Review of Tracy Chevalier's The Last Runaway
Tracy Chevalier’s latest novel is a descriptive tale centered around pursuit — the search for the familiar and for freedom. The Last Runaway revolves around Honor Bright who travels to America from England in 1850 with her sister Grace to escape a broken heart. However, Grace’s untimely death leaves Honor alone in a new country and all she desires is a bit of familiarity, a piece of home in a strange land. Even the sewing box she inherited from her grandmother is enough to remind her of a life she has left behind and to which she will never return. In such circumstances, even a kind word or a warm meal mean a lot and during her journey she develops two valuable friendships, the first with a milliner called Belle and the second with a free black woman, Mrs Reed.
The patriarchal nature of 19th century America permeates the story as Honor is informed by her new friends that a single woman alone, with no family support, is not socially acceptable — her only alternative is to marry a suitable young man, Jack Haymaker.
Armed with only her excellent quilting skills, Honor tries to find a place for herself in a new country and a new household of dairy farmers which she becomes a part of. However, temptation also lurks in the background with the appearance of a slave hunter Donovan — a ruthless yet surprisingly emotional character who initially pursues Honor and “is a thorn of sort in her life.”
The description of the Quaker Community of Friends to which Honor belongs is very interesting — a community where one is worth her weight in quilts, so to speak, is fascinating. Friends are peace-loving and simple folk who stand for the emancipation of the black people in America during a time of slavery and oppression. Honor’s first few engagements with the members of the black community is indicative of her ignorance: “several black women came in to buy cloth or needles or pins, or to have their scissors sharpened. Honor tried hard not to stare, but she could not help it, as they were like exotic birds blown off course to land among sparrows. They all looked the same to her, with brown skin like polished oak, high cheekbones, wide noses and dark, serious eyes.”
The state of Ohio in 19th century America was resistant to slavery and the center for the Underground Railroad — a secret travelling route to help slaves escape to Canada, a country where all are equal before the law. This path was marked by safe houses, information about which was passed by word of mouth, mostly in code, and frequently changed — “Best to be cautious. Next time, tell ‘em to look for a candle in the rear window of the red house on Mill Street. Then they’ll know it’s safe to come. If that signal change I’ll let you know.” These stations dotted the path and provided runaways with food, shelter or at times just messages. But helping runaway slaves was a risky undertaking and could result in prison term and a fine.
Even though many members of the Quaker community defy the slavery law and assist slaves in their pursuit of freedom, there are those amongst the Quakers who are forced to abide by it, such as the Haymaker family which previously suffered a tragedy as a consequence of defying the law. This makes them unwilling to help Honor play her part in the Underground Railroad, a cause which becomes dear to her.
The resulting clash between principles and reality is highlighted by Chevalier who reminds us that one may believe in certain ideals but sometimes their translation into reality is fraught with complications. For example, despite the moral stand the Quakers take against slavery, during their Meetings for Worship there are separate pews/benches for the blacks. The Quakers are shown trapped in the mid-20th century doctrine of “separate but equal,” but having said that, they still appear to be more morally and principally advanced than other communities in the book.
In a world of differences and disparities, Honor finds herself a stranger — from the people and their political opinions to quilting styles, even the trees, flowers and the sun are different. This is a story about Honor’s desire to find home in these new circumstances — a place in the society and a role in the Underground Railroad where, assisting runaways, she becomes one herself.
The Last Runaway is a quick read, the writing style is simple, but the political events it encompasses are anything but simplistic in nature and Chevalier should have spent more time in contextualising the issue of slavery in the 1850s. However, if you are looking for a good story, simply stated and set in 19th century America, The Last Runaway would make a good weekend read.
The Last Runaway
(Novel)
By Tracy Chevalier
Dutton Adult, US
ISBN 0525952993
320pp.