Mary E. Lyons Libri

Set against the backdrop of 1827, the narrative unfolds through Moses Williams, a former slave, as he recounts his experiences at Charles Wilson Peale's renowned Philadelphia museum. His story reveals a complex friendship and rivalry with Peale's son, Raphael, alongside Moses's growing frustrations over broken promises of freedom. Tension mounts as he grapples with unsettling suspicions about Peale's involvement in his own son's death, providing a poignant exploration of themes like loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for liberation.

Focusing on Harriet Jacobs' son, Joseph, the novel explores his harrowing escape from slave catchers in North Carolina. Through imagined letters, Joseph recounts his journey to New York City and ultimately to California, capturing the struggles and resilience of a young man seeking freedom. The narrative is enriched with illustrations, providing a visual context to his experiences.

The narrative centers on the remarkable achievement of the Blue Ridge Tunnel, completed in 1858 under the leadership of Claudius Crozet. It highlights the experiences of Irish immigrants escaping the Great Hunger, who faced harsh living conditions and laborious work to realize their aspirations. Through the lens of three Irish families, the story reveals their determination and resilience in overcoming challenges to build the tunnel and pursue their American dream, emphasizing the human stories behind this significant engineering landmark.

Set against the backdrop of 1849 Virginia, the narrative chronicles the ambitious construction of the Blue Ridge Railroad, a vital link to the Ohio River's trade. The project faced immense challenges as enslaved workers and Irish immigrants tackled treacherous terrain, enduring deadly explosions and labor strikes. Chief engineer Claudius Crozet grappled with the haunting consequences of these tragedies over seven years. Award-winning author Mary E. Lyons draws on extensive historical documents to provide an in-depth account of this perilous endeavor.

The narrative delves into the ambitious railroad project in Virginia during the mid-19th century, highlighting the forced labor of at least 300 enslaved individuals and 1,500 Irish immigrants. It explores the intersection of economic development and human suffering, revealing how the state's quest for progress was built on the backs of those who were oppressed. The book provides a poignant examination of the social dynamics and the harsh realities of labor during this transformative period in American history.