Carrying Independence

by Karen A. Chase

1776. The Declaration of Independence has been approved by Congress. The delegates have agreed to assemble on August second to sign a single copy that would show they stand unanimous in their desire to separate from British rule. But the struggle to bring all the congressmen to Philadelphia for the formal signing seems as insurmountable as the fight for independence against the world’s greatest army…

With cries of war spreading across the colonies and pressure mounting to join the Revolution, an intrepid young Post Rider, Nathaniel Marten, is reluctant to raise a rifle for the Cause. His heart is pulled by sympathy for his mother, English-born and loyal to her homeland; concern for his father, whose artisanal gun shop is being converted into an armory for the newly formed Continental army; and fear for the peaceful Shawnee tribe he has long considered his second family.

In a chance encounter with Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, Nathaniel is asked to take on the role of a lifetime: secure the remaining signatures by carrying the sole copy of the Declaration to the congressmen unable to attend the formal signing. The risks? British generals and double-crossing spies are eager to capture both Nathaniel and the document so they can divide the thirteen colonies already weakened by war.

Through encounters with well-known original founding fathers and mothers, and by witnessing the effects of the Revolution on ordinary Americans, Nathaniel must learn that independence––for himself, for those he loves, and for the country­­––is not granted, it's chosen. By each and every one of us.

Genres: Historical Fiction, American Revolutionary War, Historical, Book Club

442 pages, Paperback

Published June 11, 2019

About the author

Karen A. Chase is the award-winning author of CARRYING INDEPENDENCE. No. 12 on the Top 100 Indie books of 2019, it was short-listed for the Eric Hoffer Indie Publishing Award, and was a semifinalist in the Screencraft Cinematic Book competition. Karen was a visiting scholar at the American Antiquarian Society and a Virginia Humanities 2019-2020 Library of Virginia Fellow.

Her first book, Bonjour 40: A Paris Travel Log, garnered seven independent publishing awards. She is a member of James River Writers, the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Historical Novelist Society, and the American Revolutionary Round Table. Originally from Calgary, Canada, she resides with two scrappy cats, and her partner, Ted, in Richmond, Virginia.

Reviews

[Breck Baumann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upon moving to Virginia and joining the ranks as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Canadian novelist Karen A. Chase became fascinated with the Revolutionary War and its encompassing lore. Beginning with the aftermath of Lexington and Concord, Chase’s story follows the life of Pennsylvanian Nathaniel Marten, a teen who signed up for extra pay as a postrider—largely unaware of the fateful consequences that lay behind this seemingly innocent position. His true role and responsibilities would be revealed to him and his companions—boyhood friends Arthur, and Kalawi, a local Shawnee—as they embark upon an elk hunt, only days after the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on behalf of the Thirteen Colonies.

After appropriately introducing each character and addressing the inconveniences caused by the potential threat of war with the Crown, the opening chapters already show Chase’s commitment to diligent research of not only the American Revolution, but also of eighteenth century colonists and Native tribes. This is evident in her translations of a local Shawnee tribal meeting, as well as her step-by-step explanation of Nathaniel loading his musket—a meticulous process that required dry powder and much patience. While it’s clear that the plot primarily follows Nathaniel’s daunting task of delivering the Declaration to six congressmen who have yet to sign, there are also brief hints of a romantic longing for Arthur’s cousin, Susannah, whom he met on a chance encounter at a dance.

Chase has a knack for reimagining such famous Founders as Jefferson and Franklin, and goes to great lengths through her research to uncover the lives of those less-discussed from the Revolutionary era. These include the likes of John Dickinson, George Wythe—who concisely summarizes the Declaration in a witful banter—and a rather unflattering yet faithful portrait of Richard Henry Lee as slave owner and landed aristocrat. Indeed, the sins of slavery are dutifully acknowledged, as well as the blood and terror of such engagements as the Battle of Long Island—casting Israel Putnam, Mordecai Gist and the Immortal 400 alongside her fictitious characters. The chapters are short and easy to review and digest, and the focus occasionally will shift from Nathaniel’s storyline to that of others such as his brother Peter, Kalawi, and Susannah.

Spycraft is an intriguing theme featured throughout the book, where Nathaniel and others must constantly be aware of their surroundings, as well as what they say or put into paper—where the next letter or code could quickly change the nature of the War. Similarly, friendships and loyalties are constantly put to the test, and Chase’s descriptive prose is littered through each page—painting a stunning portrait of cities, prison ships, battlefields, and the general countenance of each character introduced. Indeed, the story has all of the qualifications necessary for a fitting screenplay and film, with Chase’s respectable accuracy on the Revolution fitting evenly inline with her cast’s colorful and engaging dialogue:

“A lovely summation of my point,” Wythe winked at him. “You would make a fine lawyer, Mr. Mirtle.”
“Me? A mere rider?”
“You must prepare for all outcomes. Life is too long to remain the same.” Wythe leaned back in his saddle and nodded toward Nathaniel’s buttocks, “And I do hate to see a fine mind shrivel while a rump widens on the back of a horse.”

As the book flows easily into the second half, more pivotal events are brought into focus, such as the Great Fire of New York, as well as Nathaniel’s introduction to many well-researched Patriots including Gouverneur Morris, Oliver Wolcott, and Thomas McKean. Indeed, Chase’s by now familiar art of weaving history into each character creates a behind-the-scenes invitation into the lore of the Revolutionary War—such as the melting of King George III’s lead statue for essential ammunition. Another one of the many highlights of Chase’s work is her way of engaging the audience with fresh appeal through the lives and mindset of her characters—where Susannah has all of the attributes that lean towards the ordinary, yet changes in circumstances allow for an intimate understanding of her strengths.

Exceptionally researched to the very end, Chase even acknowledges the little-known role of women as printers for the Cause—where she cleverly uses the famed talents of Postmaster Mary Katherine Goddard to describe the art and method of setting ink and type for the following day’s headlines. Chase’s novel is a delightful addition to the field of historical fiction, proving herself to be a reputable author and historian of the Revolutionary Era. The first of a highly anticipated trilogy, the book includes a succinct breakdown of the Declaration of Independence, as well as a helpful Author’s Note which separates myth from fact alongside Nathaniel’s journey.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.5 stars for me. I was really impressed with the author's writing. I admit, I worried I wouldn't be able to get into this story, but the writing, the characters, and the action and tension definitely pulled me in.

Spoiler warning - the Declaration does get signed LOL

I loved the mix of fictional characters with true historic ones. I can't even imagine what it would be like to be in the same room with some of our Revolutionary leaders.

This was our book club pick for historical fiction, and I really enjoyed it!

[Ashley Brenae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I hoped it would be after the author visited my Daughters of the American Revolution chapter meeting. It was historically accurate, imaginative, fascinating, and extremely well written. There are many important characters and she switched between them and intertwined their stories seamlessly, leaving no confusion. I love historical fiction, but have read few about the American Revolution - this makes me want to search out more. There are promises of other “Founding Documents” novels in the future and I will be on the lookout.

[Lynelle Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The amount of research put into every page is incredible, and I felt wholly immersed. I can't say I've ever been sucker-punched by an indie book before, but this one really made me think long and hard (and also wonder why the heck it hasn't been picked up by a Big Four publisher). When I truly enjoy something, I often have a difficult time wrangling all of my thoughts and being coherent, but this stirred in me so many emotions (I laughed a couple times and I almost cried), and to me, that's a marked success for any novel. Told predominately through the trio perspective of three boyhood friends, Nathaniel (the unanticipated carrier of the Declaration), Arthur (the soldier), and Kalawi (a member of the Shawnee tribe), we had three very unique perspectives on the war. I was particularly interested in how Kalawi's story would play out, because a Native perspective is very rare in AmRev media.

At the start, Nathaniel and Kalawi are both pretty much impartial and unsure of which side to support (Kalawi, especially, had more at stake since choosing the "wrong side" could end with his tribe being attacked, or worse), while Arthur chose the American Cause and enlisted early. Nathaniel ended up running into Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson in Philadelphia by happenstance, and he chose to deliver the Declaration for them (they needed to acquire all signatures from those who weren't presently in Philadelphia) because of the girl he loved, rather than any true support for either side, which made for an interesting journey in how each step gained him different perspectives that tugged him back-and-forth between POVs and what he should support.

Since I don't want to spoil anything, I won't determine what these characters endured and what brought them to their ultimate decisions, so I'd instead like to point out some great secondary characters in this novel. Susannah, the girl Nathaniel loves, was a fantastic female perspective. I found her sweet and endearing (also loved her father), and how through her church, she was able to find a way to support the Cause in her own way. Many women felt helpless since they weren't allowed to fight, but spinning textiles for the soldiers gave them an option to lend aid (as a side note, according to the author, Esther Reed and the spinning bees were both real!). Prior to the spinning bee, Susannah felt adrift and purposeless, so it was really nice seeing this quiet girl come into her own, and with so much passion. Another great character was Captain Blythe. I really loved his scenes with Nathaniel -- they had a lot of chemistry in kind of an uncle/nephew way, so I enjoyed their rapport a lot. And lastly, I surprisingly enjoyed the villain, Silas Hastings. Not at first, mind you -- I found him to be a worm lol -- but by the end of the novel, I actually felt pretty sorry for him, which proves you have a great story when you can sympathize with someone who's made some bad decisions. My favorite part about him was his constant need to fidget with his pocket watch (the narrative would indicate this by a constant "Snap. Click."), because without even saying Silas was in the room with Nathaniel and Washington during that one scene, the narrative wrote, "Snap. Click," and I was instantly like NO. EVERYONE STOP TALKING!!! It stressed me out, but in a good way. I think that kind of storytelling is masterful, much like how in the movie JAWS you never actually see the shark underwater before it kills, but you know it's there because of the foreboding music.

I also really appreciated that this book included lines of the Declaration, because I think more people (aka EVERYONE in this country) should read it. When I was growing up, I vividly recall a lot of people on Capitol Hill calling our Declaration "outdated," and "out of touch," and after reading this novel, I very much believe it's because they don't want us knowing about THIS particular passage: "[...] whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to affect their Safety and Happiness." The corrupt don't want us remembering the govt was created FOR us, and that it's our right to reset what is no longer working. And Nathaniel brought up the tragically accurate point (though through his perspective, it was The War of 1812) of: "They had fought for independence all those years ago. Was freedom so fragile, he wondered, that it must constantly be defended? And with the same enemy? Must our children and grandchildren continue to battle against those who hold it so less dear?"

But rather than end this on a despairing note, I love that the Shawnee vow between the three boys, "Wela ket nee ko ge (We are one)" kept coming up throughout the novel, and that it ended up at the very end again, signifying that we, as Americans, are all one. "Wela ket nee ko ge. E pluribus unum. We are one." It makes me misty-eyed, because we come from so many different backgrounds and cultures and identities, but we're still in this together -- we should never let those in control try and pit us against one another, as they so brutally have been doing these past several years. I know I'm going to keep this book tucked in the back of my thoughts for many years to come.

[Laura Rader · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging read, well-researched, with a clever premise and interesting characters. The four main characters are fictional yet believable, and the writing is at times absolutely gorgeous.

[Jessica Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually reserve 5 stars for books I would read again. This book is not one of those, as I found it rather slow. Yet, you certainly have to appreciate the research, the historical value, and the writing - for those deserve the highest of ratings.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating story of just what might have had to happen to get all the signatures on the Declaration of Independence. It is also the story of just what independence means. Nathaniel undertook the mission of tracking down the missing signatories to escape — to escape working in his father's gunshop, soon to become an armory, and to escape joining the militia like is friend Arthur. His other incentive was the possibility of marrying Arthur's cousin, Susannah, if he succeeded in time. But despite the toils and tribulations he undergoes, he is still not committed to actual independence. Hard to put down. Recommended.

[Lisa K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-plotted, deeply researched historic fiction that centers on the Declaration of Independence. Useful appendices reproduce documents and also spell out the core of facts from which Chase wrote. The most notable core fact being that the Declaration was not signed all at once, so Chase posits the character of Nathaniel, a young man we meet with this neighbor friends, a Shawnee and a fellow of Irish descent. Each man gets swept up in the Revolution in a different way, as does Irish Arthur's cousin Susanna (Nathaniel's crush), Nathaniel's brother, and a former schoolmate Silas.

At first I found the details to be too much -- as if she's showing off her research by describing each item of clothing, each, tool -- but either the plot began to intrigue me enough or she backed off that habit.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit predictable, I still enjoyed the story and plot line about a young man who is charged by the Continental Congress with carrying the Declaration of Independence to seven men who had not signed it initially. This is historical fiction that would be interesting to teen readers, I think.

[Charlene Roberson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is 1776 and the delegates from the various American colonies have written the Declaration of Independence. But the formal signing on August 2 saw several of the original delegates unable to get to Philadelphia to sign the important document, which would formally declare the colonies an independent nation. A young Post rider, Nathaniel Marten, has one last letter to deliver, to Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia, before joining his lifelong friend in joining the Continental army. However, when he meets Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, they entrust him with a more important role - to locate the missing delegates and obtain their signatures on the sole copy of the Declaration. Sworn to secrecy, he can tell no one, including his friends and family, what his assignment is. There is much interest among the British to find this rumored rider and destroy both him and the Declaration, thus squelching the Revolution and returning the Colonies to British control.

This is an historical fiction, as there is no record how the missing signatures were secured, but it gives a look "behind the curtain" as to what was happening in the Colonies during those troubled times. Many of the characters are real and are interwoven in a way to make a plausible story, and one that I really enjoyed reading.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is packed with historical figures that come alive on every page. "Carrying Independence" delivered a vivid picture of life in 1776 cloaked in the mind and heart of main character, Nathaniel Marten, a young man entrusted with carrying the Declaration of Independence through wartorn cities on the back of his trusted horse, Bayard, to ensure the future of the colonies. His friendship with Kalawi of the Shawnee hints at the ways culture and stereotypes can tear friendships apart--a problem that exists to present day; but the sense of duty and fidelity Nathaniel embodied gave me great hope.

Love history? It's riveting. Friendships with tension and secrets? Plenty. Drawn to love stories? There's a romance...with complications, and we all know readers love complications. Like drama? War stories? Action? This book is jam packed with cinematic scenes and characters you'll come to love, hate, and everything in between.

No spoilers here. Just read it. I loved every word.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many Americans might not realize the Declaration of Independence was not signed all in one day. CARRYING INDEPENDENCE explores a fascinating “what if” about the struggle it might have taken to obtain the last few signatures from men scattered across several states in the midst of a brutal war. And Karen Chase does it from the perspective of a young man struggling with his own conflicted feelings about the Revolution—the son of a woman holding an attachment to her native England, the friend of a Shawnee whose people face devastation, and the friend also of an Irish American deeply devoted to liberty. The story takes a deft touch with period detail, immersing the reader in the colonial era without bogging down the story, and the characters are easy to root for as they strive to overcome external obstacles as well as inner flaws and conflicts. Highly recommended for anyone interested in American history!

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an engaging read! I thought the writing really moved the story along and made me feel the excitement, and trauma as the characters experienced both! A book club choice that I would not have selected for myself, I could not wait to read the next chapter!
The story of three young boys, Nathaniel and Arthur, neighbors , and a Shawnee ,Kawali, who become life long friends, the novel follows their paths during the Revolutionary War as Nathaniel is charged with using his pony express experience to carry the Declaration of Independence across state lines to obtain the last five signatures.
Though this is not a true story, I felt I learned so much about the history of that period and I highly recommend this novel!

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read - Chase made a piece of history come to life through her rich and diverse characters and vibrant imagination. Chase's imagery and vocabulary have depth and authenticity that draw you in, without being cumbersome or distracting. Chase structures her chapters beautifully, making the book a "page turner" - each one brief enough to keep things in sharp focus and help you feel accomplished even if you only had time to read for a short bit; but when you had more time to spare, it was easy to cruise through them with one launching you right into the next. You'll get a good dose of every emotion in here - humor, love and romance, fear, and frustration - there's something for everyone in Carrying Independence :)

[Shayla R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book almost 3 years ago at an event where I met the author. It was in my “to read pile.” I pulled it out a few times but just kept piling other books on top of it. Right book at the right time, I picked it up just a few weeks ago and couldn’t wait to find out what happened. Great story about patriotism, friendship, and becoming the person you were meant to be. Following the adventures of Nathaniel, Arthur, and Kalawi through the years of the American Revolution, each character carving their path. If you like historical fiction, this is an incredible story full of adventures and feelings that will remind you this it’s great to be an American.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carrying Independence covers a snapshot in time in the middle colonies during 1776 and taught me not only about battles and human suffering, but about the social fabric that held together families and friends and so many innocents impacted by war.

I was not a great student of American History, unfortunately, so it's been a bit easier for me to come at it years later through creative historical fiction. This book kept me engaged; the main characters felt like close friends; and finely-researched details about everyday life during this time period provided important context for me.

[Cris Shanks]

I owe Karen Chase an apology. I bought her book, CARRYING INDEPENDENCE, when she presented at the University of Richmond many months ago. I put her book aside and didn’t even start it until a few weeks ago. Now I am spending time everyday with Nathaniel, Arthur, Kalawi, and lovely Susannah. These different perspectives and dimensions are really putting the Revolutionary pieces together for me. I am just sorry I didn’t start reading this book sooner.

[Roxanne Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This remarkable historical novel is one of the best I’ve read and certainly the best I’ve read in the time period of the early Revolutionary War. Chase has done an extraordinary amount of research and woven that into a compelling story that captured me from the first page. Her brilliant narrative paints vivid pictures of the events she describes. You will love this book.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed “Carrying Independence;” although I had to read 100 pages to be drawn into the story. I was most intrigued with characters Nathaniel and Susannah, as well as the historical figures, Franklin, Jefferson, and Washington. I understand the interweaving story of Arthur, Kalawi, Silas, Peter, Susannah, and Nathaniel. I truly believe the author did a remarkable job of telling their stories.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Having read the author's previous book I had high hopes that this book would be good. I was not disappointed. I did find at the beginning I needed a bit of time to warm up to the characters. Once that happened, I found it an interesting and fascinating read.

[Judith Letchworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this time of quarantine my reading has magnified. I found Carry Independence a treasure to learn more about the history of our nation. Though written as historical fiction, the basic history of the Revolutionary War is on point. This is in my pile to re-read very soon.

[Janet Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Impressive detail, good story, you can easily imagine this really may have happened.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written, extremely well researched historical fiction. There is subtle attention to detail that makes this a truly enjoyable read. Book one of a trilogy and I am anticipating book 2!

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! Great “story”. Can’t wait for the next in the series and hope there’s a movie in the works. It would be great!!

[Vernon Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating read. Karen did an incredible weaving together the stories of all sides involved in the creation of our country.

[Kim S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book and learning more about the era the Declaration of Independence was signed.

[Joyce Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an interesting way to learn some American history. Thoroughly enjoyed the storytelling in this book.

[Longest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author does an incredible job carrying you through history. You feel a part of the moment as the story unfolds.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic historical fiction! Chase really immerses the reader in the time period and gives a whole new perspective of the founding of democracy.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Loved it!