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by Jeri L. Duke (Author)
Friends of Freedom, is a historical fiction novel about two women, a Quaker and a southern slave, the book is set immediately prior to and during the U.S. Civil War. Both women work tirelessly to help free slaves using the Underground Railroad. These two women's lives are strengthened by their faith in God. The book provides insight into their personal romances and love of family. The difference between their existences is vividly told in the fictionalized day-to-day scenes. The two stories are told first hand from a women's viewpoint. From the onset the main difference in their upbringing shows very clearly. In contrast their similarities exhibit the same lifetime commitment to help slaves gain their freedom while relying on God's guidance. The story tells of the slave woman's hardship through the beatings she receives and her survival as she becomes strong enough to escape. Later I describe the many trips she takes at night to save others with little fear of her own freedom. My other main character, a Quaker wife and mother, never gave a second thought to her own wellbeing or threat to her safety when harboring runaway slaves in her house. She provides the slaves with clothing, food and nursing at all hours of the day and night. These two women finally meet at an abolitionist meeting, in Canada. This is after their many years of hard work for the cause of freedom. Any differences in their lifestyles are all put aside when they come face-to-face with each other. Their feeling of equality towards each other is displayed through a mutual love and admiration as they meet.
