Our October book club read:
The Last Runaway tells the story of Honor Bright, a young Quaker woman from England who immigrates to America in 1850. Heartbroken after being jilted by her fiancé and seeking a fresh start, she decides to accompany her sister Grace on a journey to Ohio, where Grace plans to marry a former Englishman. Tragically, Grace dies of yellow fever shortly after their arrival, leaving Honor alone and adrift in a foreign land. Despite her initial reluctance, Honor must forge a new life among strangers in a society vastly different from her own.
One of the novel’s central themes is Honor’s journey of self-discovery and resilience as she navigates the complexities of her new life. Settling in the town of Faithwell, Ohio, she faces the harsh reality of slavery in pre-Civil War America. As a Quaker, Honor believes in equality and compassion, but she is confronted with the brutal institution of slavery and the ethical dilemmas that arise when she becomes involved in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that help enslaved people escape to freedom. Through her growing friendship with Belle Mills, a milliner who aids runaway slaves, Honor finds herself drawn into a moral struggle, putting her at odds with her new community and her own beliefs.
Another key aspect of the book is Honor’s skill in quilting, which not only helps her earn acceptance in her new community but also serves as a metaphor for her personal journey. Quilting symbolizes her efforts to stitch together her old life with the new and represents the idea of women’s art as a form of self-expression and resilience. Honor’s quilts carry echoes of her Quaker background and become a bridge between her old and new identities.
Chevalier also vividly portrays the cultural clash between Honor’s English Quaker background and the American way of life. Ohio in the 1850s is a raw, untamed land filled with stark social contrasts, and Honor must adjust to a world where freedom and slavery exist side by side. Through Honor’s encounters with the local community, Chevalier explores themes of prejudice, community loyalty, and the importance of staying true to one’s values.
In the end, Honor’s story is one of quiet but profound courage. Despite the risks, she chooses to help the runaway slaves she encounters, showing how even small acts of defiance can contribute to a larger fight for justice. Her journey illustrates the cost of standing up for one’s beliefs and the strength it takes to remain steadfast in the face of adversity. The Last Runaway is a richly woven tale of loyalty, resilience, and moral courage, capturing the essence of a young woman finding her place and purpose in a tumultuous and morally complex world.
Chevalier’s exploration of 1850s America through the lens of a young immigrant woman is both intimate and thought-provoking, making The Last Runaway a powerful reflection on courage, resilience, and the timeless importance of standing up for one’s beliefs.
On November 11th, we are meeting to discuss Educated by Tara Westover. Join us at The Institute, Grays Road, Grangefield at 1pm. The session is £5 per person and includes hot drinks and sweet treats and a library-provided copy of the book for the following month.
