For my first review for Random House Canada, I chose The Purchase by Linda Spalding.  I am a sucker for fiction and historical fiction is a particular favourite of mine. I had never read a novel about pioneer life and although the time and place depicted are far away from my own, I’m pleased to say that this book really touched me. I simply couldn’t put it down (as you will see from my progress on Goodreads ).

A little slow to start, I was anxious to learn more about this Quaker family:

“There were other wagons going leaving from Pennsylvania and going south and west, but none were so laden with woe as the one that carried the five children and the widower and his new bride.” (Page 4)

As I read further into the book, more characters introduced themselves and I wanted to shake hands with each one of them. It’s incredible how the choices of one man can affect the lives of so many others. Each character has a certain depth to them that is relatable – they have flaws and I kinda like that about them. My heart ached for Onesimus and Bet, I was confused and angered by Ruth, I truly felt sorry for Daniel and yet hopeful all at once (a great book makes you feel a lot of things). My favourite character would have to be Mary – smart, stubborn, albeit a little selfish, I found myself yearning to read more about her character. I couldn’t stop turning the pages of this novel and I was saddened when I reached the end.

This book is all about decisions, consequences, chances, and the purity of memories. It’s about pride and lies that are told to “protect” the ones you love. They say that ‘the truth will set you free’ and if there is one thing this book has taught me its to not underestimate the importance of the truth.

There is always a chance for redemption.

There is always time to forgive.

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Love Always

Vanessa Xo

P.S. This post’s title is my favourite quote from The Purchase <3

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Synopsis (from the Random House Canada website)

In 1798, Daniel Dickinson, a young Quaker father and widower, leaves his home in Pennsylvania to establish a new life. He sets out with two horses, a wagonful of belongings, his five children, a 15-year-old orphan wife, and a few land warrants for his future homestead. When Daniel suddenly trades a horse for a young slave, Onesimus, it sets in motion a struggle in his conscience that will taint his life forever, and sets in motion a chain of events that lead to two murders and the family’s strange relationship with a runaway slave named Bet.