That Dazzling Sun

by Lawrence Reid Bechtel

In this second book, Rachel Bringhouse, the tinsmith's daughter and Isaac's tutor, sails off to England to work alongside the famous social activist and poet, Hannah Moore. Rachel writes enthusiastic letters to Isaac, which Isaac answers back with assistance from the irrepressibly poetic cook's helper, Ovid. Meanwhile, Billey Gardner, the feisty and opportunistic former slave of James Madison, pesters Isaac with notions of a business partnership; the charismatic Dr. Cornelius Sharp uses Isaac to confront Jefferson as a debt-ridden slave owner; and the Reverend Richard Allen provides Isaac with a most surprising document. When an exuberant Rachel returns from England with a key insight and Isaac's hated nemesis Daniel Shady reappears, bent on revenge, the book rises to its crescendo, in which Isaac must rise to his own power and bargain at last with Thomas Jefferson on his own terms.

419 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2020

Reviews

[Marcy Guenette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the coming-of-age story of Isaac Grainger, a young black slave of Thomas Jefferson, sent from his plantation, Monticello, to the growing metropolis of Philadelphia, seat of political power and populated by peace-loving Quakers.

Isaac has now been a tinsmith apprentice under the tutelage of Mr. Bringhouse, for the past two years. The Bringhouse family treats him like any other apprentice, albeit he is the first and only black one. He has also been tutored by their daughter, Rachel, to read and write so that he will be able to maintain his own business ledgers. When she goes off to England, their friendship continues to grow through letter writing.

Mr. Thomas Jefferson is well pleased with the progress Isaac has made in learning the tinsmith trade. His work is well admired and buyers from New York are beginning to ask for him. Jefferson is anxious to have Isaac return to Monticello as soon as possible to set up a tinsmith shop and help pay down TJ’s tremendous debt. Isaac, in the meantime, yearns to be a free man. He has been exposed to new ideas, new colleagues, staunch abolitionists, all of which has called to question his new worth. And then there is the new Pennsylvania law. What to do? Isaac is now facing adult decisions, adult dilemmas.

I really enjoyed this book. It is well-written, with well-developed characters, realistic dialogue and a very interesting storyline (with a little romantic intrigue mixed in). With the exception of the Bringhouse family, most of the people portrayed are real historical figures. Suitable for young adults, I think it would be a useful book in a high school setting.

[Yvonne Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

That Dazzling Son continues the story of Isaac and Rachel. This is proving to be a great series, and I highly anticipate the third and final book, to see where the author takes the main characters.

As Isaac and Rachel continue to grow closer together, the story of a slave in Thomas Jefferson's household, and the daughter of a master tinsmith, becomes more broadly known. This leads to funny and scary encounters with those who strongly oppose such a friendship.

This book is suitable for adults and young adults alike.

I highly recommend it.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book a little more than this one. However, they are both incredible! I look forward to reading the third book!

[Nancy Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every bit as informative and interesting as the first book in The Tinsmith's Apprentice series. Bechtel really captures the feel of the time.

[James Klagge · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging continuation of the story-line. Maybe a little too much correspondence. End of this second book makes you look forward to the concluding volume...

[Jean Notestein]

Interesting and not as heartbreaking as most stories about a

Slave. It didn't give me nightmares or depression. Even so a story about a fortunate slave still has plenty of trials and tribulation. Still this slave appears to have lots of coping skills. Great dialog.