolition movement. Plucky, clever, determined Sarah Brown, daughter of John Brown, was the wonderful main character.

There are two stories going on in this book, one in the 1800s and one in the 21st century. Unlike some other books I've read, the jumping back and forth worked well. I was interested in both stories and really liked the way they were interwoven, dropping hints and details from both time periods that helped build up a better understanding of what was happening/had happened. It also - to use a cliche - brought history to life. Sometimes the modern-day characters would refer to something historical. Soon after, you'd actually find yourself living it with the characters in the 1800s - which made it real in a way that might not have happened otherwise.

This book also had a quote about grief which really stood out for me:

He let her cry without offering trite condolences. She'd been the recipient of the gamut of them when her father died, each a hollow bell of no solace. From the pillow-embroidered reflections - "Better to have loved and lost" - to the biblical - "You must be strong through the Valley of the Shadow of Death" - they did so little but force the sufferer into a position of gratitude: "Thank you so, so much for your kindness." When all you felt was ... loss. Deep, unrelenting loss. That kind of despair frightened people. Friends, neighbors, acquaintances feared it was catching like a virus, so they'd put on sterile gloves to hand out the "Our thoughts are with you" when really their thoughts were sprinting away as fast as possible. It was too painful to recognize: mortality.

I was left with one question though: (view spoiler)

Thanks to Crown Publishing for the advanced reader copy.

...more

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Jul 10, 2015 RoseMary Achey rated it really liked it

Mary Ann Brown with Annie (left) and Sarah (right) about 1851. Library of Congress<br />

Mary Ann Brown with Annie (left) and Sarah (right) about 1851. Library of Congress

The mapmaker is Sarah Brown, daughter of abolitionist, John Brown. She creates maps on the faces of children's dolls that assist runaway slaves find their way to freedom.

Fast forward to current day-Eden Anderson moves into a very old house in West Virginia and finds a strange looking doll's head in her root cellar...and we have the perfect set-up for a dual-time novel.

Sarah's story rang much truer than Eden's t ...more

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Jan 31, 2015 Dorieke rated it it was ok

The reviews about this book here on goodreads are all very appraising. It makes me wonder have I read the same book as all these people?? I was so confused with this book, couldn't get the two story lines in check with one another, and the person of Eden didn't feel 'real' to me. I enjoyed The Baker's Daughter a lot, so I was really looking forward to reading this book, but I am sorry to say that I was pretty disappointed. ...more

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Mar 02, 2015 Barbara rated it it was amazing

Ms. McCoy has created a lovely tapestry of a story in The Mapmaker's Children. I love when an author brings in an historical character into a fiction story and you can tell they have done their research. Sarah Brown, daughter of abolitionist John Brown, leaps off the pages and fits perfectly with the character of Eden in the present day chapters. The author has managed to tie everything together cohesively. It's completely believable. A wonderful read. ...more

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Nov 12, 2016 Pam Jenoff rated it it was amazing

I adored this book, which waves together a modern tale of Eden, a woman desperate to conceive a child with her husband, and the historic mystery she uncovers of Sarah Brown, the abolitionist's daughter who uses her artistic talents to create maps for slaves fleeing north. Sensitive, nuanced and ingeniously sewn together to form an emotional wonder. ...more

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Sep 26, 2014 Lady By the Lake rated it it was amazing

What an amazing read! The author's gift for storytelling left me spellbound as she made each character, place and event come to life. I love a book that, once completed, keeps me thinking about what might have happened if the story had continued. ...more

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Apr 08, 2015 Tara rated it it was ok

Shelves: goodreads-first-reads-or-other-arcs, historical-fiction

Received an ARC:

Overwritten. Gimmicky. Tolerable.

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Sep 09, 2014 Christina (A Reader of Fictions) marked it as dnf

Shelves: finishedreviewcopy

Pages read: 36

Since I loved The Baker's Daughter, The Mapmaker's Children was a must-read. Unfortunately, this one just isn't working for me. Though I think I would like Sarah's historical half of the book, the more contemporary timeline I already loathe. Eden's narration is off-putting and about a subject that doesn't interest me (her desire to have a baby and frustration with her marriage).

I'm finding myself super unwilling to pick this one up and read it, which is a sign that I need to move ...more

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Apr 15, 2015 Maya B rated it liked it

This was an ok read. I did not like the alternating chapters. first chapter in the present, next chapter in the past and so on. I felt like the whole book would have been better if the entire story was written in past tense.

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Mar 05, 2015 CLM rated it really liked it

Shelves: 19th-century, historicalfiction, southern, underground-railroad

4 1/2 stars. This is one of my favorite reads of 2015: here is a link to my review and giveway http://perfectretort.blogspot.com/201...
...more

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Nov 10, 2014 Mary Eve rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction, arc, hardcover-paperback-own, won, 2015-book-challenge, southern-fiction, shelf-awareness-first-reads, civil-war-era, author-contact

I close the pages of my book and stare, once again, at the cover of THE MAPMAKER'S CHILDREN. I run my hand over the front, smoothing out any imperfections. And then I release a long sigh of satisfaction. What an amazing story! I sit and ponder all of the research Sarah McCoy must have done in order to tell the story of Sarah Brown, daughter of American abolitionist, John Brown. I felt like it deserved my undivided attention. I read at a slower pace, savoring the story that unfolded. I enjoyed th I close the pages of my book and stare, once again, at the cover of THE MAPMAKER'S CHILDREN. I run my hand over the front, smoothing out any imperfections. And then I release a long sigh of satisfaction. What an amazing story! I sit and ponder all of the research Sarah McCoy must have done in order to tell the story of Sarah Brown, daughter of American abolitionist, John Brown. I felt like it deserved my undivided attention. I read at a slower pace, savoring the story that unfolded. I enjoyed the LITTLE WOMEN vibe it often evoked with me. When I read stories like this, I'm reminded why historical fiction is my favorite genre. McCoy does a brilliant job combining fact with fiction and I was easily transported back to an America divided by slavery, an America that was once North and South, divided by cruelty, greed, race, and hatred. During it all, the character of Sarah Brown remained devoted, loyal, and heroic in her beliefs and through her tireless efforts with the Under Ground Railroad. I was captivated by this portion of McCoy's novel. I found myself looking up real historical dates associated with the story and astonished at the accuracies. Of course, all authors take liberties with facts, trying to piece together bits and pieces, conversations, and relationships. McCoy is believable here, weaving a story that left me heartbroken for Sarah, her family, and those she loved and desperately tried to protect. Sarah Brown was a woman to be admired. She sacrificed so much, often risking her life.

THE MAPMAKER'S CHILDREN is told in past and present. I'm not normally crazy about these kind of tales but it works. The stories merge nicely, finding a common thread. Eden Anderson is the main character in the present day story. Initially, I had a hard time identifying with Eden. She's the complete polar opposite of Sarah Brown. Eden faces difficulties in her life with anger, resentment, and an accusing tone. She's very bitter. She could learn a lot from Sarah Brown. And she will! I enjoyed the way the two stories tied in. Very creative and clever! Even a little spooky. Overall, I would recommend this book. I think this book will become a historical fiction fave for all but be prepared to have your heart broken along the way.

*Super special thanks to Sarah McCoy for sending me this incredible book through the AuthorBuzz Shelf Awareness Giveaway. Sarah, you sure know how to package a book. One fun surprise after the other! I promise, I was in no way swayed or bribed. I genuinely liked this book. ...more

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Jan 20, 2015 Meg - A Bookish Affair rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2015, fiction, historical-fiction

"The Mapmaker's Children" is a historical fiction tale focuses on two women, one in the past and one in the present. These women are connected by secrets hidden in an old house in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. Sarah Brown, daughter of the famous abolitionist John Brown, is a woman before her time. She is brave and courageous. She gets involved with the Underground Railroad even though it could mean that her life is in danger. Eden and her husband are looking for a fresh start and buy an old hou ...more

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May 01, 2015 Darlene rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audiobooks

Originally posted on Peeking Between the Pages: http://www.peekingbetweenthepages.com...

The Mapmaker’s Children by Sarah McCoy is a wonderful blend of the past and present that completely captivates the reader from the first page to the last. Sarah McCoy tells a beautifully written story that is told in the past by Sarah Brown (daughter of abolitionist John Brown) and in the present by Eden Anderson, a woman struggling to have a child. Having read and loved The Baker’s Daughter I had high hopes Originally posted on Peeking Between the Pages: http://www.peekingbetweenthepages.com...

The Mapmaker’s Children by Sarah McCoy is a wonderful blend of the past and present that completely captivates the reader from the first page to the last. Sarah McCoy tells a beautifully written story that is told in the past by Sarah Brown (daughter of abolitionist John Brown) and in the present by Eden Anderson, a woman struggling to have a child. Having read and loved The Baker’s Daughter I had high hopes for The Mapmaker’s Children and Sarah McCoy lived up to every expectation I had with yet another mesmerizing story. The audiobook production of The Mapmaker’s Children is absolutely fabulous with multiple narrators including Abby Craden, Cassandra Campbell, Jane Jacobs, and the author’s note read by Sarah McCoy herself. With narrators such as these ladies you know you are in for a listening experience you won’t soon forget – very well done!

Sarah Brown’s father John worked hard in the 1800’s to end slavery. While he kept his work from his family it still happened that he discovered that Sarah was artistically talented and that talent lent well to creating maps that were then used on the Underground Railroad. Since Sarah, having had a bad illness, would never bear children she threw herself completely into her father’s work and continued on even after his passing to do what she could for the cause. Eden, in the present time, has moved into an old house with her husband. She’s extremely unhappy with her inability to bear a child and this is consuming her every moment. When the young Cleo shows up at her door she’s pretty snarky but this young girl soon enough worms her way into her good graces. Meanwhile Eden has found a head from an old porcelain doll that had been used in the Underground Railroad in her cellar. Both she and Cleo discover the many hidden secrets and past lives that this doll has lived and in doing so this opens Eden up to healing her broken soul.

The Mapmaker’s Children is a fantastic novel with such depth and beauty. With my love of historical fiction I loved Sarah’s story and while I’ve read some on the Underground Railroad before it was great to learn more of this strong woman and her bravery. I even liked Eden who is entirely an unlikeable character in the beginning but as the story progresses so does she. What I really loved though was how Sarah McCoy wove the two narratives together with an old house, a porcelain doll’s head, and a fascinating look back into history.

Utterly fantastic storytelling! Highly recommended! ...more

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About Sarah McCoy

Sarah McCoy

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SARAH McCOY is the New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author of the novels MARILLA OF GREEN GABLES, THE MAPMAKER'S CHILDREN, THE BAKER'S DAUGHTER, THE TIME IT SNOWED IN PUERTO RICO, and "The Branch of Hazel," a novella in GRAND CENTRAL.

The Baker's Daughter was praised as "a beautiful heart-breaking gem of a novel" by Tatiana de Rosnay and "a thoughtful reading experience in ...more

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“We can't force life to do what we want when we want it. We can't change yesterday or control tomorrow. We can only live today as best we can. And it just might turn out better than expected” — 3 likes

“So unabashed as to make its recipient afraid—not of the girl but of a world that didn’t abide such forthright joy.” — 1 likes

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