Customer Reviews

Sarah's Ground

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This historical novel, set during the tumultuous times of the Civil War, profiles the work of Sarah Tracy, a young woman who is determined to lead an independent life. Sarah is tired of her family's constant supervision and their reminders that it's time for her to find a suitable husband. So she lies to her family and potential employer in order to secure a position as caretaker of Mount Vernon, George Washington's former home.

Sarah's struggle to keep Mount Vernon's grounds neutral, practically sitting on the border of the North and South and within miles of bloody conflicts, brings her into contact with famous figures from the Civil War, including Abraham Lincoln. She must decide how to handle the African-American servants working at Mount Vernon, whose status is unclear. She also has to work closely with Upton Herbert, a gracious Southern gentleman who becomes very important to her.

Ann Rinaldi, a historical re-enactor herself, certainly knows how to make the past interesting. Her main characters are three-dimensional and relatable; teens will be able to sympathize with Sarah and understand why she is so annoyed with her family. It's a shame though that the Epilogue feels the need to defend Rinaldi's artistic license. Most people should understand that a historical novel might embellish a story to make it interesting to the modern reader.

The author explains in the Epilogue that she invented the storyline of Sarah's friend Mary and their argument over Upton Herbert. Stories in which women argue over a man are disappointing and should almost always be avoided. Luckily, though, this story has enough going for it to overcome that problem. The Epilogue does refer to Sarah and Upton's future, answering questions that readers will no doubt want answered.

Ann Rinaldi once again brings to vivid life a slice of little-known American history in a way that will have readers wanting to learn more about Mount Vernon and Sarah's history.

--- Reviewed by Amy Alessio

Rinaldi has the most wonderful gift: she can take the tiniest, unknown aspect of history and make it as a brilliant as a star.

True to her talent, she once again chooses a lesser known event in history and gives it depth and dimension.

If you're looking for a highly devoloped romance, this isn't it. If you're looking for bloody action scenes from the Civil War... this isn't it. Instead, "Sarah's Ground" offers the point of view of a young woman and her struggle to remain neutral during the escalation of violence between the Union and Confederacy. She makes it her duty to protect Mount Vernon, where George Washington made his home decades before.

This book is a quiet, relaxing read in which you can easily whittle away the afternoon.

"Sarah's Ground" is a very mature book author Ann Rinaldi wrote. I found it interesting that she chose to employ the use of a diary method, yet kept the use of chapters and didn't use dates for each entry - just a double space between each one. The story was a bit slow moving, and I would have enjoyed reading more about the refurbishing of the house. I had no idea that Mount Vernon was neutral ground during the Civil War, much less that there was a Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. What further astonished me was that there really a Sarah Tracy and Upton Herbert, and I was blown away to find out in Rinaldi's author's note that they were real people. If only for that reason read this book. I "sorta" recommend

This novel is a historical fiction, set during the American Civil War. It centers around Sarah, who is determined to lead a life of her own. Free from the demands of her family and society. Sarah finds an advertisement for caretaker of Mount Vernon, the home of the late George Washington which is falling into disrepair. Sarah deceives her family to pursue her dream. As war breaks out, Sarah finds herself in the middle of two fronts protecting a national treasure. The war brings multiple historical figures to her doorstep. Will Sarah succede in her personal battles in search of freedom? Will she be able to save Mount Vernon? Sarah's Ground is an excellent read for anyone. Highly recommended.

I thought that this was an excelent novel for all ages. Sarah is a compelling character who brings determiantion and strong will of a great central charachter. The story is very accurate and gives the reader an inside look at the restoration and preservation of Mt Vernon. On the first observaiton the plot is shallow and basic;however, if one reads between the lines the plot takes on a whole new persona. Read and see for yourself.

Sarah's Ground is shown through the life of a young lady who is bound and determined to live an independent lifestyle. What better place to do that than lie about your age and get the job of caretaker of Mt. Vernon, the home of the first president. She there encounters the trials and tribulations of dealing with keeping the place safe while the American Civil War rages around her, not to mention having to deal with the day to day needs of the workers who work for her and a Southern Gentleman who she may have fallen for. Through out all of this, she somehow manages to keep Mt. Vernon neutral from the war and to keep it what it is today.

Ann Rinaldi skillfully animates the static parameters of the history surrounding the restoration and preservation of George Washington's Mt. Vernon. Set in the literal, and ironic, backdrop of the American Civil War, the story is developed around the mansion's new caretaker, Sarah Tracy. Out of reverence for General Washington, who had given so much to unite his country in its infancy, Sarah and her associates are determined to maintain neutrality on those hallowed grounds even during the most divided era of American History. Readers will delightfully discover that this is a tall order for a woman of eighteen years. Then, when the smoke has cleared, history will decide whether Sarah has stood her ground.

I received the book in less than a week and it was in very good condition.

This book is SO boring just like any other Ann Rinaldi book except for "The Coffin Quilt" it was pretty good. Don't waste your time reading it because after a month you'll forget what happened in the book.