Bloodroot Cantons: An Alternative Story of Virginia and the Blue Ridge

by Larry Lamar Yates

In 1729, enslaved Africans made a well-planned, well-equipped flight from eastern Virginia to the Shenandoah Valley. Their brave effort failed.

In this novel, Bloodroot Cantons, history takes a different turn. The escaped Africans temporarily ally with a Shawnee band to deter the pursuing slave-catchers. As their links deepen, the two communities create a refuge from the invading and enslaving British colonial power. Then, called by justice, good farmland, and dissatisfaction with increasingly ungodly Pennsylvania, a third group--Anabaptists and Quakers--joins them. A new hope arises in the Blue Ridge from these varied traditions--and from songs and dreams, and from the talents of women and men, young and old, mother and warrior, sage and craftswoman. Can ingenuity and patient sharing of wisdoms overcome the British military threat, and earn the Bloodroot Cantons their season in history?

231 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Jenny Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was written by my brother so I'm not exactly objective, but I really enjoyed this novel. It’s an alternative history of Virginia, in which fleeing slaves, Shawnee Indians and Moravian immigrants come together to create a community in the Blue Ridge mountains. It’s restrained, carefully crafted, dignified as a history lesson yet inspiring and visionary. The characters are believable, the scene lovingly drawn, and the cultures depicted respectfully. I wish it really had happened this way.

[Tom C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A group of enslaved Africans escape their Virginian masters in 1729. They were eventually recaptured. What if they had never been found and had instead established a new world along with native peoples and other seeking freedom in the Shenandoah Valley. Exciting and thought provoking. I loved it.