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The Safe Room
Book by Shapiro, Barbara A.
303 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2002
75 people are currently reading
543 people want to read
About the author
Barbara A. Shapiro
10 books257 followersAKA B.A. Shapiro and Barbara Shapiro.
I am the author of six novels (The Art Forger, The Safe Room, Blind Spot, See No Evil, Blameless and Shattered Echoes), four screenplays (Blind Spot, The Lost Coven, Borderline and Shattered Echoes) and the non-fiction book, The Big Squeeze. In my previous career incarnations, I have directed research projects for a residential substance abuse facility, worked as a systems analyst/statistician, headed the Boston office of a software development firm, and served as an adjunct professor teaching sociology at Tufts University and creative writing at Northeastern University. I like being a novelist the best.
I began my writing career when I quit my high-pressure job after the birth of my second child. Nervous about what to do next, I said to my mother, "If I'm not playing at being superwoman anymore, I don't know who I am." My mother answered with the question: "If you had one year to live, how would you want to spend it?" The answer: write a novel and spend more time with my children. And that's exactly what I did. Smart mother.
After writing six novels and raising my children, I now live in Boston with my husband Dan and my dog Sagan. And yes, I'm working on yet another novel but have no plans to raise any more children.
I am the author of six novels (The Art Forger, The Safe Room, Blind Spot, See No Evil, Blameless and Shattered Echoes), four screenplays (Blind Spot, The Lost Coven, Borderline and Shattered Echoes) and the non-fiction book, The Big Squeeze. In my previous career incarnations, I have directed research projects for a residential substance abuse facility, worked as a systems analyst/statistician, headed the Boston office of a software development firm, and served as an adjunct professor teaching sociology at Tufts University and creative writing at Northeastern University. I like being a novelist the best.
I began my writing career when I quit my high-pressure job after the birth of my second child. Nervous about what to do next, I said to my mother, "If I'm not playing at being superwoman anymore, I don't know who I am." My mother answered with the question: "If you had one year to live, how would you want to spend it?" The answer: write a novel and spend more time with my children. And that's exactly what I did. Smart mother.
After writing six novels and raising my children, I now live in Boston with my husband Dan and my dog Sagan. And yes, I'm working on yet another novel but have no plans to raise any more children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 14, 2015
Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley.
This is a book that I am conflicted about. In terms of a love story, it doesn’t quite work. In terms of how the modern day plot was resolved anyone can see the whodunit before the main character.
And yet, and yet.
The historical fiction part of the novel is so damn good. I hate it when this happens because it makes so hard to review the book.
So let’s take them separately.
The modern part of the novel is about Lee and her grandmother’s house, which has a something of mystery surrounding it. Lee is one of those liberals who doesn’t think she is racist and says she isn’t superior when she really thinks she is. Yeah, so I didn’t like Lee. Lee works at a quasi half-way house or rehab center where she helps mostly minority women who throw race in her face (according to Lee) every now and then. Her current project is a woman named Trina, who is a little more interesting than Lee but who doesn’t seem to be drawn with a great deal of depth, though her reactions seem more real than Lee’s (especially Trina’s thoughts about Lee’s grandmother). Lee and Trina find themselves tangled up in a possible murder, and thankfully Shapiro doesn’t turn them into best buds. In fact, that’s the strongest point of this section. The only interesting and realistic character is Beth, and instead of using her addiction to various over the counter drugs to highlight a link between different drug addiction, Shapiro uses her for a more easy and obvious plot device.
So enough about that. Let’s get to the good part.
The good part is about Lee’s ancestor, Sarah, a daughter of a New England abolitionist. In many ways, Sarah starts out the same as Lee, slightly spoiled and not as liberal as she would have you think, but unlike Lee, Sarah grows over the course of her sections. She becomes more self aware, almost painfully so. She is a far more realistic than Sarah, and her plot, while a bit predictable also is less predictable. Her life is uprooted by the arrival of an escaped slave who is determined to help free the rest of his family. He forces her to confront many things and to grow. This is unlike Lee who is seems startlingly unaware or unreflective of her clients’ stories. I enjoyed the Sarah sections, in particular the various twists. If it had been a straight forward historical work without the modern day murder mystery, it would have been far more entertaining.
August 28, 2013
One star means I didn't like it. One can choose not to like something for many different reasons, and my reason is highly personal. I felt that the author's liberal biases came through in an extremely heavy-handed way. For example, we are told all white people are racist, simply because we are white. Nice. And racist. [POSSIBLE SPOILER] And the bad guys are the conservatives. *rolls eyes* I'm so over that. It's so unimaginative as well as, in the case of the modern-day crime, extremely unbelievable. I also disliked that while the book presented the idea of ghosts, several times characters said that they no longer believed in God or believed that God was helpless and uninvolved. So ultimately, I was disappointed in the story.
March 8, 2015
I received an ARC from the Publisher, Open Road Integrated Media and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"The Safe Room" is a story within a story. As you read about the Harden family of today, you are also reading about the history of the Harden family and the Harden house which was part of the "Underground Railroad" helping runaway slaves to safety during the revolution.
The love affair between Silas Person, an injured runaway that was staying with the Hardens, and Sarah Harden that comes to a sudden and tragic end. Sarah becomes pregnant and when she marries Silas by "jumping over the broom" she goes to her father Colonel Harden and asks for his help in getting them to the Midwest in safety. The Colonel when he learns that his daughter not only fell in love with a negro, but married him, becomes so irrate he murders and buries Silas in the tunnel in his cellar. Sarah is sent to a relatives home in disgrace after the birth of her son, never knowing what happened to her child.
Many generations later, Lee Harden, living with her grandmother in the Harden House, discovers the diary of Sarah and finds the bones of Silas buried in the tunnel and has him buried next to Sarah in the family plot. Lee brings the ghost of Silas Person peace after all these years since his murder.
I have always enjoyed reading historical fiction and Barbara Shapiro knows how to pull a story together and keep you fascinated and interested.
"The Safe Room" is a story within a story. As you read about the Harden family of today, you are also reading about the history of the Harden family and the Harden house which was part of the "Underground Railroad" helping runaway slaves to safety during the revolution.
The love affair between Silas Person, an injured runaway that was staying with the Hardens, and Sarah Harden that comes to a sudden and tragic end. Sarah becomes pregnant and when she marries Silas by "jumping over the broom" she goes to her father Colonel Harden and asks for his help in getting them to the Midwest in safety. The Colonel when he learns that his daughter not only fell in love with a negro, but married him, becomes so irrate he murders and buries Silas in the tunnel in his cellar. Sarah is sent to a relatives home in disgrace after the birth of her son, never knowing what happened to her child.
Many generations later, Lee Harden, living with her grandmother in the Harden House, discovers the diary of Sarah and finds the bones of Silas buried in the tunnel and has him buried next to Sarah in the family plot. Lee brings the ghost of Silas Person peace after all these years since his murder.
I have always enjoyed reading historical fiction and Barbara Shapiro knows how to pull a story together and keep you fascinated and interested.
July 31, 2017
Historical fiction mixed with suspense and mystery. A story that moves from present day, Lee Harden, works at a rehab facility while living in her grandmother's 150 yo home that was a part of the Underground Railroad. Through a diary written in 1860's, her great, great, great, grandmother Sarah Harden reveals a family secret. I enjoyed this book!
March 29, 2021
Once a part of the Underground Railroad, Harden House has some secrets - both in rooms and histories. Lee is a young woman, descended from abolitionists, living with her grandmother Clara. There's a history of mental instability in the family but there might be something real happening in the cellar - something tied to a horrible past and buried in memories....memories belonging to a young former occupant Sarah Harden whose voice we hear in journal entries from the 1800s. Are ghosts real or is there something sinister happening?
October 8, 2019
I love Barbara Shapiro's novels, especially her first one, The Art Forger. Although I am enjoying her latest novel, I have been surprised at the theme and content. It just doesn't read like Shapiro to me. I'm having a hard time because of that. The introduction to spirit world has taken me by surprise. Not quite finished and will review again later. Just wondered if others were finding this to be out of her norm?
March 21, 2021
I received a free copy from NetGalley. Mystery, romance, and historical fiction. A little bit of everything and some parts are done better than others. The ghost part turns me off from it a little but the other parts were well enough done I was willing to look past it. The mystery wasn't that hard to figure out but there were a few twists at the end that were good.
July 19, 2017
Very interesting story line
January 18, 2020
Enjoyed it. Really kept you thinking.
October 31, 2017
Through Sarah Harden's diary, we follow the story of her generation who were helping slaves escape during the civil war, and present day descendant Lee Seymour who lives in the house with Gram, who wishes to have Harden House included in the Underground Railroad Trail. A ghost of the past is believed to cause a death in the present day and race prejudices of the past affect Lee in the present day story.
Its an interesting historical novel, which i enjoyed. Reading the diary interspersed with the present day worked well. Most of the present day is seen through the eyes of Lee, who has to deal with the aftermath of death and betrayal of a friend and family member.
I worked out the ending for the present day quite early on so it came as no surprise.
Being English not American myself, it taught me some of the abolitionist history which I then linked to the modern day computer game Fallout 4.
I received this book from Netgalley in return for a honest review.
Its an interesting historical novel, which i enjoyed. Reading the diary interspersed with the present day worked well. Most of the present day is seen through the eyes of Lee, who has to deal with the aftermath of death and betrayal of a friend and family member.
I worked out the ending for the present day quite early on so it came as no surprise.
Being English not American myself, it taught me some of the abolitionist history which I then linked to the modern day computer game Fallout 4.
I received this book from Netgalley in return for a honest review.
August 2, 2024
I liked how this book was about helping runaway slaves and the ending was very good
March 5, 2015
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I was invited to read and review this book by the publisher. Needless to say, when I got the email inviting me to read The Safe Room I was super excited. I had read The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro and really enjoyed it, the opportunity to read her newest book (or so I thought) was thrilling. I was a little dismayed when I logged onto goodreads and noticed that the original publication date was 2002, hmmm must be a reprint. But that does not change the fact that The Safe Room was a really good read and a book I would highly recommend.
This story starts out following the life of Lee, an idealistic 27 year old who lives with her grandmother in an old house in Lexington that was a pivotal point in the underground railroad many generations prior. This book also tells the story of Sarah, the daughter of an abolitionist, through her diary entries. The two women's stories begin to intersect part way through the book with the introduction of a (possible) ghost in Harden House; that of Silas- a runaway slave living in Harden house and awaiting the fate of his two brothers (also runaway slaves).
It took me until about 26% of the way through this book before I was really into it. But once more of the plot was introduced, I was hooked. I read the rest of the book in a day because it was so difficult to put down. I still can't decide if this was a truly masterful work, as it wasn't quite as polished as The Art Forger but it is still a book I would highly recommend.
The Safe Room deals with issues of race throughout the story, but does so in a way more unique than that of the typical pre-civil war era story. The race issues dealt with in this book were also that of modern day. There are parallel race issues going on throughout the story between Lee, in the present day, and Sarah, in the 1850's and 60's- whether all white people are the same in their racism towards blacks. I won't reveal anything more about the race issues in the story, as they are truly what make the story beautiful, but just know that there is a lot more than meets the eye in terms of race in this book.
The characters in this book were really quite wonderful. I felt by the end of the book as if I truly knew the characters, especially Sarah and Lee. Although there were times when I thought the characters reactions were not exactly realistic or that they were not acting the way I expected them to, I realize now that is what made the characters all the more dynamic. The relationships between the characters were also quite beautiful and there were a few relationships (I won't give anything way), that I wish could have ended differently.
The writing in The Safe Room was consistent with the Shapiro's style, although not quite as polished. There were a few times where the perspective would shift from Lee to Trina in the middle of a chapter and I would find myself confused as to who's perspective it was. This occurred more at the beginning of the story as once I was able to recognize the character's style of thinking, shifts were easier to follow.
In the end, The Safe Room by B.A. Shapiro is a truly beautiful take on a ghost story that deals with serious issues and portrays characters that are extremely likable and easy to relate to. I would highly recommend this book for those with an interest in the underground railroad, tasteful ghost stories, or just beautiful stories.
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was invited to read and review this book by the publisher. Needless to say, when I got the email inviting me to read The Safe Room I was super excited. I had read The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro and really enjoyed it, the opportunity to read her newest book (or so I thought) was thrilling. I was a little dismayed when I logged onto goodreads and noticed that the original publication date was 2002, hmmm must be a reprint. But that does not change the fact that The Safe Room was a really good read and a book I would highly recommend.
This story starts out following the life of Lee, an idealistic 27 year old who lives with her grandmother in an old house in Lexington that was a pivotal point in the underground railroad many generations prior. This book also tells the story of Sarah, the daughter of an abolitionist, through her diary entries. The two women's stories begin to intersect part way through the book with the introduction of a (possible) ghost in Harden House; that of Silas- a runaway slave living in Harden house and awaiting the fate of his two brothers (also runaway slaves).
It took me until about 26% of the way through this book before I was really into it. But once more of the plot was introduced, I was hooked. I read the rest of the book in a day because it was so difficult to put down. I still can't decide if this was a truly masterful work, as it wasn't quite as polished as The Art Forger but it is still a book I would highly recommend.
The Safe Room deals with issues of race throughout the story, but does so in a way more unique than that of the typical pre-civil war era story. The race issues dealt with in this book were also that of modern day. There are parallel race issues going on throughout the story between Lee, in the present day, and Sarah, in the 1850's and 60's- whether all white people are the same in their racism towards blacks. I won't reveal anything more about the race issues in the story, as they are truly what make the story beautiful, but just know that there is a lot more than meets the eye in terms of race in this book.
The characters in this book were really quite wonderful. I felt by the end of the book as if I truly knew the characters, especially Sarah and Lee. Although there were times when I thought the characters reactions were not exactly realistic or that they were not acting the way I expected them to, I realize now that is what made the characters all the more dynamic. The relationships between the characters were also quite beautiful and there were a few relationships (I won't give anything way), that I wish could have ended differently.
The writing in The Safe Room was consistent with the Shapiro's style, although not quite as polished. There were a few times where the perspective would shift from Lee to Trina in the middle of a chapter and I would find myself confused as to who's perspective it was. This occurred more at the beginning of the story as once I was able to recognize the character's style of thinking, shifts were easier to follow.
In the end, The Safe Room by B.A. Shapiro is a truly beautiful take on a ghost story that deals with serious issues and portrays characters that are extremely likable and easy to relate to. I would highly recommend this book for those with an interest in the underground railroad, tasteful ghost stories, or just beautiful stories.
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2017
Exciting historical fiction and mystery too.
April 6, 2015
On Book Riot today, Maddie Rodriguez wrote about "phrases that trigger my 'shut up and take my money' response," i.e., descriptions which immediately identify a book as one I want to read. For Ms. Rodriguez, those phrases include "set in 19th century London" and "genre mash-up"; I love mysteries and the supernatural, so when Open Road Media invited me to read and review a book set in "a world in which murder and ghosts are all too real," I was hooked. I am happy to report that B.A. Shapiro's The Safe Room fulfilled my expectations.
Like many ghost stories, The Safe Room involves the ghost of a murder victim who hopes to draw the living into avenging his murder. In this case, the ghost is of Silas Person, an escaped slave killed while en route to safety via the Underground Railroad. However, Shapiro also gives us a modern-day death which may, or may not, be linked to Silas's murder or even caused by his ghost. The book alternates between the two time-frames, with each clue in one time period causing the reader to reevaluate what she thinks she has figured out with respect to the other death. When Shapiro finally brings the two storylines together, she successfully answers the questions surrounding both deaths, leading to a very satisfying conclusion.
My only quibble arose from Shapiro's incorporation of slave quilts and their use on the Underground Railroad. Ultimately, this issue did not detract significantly from my enjoyment of the book.
I received a free copy of The Safe Room through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Like many ghost stories, The Safe Room involves the ghost of a murder victim who hopes to draw the living into avenging his murder. In this case, the ghost is of Silas Person, an escaped slave killed while en route to safety via the Underground Railroad. However, Shapiro also gives us a modern-day death which may, or may not, be linked to Silas's murder or even caused by his ghost. The book alternates between the two time-frames, with each clue in one time period causing the reader to reevaluate what she thinks she has figured out with respect to the other death. When Shapiro finally brings the two storylines together, she successfully answers the questions surrounding both deaths, leading to a very satisfying conclusion.
My only quibble arose from Shapiro's incorporation of slave quilts and their use on the Underground Railroad. Ultimately, this issue did not detract significantly from my enjoyment of the book.
I received a free copy of The Safe Room through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2015
A Stop on the Underground Railroad, Ghosts, Murder, and a Love Story
Lee Seymour is twenty-seven and feels like she's finally grown up. She has a job at Safe Haven, a Cambridge rehabilitation center for addicts, and she lives with her grandmother, Clara, in the old Harden House. Harden House was a stop on the underground railroad for runaway slaves in the 1850's. Today Clara with the help of Lee and her cousin Bonnie, is preparing the house for inclusion in the Harriet Tubman Network to Freedom National Park. Besides Lee and Bonnie, Clara is helped in this endeavor by Trina Collins, a recovering addict from Safe Haven, and Michael Ennen, a dropout from the Harvard architecture school.
The history of the house is told in the diary of Sarah Harden, a teen-ager in the 1850s. Her father was an abolitionist who welcomed runaway slaves to their home. Because the authorities were becoming more watchful, her father built a safe room, a place to hide the slaves that wasn't apparent from a tour of the inside of the house.
In addition to the history of the underground railroad, the house has a ghost that Lee can feel. There is romance between Michael and Lee and between Sara and a runaway slave, Silas Person. Tragedy stalks the house in both the 1850's and the present. Silas was murdered and his body buried in an unfinished tunnel in the cellar. Clara is also dies and the question of murder arises.
The book is told as two separate, intertwined stories. The modern portion is narrated by Lee; the historical portion, by Sarah's diary. I found the historical portion very well done and accurate. I felt it was better than the modern section. Lee is not an attractive character. She has a prickly personality and believes she's a liberal when in fact she harbors prejudices that she doesn't understand.
The story moves quickly. The only problem is in moving back and forth between the centuries. I found the writing good. It was an easy book to read. If you enjoy historical novels with a tinge of romance and murder, you'll enjoy this book.
I reviewed this book for Net Galley.
Lee Seymour is twenty-seven and feels like she's finally grown up. She has a job at Safe Haven, a Cambridge rehabilitation center for addicts, and she lives with her grandmother, Clara, in the old Harden House. Harden House was a stop on the underground railroad for runaway slaves in the 1850's. Today Clara with the help of Lee and her cousin Bonnie, is preparing the house for inclusion in the Harriet Tubman Network to Freedom National Park. Besides Lee and Bonnie, Clara is helped in this endeavor by Trina Collins, a recovering addict from Safe Haven, and Michael Ennen, a dropout from the Harvard architecture school.
The history of the house is told in the diary of Sarah Harden, a teen-ager in the 1850s. Her father was an abolitionist who welcomed runaway slaves to their home. Because the authorities were becoming more watchful, her father built a safe room, a place to hide the slaves that wasn't apparent from a tour of the inside of the house.
In addition to the history of the underground railroad, the house has a ghost that Lee can feel. There is romance between Michael and Lee and between Sara and a runaway slave, Silas Person. Tragedy stalks the house in both the 1850's and the present. Silas was murdered and his body buried in an unfinished tunnel in the cellar. Clara is also dies and the question of murder arises.
The book is told as two separate, intertwined stories. The modern portion is narrated by Lee; the historical portion, by Sarah's diary. I found the historical portion very well done and accurate. I felt it was better than the modern section. Lee is not an attractive character. She has a prickly personality and believes she's a liberal when in fact she harbors prejudices that she doesn't understand.
The story moves quickly. The only problem is in moving back and forth between the centuries. I found the writing good. It was an easy book to read. If you enjoy historical novels with a tinge of romance and murder, you'll enjoy this book.
I reviewed this book for Net Galley.
March 24, 2015
I received this book via NetGalley to give an honest review.
You know I am not too big on historical books or even this kind of genre, but when I was offered the chance to read it I figured why the hell not. Jump right on in and give it a chance the worst thing is that I don't enjoy it and I can always just put it to the side.
Instead I got into the book. I loved the back and forth P.O.V. from Sarah while writing in her diary to the present of Lee who lives in the house and is having it restored.
Lee's grandmothers home is considered to be part of the Underground Railroad which I have always been fascinated with how it worked for people back in the day. Lee not only is trying to help get the home restored she also works at a place called SafeHaven that is for those that need the help because of drugs or alcohol sometimes it is the last stop for them before they end up in prison.
While working at her job she told almost all the time or at least to her that race is a bit deal and being that she is white she doesn't understand how it works for black people. And this is done through out the whole book but it isn't something I agree with.
As the house is being redone there seems to be a ghost of someone left behind when the house was used as a safe house. You have a good idea who it is as you read more of Sarah's diary. My heart was heavy for Sarah as she was a white woman who later fell in love with a black man and back then that was a no-no. You were not suppose to do that.
We read as Sarah goes through heartbreak, grief and finally happiness which I thought was amazing.
I did enjoy the plot twist that was thrown in with the murder that occurred in the present. The person who committed this was something I didn't even think could have done it.
I was very glad to read something that was so touching and opens your eyes to the way things were back when slavery was around it is a topic most don't talk about as it is crazy it even happened. I enjoyed the way the author was able to get the past and present all together and make it come full circle.
April 16, 2015
The story sways from Lee in the present to Sarah in the past. At the centre of both stories is Harden House, the house of Lee’s ancestors, which now belongs to her grandmother.
The past tells the story of a forbidden love and the hypocrisy of a person, who says one thing and thinks another. Both Sarah and Lee have to battle the repercussions of the tragic events Sarah’s father and Lee’s ancestor
Sarah’s father reacts in a way that makes her question all her beliefs about him. Silas was right after all. It is one thing to be an abolitionist and quite another to let your daughter wed a slave. That in itself is quintessential in the thought process of said person, who believes no man should be a slave and yet at the same time thinks the same slaves aren’t good enough to be part of the family.
I have to say I figured out the whodunnit fairly quickly, but the historical aspect and ghost story that played alongside the murder mystery were interesting enough to keep me captivated.
I think what I took away from this story is how little we learn about the Underground Railroad, the people who helped and those that used the network of the Underground Railroad, especially in Europe. Because it is a large part of US history it isn’t really taught in other European schools the way it should be.
The Civil Rights Movement has a well deserved important place, but the slavery and the fight against it, still doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. It is nothing less than admirable, courageous and extremely brave, the way the creators and users of the Underground Railway system, connected to try to save so many lives.
In its own way this story helps to inform and shine a small light on such an immensely important part of history.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
The past tells the story of a forbidden love and the hypocrisy of a person, who says one thing and thinks another. Both Sarah and Lee have to battle the repercussions of the tragic events Sarah’s father and Lee’s ancestor
Sarah’s father reacts in a way that makes her question all her beliefs about him. Silas was right after all. It is one thing to be an abolitionist and quite another to let your daughter wed a slave. That in itself is quintessential in the thought process of said person, who believes no man should be a slave and yet at the same time thinks the same slaves aren’t good enough to be part of the family.
I have to say I figured out the whodunnit fairly quickly, but the historical aspect and ghost story that played alongside the murder mystery were interesting enough to keep me captivated.
I think what I took away from this story is how little we learn about the Underground Railroad, the people who helped and those that used the network of the Underground Railroad, especially in Europe. Because it is a large part of US history it isn’t really taught in other European schools the way it should be.
The Civil Rights Movement has a well deserved important place, but the slavery and the fight against it, still doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. It is nothing less than admirable, courageous and extremely brave, the way the creators and users of the Underground Railway system, connected to try to save so many lives.
In its own way this story helps to inform and shine a small light on such an immensely important part of history.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
April 9, 2015
The Safe Room is two parallel stories. The first, told through her diary, is that of Sarah Harden, the daughter of a Massachusetts abolitionist whose home is a stop on the Underground Railroad. The second story is of Lee Seymour, the modern day descendant of Sarah. Lee is helping her grandmother rehab the ancestral home Hayden House to be included on the Harriet Tubman Network to Freedom Park.
Sarah’s diary details the attitudes, prejudices and times she and her father live in. It is also a chronicle of her affair with a runaway slave hidden in Hayden house and the consequences of that affair.
Lee’s story of rehabbing Hayden House becomes a search for more of the history of her family as events come to light that have been hidden for over a century. As Lee delves deeper into her family’s history she begins to think she’s hearing ghost. Then she sees one.
Billed as a paranormal suspense, this is absolutely not a book I would normally choose to read. Actually, I only read it because I received an invitation from the publisher to review an ARC copy.
This is a really good book. The diary of Sarah Harden is worth the read in and of itself. When Lee begins hearing noises and actually seeing a ghost, Shapiro pulls this off so well that it’s not at all unbelievable. The alternating narrative between Sarah and Lee’s story is also very well done. Novels that jump back and forth in time can sometimes be confusing and not cohesive. Not so with The Safe Room.
This is a book that fans of historical fiction and mysteries will enjoy. The paranormal parts do not detract from it in any way.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Sarah’s diary details the attitudes, prejudices and times she and her father live in. It is also a chronicle of her affair with a runaway slave hidden in Hayden house and the consequences of that affair.
Lee’s story of rehabbing Hayden House becomes a search for more of the history of her family as events come to light that have been hidden for over a century. As Lee delves deeper into her family’s history she begins to think she’s hearing ghost. Then she sees one.
Billed as a paranormal suspense, this is absolutely not a book I would normally choose to read. Actually, I only read it because I received an invitation from the publisher to review an ARC copy.
This is a really good book. The diary of Sarah Harden is worth the read in and of itself. When Lee begins hearing noises and actually seeing a ghost, Shapiro pulls this off so well that it’s not at all unbelievable. The alternating narrative between Sarah and Lee’s story is also very well done. Novels that jump back and forth in time can sometimes be confusing and not cohesive. Not so with The Safe Room.
This is a book that fans of historical fiction and mysteries will enjoy. The paranormal parts do not detract from it in any way.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 5, 2015
Have you ever tried to wrestle with a ghost? Lee Seymour sees her grandmother, Clara, in the basement of Harden house, shoveling dirt into the old unfinished tunnel which had been intended to become part of the Underground Railroad system. Lee watches in horror as her grandmother pulls the shovel as if someone is trying to take it. Lee sees the image of a strong black man pulling against her grandmother. Then, her very healthy grandmother dies on the spot. Was she scared to death … or was there something more sinister going on?
This novel splits present day Harden House with pre-Civil War era Sarah Harden and Silas Person. Sarah’s father, Colonel Stanton Harden, was an abolitionist in Lexington, MA. Silas Person had made it to the house hobbling on a broken leg. The Colonel had a doctor he could trust to set Silas’ leg. Sarah spent time with Silas and was amazed at how well-read he was since it was against the law for slaves to have been taught to read. The furthest thing on the Colonel’s mind was that his daughter would actually become attracted to a runaway slave.
I loved how the author related the history of Harden House into the present day time of Clara and her granddaughter, Lee. They are direct descendants of Sarah Harden. The past was shown through paragraphs dedicated to Sarah’s diary which she began in August 1858 on her seventeenth birthday. We see her go from a rather self-centered young lady to a mature individual hardened by injustice. This is a ghost story as Silas spirit still inhabits Harden House, but it is not a scary story. Overall, the story was enjoyable as a whole, but I tended to favor the historical portion. Rating: 4 out of 5.
This novel splits present day Harden House with pre-Civil War era Sarah Harden and Silas Person. Sarah’s father, Colonel Stanton Harden, was an abolitionist in Lexington, MA. Silas Person had made it to the house hobbling on a broken leg. The Colonel had a doctor he could trust to set Silas’ leg. Sarah spent time with Silas and was amazed at how well-read he was since it was against the law for slaves to have been taught to read. The furthest thing on the Colonel’s mind was that his daughter would actually become attracted to a runaway slave.
I loved how the author related the history of Harden House into the present day time of Clara and her granddaughter, Lee. They are direct descendants of Sarah Harden. The past was shown through paragraphs dedicated to Sarah’s diary which she began in August 1858 on her seventeenth birthday. We see her go from a rather self-centered young lady to a mature individual hardened by injustice. This is a ghost story as Silas spirit still inhabits Harden House, but it is not a scary story. Overall, the story was enjoyable as a whole, but I tended to favor the historical portion. Rating: 4 out of 5.
July 16, 2020
I had the opportunity to meet Barbara Shapiro in 2017 in an intimate setting in a suburb of Philadelphia, PA. In preparation for attendance for the book talk and signing, I purchased several novels by the author in addition to The Art Forger and The Muralist which I had already read. Listening to the author's writing technique was fascinating and as anticipated from reading any of her work I was impressed by the amount and compilation of research which adds not only interest but to the quality, effectiveness, and soul of her writing.
The Safe Room is dedicated To all those who have been forced to flee their homes in search of freedom and the suspense is heightened by the voice of diary entries (1858-1868) incorporated throughout the novel. A "safe room" was a concealed room in which slaves were hidden and a tunnel beneath the house for use by slaves utilizing the Underground Railroad.
Be sure to read "Lexington Minuteman" at the end of the novel to learn the background of history. It brings to light why the question of reparations is being discussed during candidate debates for the next Presidential election in 2020. It is also important to remember that the copyright of this novel is (c) 2002 which highlights again the struggle for equality that continues...
The Safe Room is dedicated To all those who have been forced to flee their homes in search of freedom and the suspense is heightened by the voice of diary entries (1858-1868) incorporated throughout the novel. A "safe room" was a concealed room in which slaves were hidden and a tunnel beneath the house for use by slaves utilizing the Underground Railroad.
Be sure to read "Lexington Minuteman" at the end of the novel to learn the background of history. It brings to light why the question of reparations is being discussed during candidate debates for the next Presidential election in 2020. It is also important to remember that the copyright of this novel is (c) 2002 which highlights again the struggle for equality that continues...
September 19, 2015
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Safe Room by B.A. Shapiro. In exchange I am providing my honest review.
Not long ago I read the Art Forger by the same author and was highly impressed. I found the writing sophisticated, the story compelling and there were plenty of moral dilemmas that I found thought provoking. Unfortunately,The Safe Room did not meet my expectations, given my enthusiasm from my previous read. The Safe Room involves two tales, one surrounding Lee the other her distant relative Sara. Lee works at a rehabilitation facility in Boston, lives with her grandmother and in my view,she is annoying as hell. She's opinionated, immature and weak. I found the dialogue between Lee, her colleagues and patients to be sophomoric and forced. The story revolving around Sara was much better although still very slow paced and not very exciting. Though I read this book quickly, it was almost a chore. The reason I assigned three stars is because the historical fiction component was excellent and I know from previous readings that Barbara Shapiro is a really gifted writer.
Not long ago I read the Art Forger by the same author and was highly impressed. I found the writing sophisticated, the story compelling and there were plenty of moral dilemmas that I found thought provoking. Unfortunately,The Safe Room did not meet my expectations, given my enthusiasm from my previous read. The Safe Room involves two tales, one surrounding Lee the other her distant relative Sara. Lee works at a rehabilitation facility in Boston, lives with her grandmother and in my view,she is annoying as hell. She's opinionated, immature and weak. I found the dialogue between Lee, her colleagues and patients to be sophomoric and forced. The story revolving around Sara was much better although still very slow paced and not very exciting. Though I read this book quickly, it was almost a chore. The reason I assigned three stars is because the historical fiction component was excellent and I know from previous readings that Barbara Shapiro is a really gifted writer.
March 23, 2015
Given To Me For An Honest Review
The Safe Room by B. A. Shapiro is a book with two stories going between one from the past and one in the present day. Once you open this book it will grab you and hold you down and then those pages will turn and turn some more until you get to the last page. You'll find some twists and turns thrown in. The story is so interesting and fascinating that it will be hard to put down. This is about the Harden family history and the Harden house that was part of the Underground Railroad. A love affair develops between a runaway slave and the daughter of Colonel Harden. She becomes pregnant and marries him. Once the Colonel hears the news of the marriage he becomes livid ..... What was found in the diary of Sarah Harden? What is found in the tunnel? What exactly was Clara's death? I gave this book 5 stars but wish I could have given it more. This book would make a great gift to give. It would make a good addition to your library or to any library's bookshelf. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially to those who enjoy reading historical novels with a bit of romance and murder. I look for more from B. A. Shapiro.
The Safe Room by B. A. Shapiro is a book with two stories going between one from the past and one in the present day. Once you open this book it will grab you and hold you down and then those pages will turn and turn some more until you get to the last page. You'll find some twists and turns thrown in. The story is so interesting and fascinating that it will be hard to put down. This is about the Harden family history and the Harden house that was part of the Underground Railroad. A love affair develops between a runaway slave and the daughter of Colonel Harden. She becomes pregnant and marries him. Once the Colonel hears the news of the marriage he becomes livid ..... What was found in the diary of Sarah Harden? What is found in the tunnel? What exactly was Clara's death? I gave this book 5 stars but wish I could have given it more. This book would make a great gift to give. It would make a good addition to your library or to any library's bookshelf. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially to those who enjoy reading historical novels with a bit of romance and murder. I look for more from B. A. Shapiro.
March 7, 2015
This is a story about a house involved in the Underground Railroad and the family who lived in it.
As a lover o history and historical novels, I was excited to read The Safe Room, especially since it was Black History Month. However, I was disappointed. While the author includes a clear picture of the conflict between pre-civil war pro- and anti-slavery forces in New England, the story did not ignite the passion I look for in this genre.
I felt like I was reading two different stories. The conflict between the two cousins seemed to distract, rather than add to the story. Further, while I love ghost stories the whole ghost aspect of the cellar was not necessary to tell the story and in fact distracted this readers attention away from the base storyline.
When looking for a historical novel that wants to tie characters from the present with the past, I love the style James Michener used in writing “The Tell”.
I gave this book 2.5 stars and rounded up to 3 stars.
I was given an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for my review.
As a lover o history and historical novels, I was excited to read The Safe Room, especially since it was Black History Month. However, I was disappointed. While the author includes a clear picture of the conflict between pre-civil war pro- and anti-slavery forces in New England, the story did not ignite the passion I look for in this genre.
I felt like I was reading two different stories. The conflict between the two cousins seemed to distract, rather than add to the story. Further, while I love ghost stories the whole ghost aspect of the cellar was not necessary to tell the story and in fact distracted this readers attention away from the base storyline.
When looking for a historical novel that wants to tie characters from the present with the past, I love the style James Michener used in writing “The Tell”.
I gave this book 2.5 stars and rounded up to 3 stars.
I was given an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for my review.
March 9, 2015
I really enjoyed this book, I am a massive fan of historical fiction and I loved how the author merged the historical aspects of this book with the modern and told a story, within a story. The main love story within the book is of Sarah and Silas, who has a black heritage and is looking for help after escaping from areas high in slavery. The book is set at the time when the vote was coming through to eradiacte this, but it wasn't in time to save Silas. The modern aspect of the books is very good, telling the conflicts between a black woman, the Police, how she feels when she is potentially set up for a murder and the racial issues still going on today in some parts. The story also has a whodunnit aspect which did keep me guessing until the end. The book was beutifully written and a joy to read. I would like to thank the publishers for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2016
A superb mingling of history and current times, normal and paranormal. For those of you who do not speak Bostonian being Bullshit at someone means being very pissed off at them. A very old house once used as a safe stop for slaves seeking freedom is passed down through generations. Stories from the past are also passed down and their impact on current events becomes a major part of the scene. A ghost from the past, seemingly a murdered slave, haunt the present day inhabitants. Along with the stories passed down are the writings of a former family member’s diary and so it becomes the task of dealing with everyday life while trying to cope with events influenced by the past. The book has all the elements of a good plot, realistic street life in the seedier parts of a major city, romance, deception, and more, well woven into a mysterious tale of terror and mystery.
November 29, 2018
Some people will enjoy this book, as I've seen from perusing other reviews. And I respect that.
Personally, I didn't enjoy it. This novel had a little bit of everything: historical fiction, historical romance, modern day romance, mystery, paranormal and yet put all together it still didn't work. Having read the 'Art Forger' and enjoyed it, I expected the same style, if not at least the same quality of writing. Unfortunately, 'The Safe Room' was plagued with the same problems I see all too frequently lately in fiction: convenience in terms of plot progression, vagueness and underdevelopment of characters and their interrelationships and simple, one dimensional writing.
A digital copy was provided by NetGalley and Open Road Integrated Media in return for an honest, unbiased review.
Personally, I didn't enjoy it. This novel had a little bit of everything: historical fiction, historical romance, modern day romance, mystery, paranormal and yet put all together it still didn't work. Having read the 'Art Forger' and enjoyed it, I expected the same style, if not at least the same quality of writing. Unfortunately, 'The Safe Room' was plagued with the same problems I see all too frequently lately in fiction: convenience in terms of plot progression, vagueness and underdevelopment of characters and their interrelationships and simple, one dimensional writing.
A digital copy was provided by NetGalley and Open Road Integrated Media in return for an honest, unbiased review.
April 8, 2015
“The Safe Room” tells separate two stories, one set in the present and one set during the 1850’s. The historical section, which focused on slavery and the Underground Railroad was well done but the present day section didn’t hold my interest. It seemed like the book was trying to cover too many genres - historical fiction, romance, mystery, and the paranormal, and the historical aspect was the only one I found compelling.
Thank you to Open Road Integrated Media and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Thank you to Open Road Integrated Media and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
June 11, 2015
Underground Railroad Mystery: There were many things I liked about this book: the switch in narrative time; learning about one family's experience with being a safe house; the natural comparisons of "slavery" then and now; and the well-drawn lead characters. However, there were also things I didn't like: some unrealistic plot twists; the multiple typos throughout the book; the ending. Not my favorite book by this author, but still worth a read.
December 31, 2015
The book was definitely a slow start and I found that I struggled with the main character, Lee. She was like able enough but not relatable. And How the diary was split up with the modern day story really made it hard to get into either story-it just didn't mesh like other works in this genre have. That being said, when I finally did get drawn in, the story of Sarah and Silas was interesting as well as the small twist of Levi/Ulysses. Overall, it was ok, but not enthralling
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2015
This book is well-written and seems to be historically accurate. The characters are realistic and the interactions between them, both in the present and in the past, add to the story. Nonetheless, the story drags enough to make it dull. There are few surprises as most everything that happens is foreshadowed.
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