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Synod: A Novel
The year is 1829. The gruff, self-reliant Goldfinch, a veteran of the War of 1812, has become the anointed leader of an idyllic religious community named Synod, nestled in the Ramapough Mountains of northern New Jersey.
Thanks to the advice of the village's Founders, Synod will become a stop on what would soon be called the “Underground Railroad.” Goldfinch oversees this transition, bringing in a broken runaway family. As southern bounty hunters follow their path and seek to reclaim stolen property, Goldfinch meets a shadowy abolitionist with close ties to the federal government.
As the man recruits Goldfinch into a wider crusade against slavery, Goldfinch also contends with recurring visions—both fiery and prescient. He’s also pitted against Nance, a corrupt politician whose lone pursuit is to eliminate runaway slave dens.
Will Goldfinch return to his roots and take up arms as this conflict reaches the Governor's desk? Will he be able to protect his village from destruction and damnation?
Thanks to the advice of the village's Founders, Synod will become a stop on what would soon be called the “Underground Railroad.” Goldfinch oversees this transition, bringing in a broken runaway family. As southern bounty hunters follow their path and seek to reclaim stolen property, Goldfinch meets a shadowy abolitionist with close ties to the federal government.
As the man recruits Goldfinch into a wider crusade against slavery, Goldfinch also contends with recurring visions—both fiery and prescient. He’s also pitted against Nance, a corrupt politician whose lone pursuit is to eliminate runaway slave dens.
Will Goldfinch return to his roots and take up arms as this conflict reaches the Governor's desk? Will he be able to protect his village from destruction and damnation?
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2018
3 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Dan C. Gunderman
2 books4 followersDan C. Gunderman is an author of historical fiction and nonfiction who holds an MFA degree in Creative Writing from Fairfield University. His debut novel, "Synod," a tale of faith and abolition along the early Underground Railroad, was published in January 2018. His other titles include two middle-grade biographies for LightSwitch Learning (March 2018). He specializes in writing nineteenth-century fiction. Dan’s particular research interests include English and military history, along with Antebellum and Gilded Age U.S. politics. He is a former staff writer for the New York Daily News, where he also served as a film and television critic. He is currently a contributing film writer for TheCriticalCritics.com. Dan lives on Lake Hopatcong, the largest freshwater body in New Jersey, with his fiancée.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 3, 2018
In "Synod", we follow the story of Goldfinch, the appointed leader of a village of American's who have moved to an isolated location in the hills of New Jersey to seek a better way of life than what is available in the "illusory" world. The timeline spans between the mid- to late-1820s, right in the thick of the social unrest and racial injustice that fueled the future Civil War. These two themes were at the center of the storyline.
Overall, I found "Synod" to be a very interesting read that was well-worth my time. It was apparent that an immense amount of historical and regional research was done beforehand, based on the level of descriptive detail and period vernacular Gunderman provided. While this made for a very believable setting, I did have a little trouble with some of the dialogue.
There is a level of paranormal activity within this story that adds a unique layer to the overall plot. I didn't feel that this element really added much other than a newfound and important camaraderie between some of the characters, but it didn't bother me that it was there. I almost wish it had been developed more somehow.
If you are interested in a unique piece of historical fiction that deals with emancipation and the social struggles our country faced in the mid-1800s, I would definitely recommend giving this book a read.
Overall, I found "Synod" to be a very interesting read that was well-worth my time. It was apparent that an immense amount of historical and regional research was done beforehand, based on the level of descriptive detail and period vernacular Gunderman provided. While this made for a very believable setting, I did have a little trouble with some of the dialogue.
There is a level of paranormal activity within this story that adds a unique layer to the overall plot. I didn't feel that this element really added much other than a newfound and important camaraderie between some of the characters, but it didn't bother me that it was there. I almost wish it had been developed more somehow.
If you are interested in a unique piece of historical fiction that deals with emancipation and the social struggles our country faced in the mid-1800s, I would definitely recommend giving this book a read.
March 12, 2018
I won this book on Goodreads. I will give it a fair and honest review.
A quick synopsis:
Synod is a new community, hidden in the middle of nowhere, for a religious group that wants to remove themselves from the influence of society. They are also abolitionists and want to start helping escaped slaves get to freedom in Canada or at least farther north than New Jersey which is where the new community of Synod is located. Goldfinch, the chosen leader of the community, is trying to oversee all of this. Not only is his past as a soldier making it difficult for him interact well with the other residents in Synod but he has also started having visions that he is having trouble understanding.
Southern bounty hunters out to take back their runaway slaves make life difficult for Goldfinch and for Synod. Most of the book is focused on the difficulties that the community has with the bounty hunters. Within this plot, Goldfinch also meets a very mysterious US Senator who has plans for Goldfinch.
I was drawn to this book originally because I was interested in reading a book about the Underground Railroad. This wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, but I still found the story thought-provoking. How does a group of people whose only commonalities are their religious beliefs, their desire to withdraw from society and their abolitionist sentiments get along? Not surprisingly this leads to disagreements, stress and tension. Besides the difficulty of virtual strangers trying to make a life together and learn to get along there is the stress of having escaped slaves in their midst and finding a way to get the slaves safely on their way to the next stop. Gunderman writes a detailed and very likely story of what this type of situation would be like.
This story all by itself would have held my interest but Gunderman also adds in a group of bounty hunters trying to reclaim the escaped slaves and return them to their owner in the South. I have to admit that even though I knew that slaves were chased as they tried to escape, somehow it never occurred to me that there would be bounty hunters who would find and then try to destroy stops on the Underground Railroad. The villager’s attempts to protect the slaves and their community was very well written. At that point, I had trouble putting the book down.
The story line that I didn’t care for was the mystical US Senator and his wolf, Alaba. I think the story would have been as good or maybe even better if there was no mysticism, just a plain US Senator out to help the group. I couldn’t quite figure out the purpose of the wolf. It just seemed unnecessary. The ending would have or could have been the same without the mysticism and the wolf.
Overall I would highly recommend this book, especially for those who are interested in historical novels, pre-civil war novels, novels on the Underground Railroad or even novels on religious communities.
A quick synopsis:
Synod is a new community, hidden in the middle of nowhere, for a religious group that wants to remove themselves from the influence of society. They are also abolitionists and want to start helping escaped slaves get to freedom in Canada or at least farther north than New Jersey which is where the new community of Synod is located. Goldfinch, the chosen leader of the community, is trying to oversee all of this. Not only is his past as a soldier making it difficult for him interact well with the other residents in Synod but he has also started having visions that he is having trouble understanding.
Southern bounty hunters out to take back their runaway slaves make life difficult for Goldfinch and for Synod. Most of the book is focused on the difficulties that the community has with the bounty hunters. Within this plot, Goldfinch also meets a very mysterious US Senator who has plans for Goldfinch.
I was drawn to this book originally because I was interested in reading a book about the Underground Railroad. This wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, but I still found the story thought-provoking. How does a group of people whose only commonalities are their religious beliefs, their desire to withdraw from society and their abolitionist sentiments get along? Not surprisingly this leads to disagreements, stress and tension. Besides the difficulty of virtual strangers trying to make a life together and learn to get along there is the stress of having escaped slaves in their midst and finding a way to get the slaves safely on their way to the next stop. Gunderman writes a detailed and very likely story of what this type of situation would be like.
This story all by itself would have held my interest but Gunderman also adds in a group of bounty hunters trying to reclaim the escaped slaves and return them to their owner in the South. I have to admit that even though I knew that slaves were chased as they tried to escape, somehow it never occurred to me that there would be bounty hunters who would find and then try to destroy stops on the Underground Railroad. The villager’s attempts to protect the slaves and their community was very well written. At that point, I had trouble putting the book down.
The story line that I didn’t care for was the mystical US Senator and his wolf, Alaba. I think the story would have been as good or maybe even better if there was no mysticism, just a plain US Senator out to help the group. I couldn’t quite figure out the purpose of the wolf. It just seemed unnecessary. The ending would have or could have been the same without the mysticism and the wolf.
Overall I would highly recommend this book, especially for those who are interested in historical novels, pre-civil war novels, novels on the Underground Railroad or even novels on religious communities.
October 7, 2018
Gunderman writes an accessible story about a test of faith and overt violence in the New Jersey wilderness in "Synod," something that fits the era and draws parallels to (racial) themes we still deal with today. Goldfinch is a strong protagonist, flawed as he may be. To me, the mysticism represents his narration -- is it credible? But it also seems to capture the ethos of 1820s social issues -- with enticing political drama to back it up. I personally like Gunderman's supporting characters as well, including the strong female lead in Harriet, and other secondary personalities like Blythe and an eccentric bounty hunter. The characterization is strong and the prose matches standards of the nineteenth century -- with quiet reserve, constricting dress and seemingly insurmountable conflict. It was a memorable read!
March 25, 2018
I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
In the novel of the same name, “Synod” refers to a secluded settlement in northern New Jersey’s Ramapough (sic) Mountains, c. 1829, that is inhabited by a small band of devoted Protestant abolitionists. It operates as a way station for runaway slaves fleeing to New York or Canada during the fledging years of the Underground Railroad.
“Goldfinch” is the group’s ostensible leader, a prickly, taciturn man who is given to cryptic and violent dreams and waking visions. He intuits them to be prophetic messages meant to help the settlers face and vanquish the ruthless bounty hunters (often aided by corrupt government officials) who are determined to recover these runaway slaves—alive or dead—by any means possible, even if it means massacring all the residents and burning Synod to the ground in the process.
Woven into this are subplots that deal with relational issues among the settlers and other characters—infighting, jealously, love and lust, burn out, betrayal, to name a few.
I was especially interested in the setting, as I am originally from northern New Jersey and lived for many years in the Sterling Forest area of the Ramapo Mts., where the book largely takes place. I enjoyed having an experiential “sense of place” while reading, which enabled me to keenly visualize where many of the events occurred.
Despite being highly fictionalized, there are aspects to the book that are loosely based in fact, and certain people—Governor Peter Dumont Vroom, Senator Theodore Frelinghuysen, Lyman and Catherine Beecher, and others, actually existed. Knowing little about them, I found the book inspired me to find out more about their true place in the slavery/abolitionist movements.
That being said, I did find the book difficult to wade through, largely due to the distracting and confusing supernatural element the author inserted into the book. It figures heavily in how the plot unfolds, and how certain significant characters interact. Rather than being intriguing, I found it informed the book with a smoky and irritating air of unreality. From the discussion questions included at the back of the book, it appears that the author intends this to be viewed metaphorically and is also employing a “genre-bending” technique, which may appeal more to—and perhaps is actually targeted to—a Young Adult audience, for whom fantasy and supernatural themes have perennial appeal. If so, it would seem a good way to incite interest in this important topic in a readership that typically may not be drawn to this historical period.
There is also a lot of talk and “saber rattling” between Synod and various marauders before any actual physical confrontations ever take place. That the settlers believe they could ever talk a ruthless, hardened bounty hunter into abandoning his quest, coupled with their reticence to take any offensive measures when a productive opportunity presents itself, is hard to grasp, given that they all knew from the outset that this venture would lead to terrible violence and bloodshed. They continually shore up Synod’s ever-growing stockpile of arms and ammunition, but ostensibly only to be utilized when forced to act defensively. Despite some settlers’ views to the contrary, they remain preparatory but largely passive until the last possible moment and all other options—mainly fruitless “dialogues” with their assailants—are exhausted. For the most part they sit and wait until attacked, employing a no-violence-until-provoked philosophy that in this context is dangerously naïve and unrealistic. Deliberately putting themselves in a kill-or-be-killed arena makes such a position untenable and moot. It needlessly puts their lives, and, ironically, the lives of the slaves they are committed to saving, continually at risk of annihilation.
This "atmospheric" story is a worthy one, in which the author, admittedly, is intending to capture the “zeitgeist” of the time, rather than to create an embellished historical fiction woven around real characters and events. The barbarity of slavery and the fierce and brutish mentality of its adherents as well as the anti-slavery position of the abolitionists, are explicated well, almost to the point of being polemical, which may be why there is so much talk in lieu of action. This didactic slant, if you will, is another reason I believe the book may be targeted to a younger audience. However, for me, as an adult, and for the aforementioned reasons, the book was somewhat rough going, requiring considerably more “suspension of belief” than I was ultimately able to give.
In the novel of the same name, “Synod” refers to a secluded settlement in northern New Jersey’s Ramapough (sic) Mountains, c. 1829, that is inhabited by a small band of devoted Protestant abolitionists. It operates as a way station for runaway slaves fleeing to New York or Canada during the fledging years of the Underground Railroad.
“Goldfinch” is the group’s ostensible leader, a prickly, taciturn man who is given to cryptic and violent dreams and waking visions. He intuits them to be prophetic messages meant to help the settlers face and vanquish the ruthless bounty hunters (often aided by corrupt government officials) who are determined to recover these runaway slaves—alive or dead—by any means possible, even if it means massacring all the residents and burning Synod to the ground in the process.
Woven into this are subplots that deal with relational issues among the settlers and other characters—infighting, jealously, love and lust, burn out, betrayal, to name a few.
I was especially interested in the setting, as I am originally from northern New Jersey and lived for many years in the Sterling Forest area of the Ramapo Mts., where the book largely takes place. I enjoyed having an experiential “sense of place” while reading, which enabled me to keenly visualize where many of the events occurred.
Despite being highly fictionalized, there are aspects to the book that are loosely based in fact, and certain people—Governor Peter Dumont Vroom, Senator Theodore Frelinghuysen, Lyman and Catherine Beecher, and others, actually existed. Knowing little about them, I found the book inspired me to find out more about their true place in the slavery/abolitionist movements.
That being said, I did find the book difficult to wade through, largely due to the distracting and confusing supernatural element the author inserted into the book. It figures heavily in how the plot unfolds, and how certain significant characters interact. Rather than being intriguing, I found it informed the book with a smoky and irritating air of unreality. From the discussion questions included at the back of the book, it appears that the author intends this to be viewed metaphorically and is also employing a “genre-bending” technique, which may appeal more to—and perhaps is actually targeted to—a Young Adult audience, for whom fantasy and supernatural themes have perennial appeal. If so, it would seem a good way to incite interest in this important topic in a readership that typically may not be drawn to this historical period.
There is also a lot of talk and “saber rattling” between Synod and various marauders before any actual physical confrontations ever take place. That the settlers believe they could ever talk a ruthless, hardened bounty hunter into abandoning his quest, coupled with their reticence to take any offensive measures when a productive opportunity presents itself, is hard to grasp, given that they all knew from the outset that this venture would lead to terrible violence and bloodshed. They continually shore up Synod’s ever-growing stockpile of arms and ammunition, but ostensibly only to be utilized when forced to act defensively. Despite some settlers’ views to the contrary, they remain preparatory but largely passive until the last possible moment and all other options—mainly fruitless “dialogues” with their assailants—are exhausted. For the most part they sit and wait until attacked, employing a no-violence-until-provoked philosophy that in this context is dangerously naïve and unrealistic. Deliberately putting themselves in a kill-or-be-killed arena makes such a position untenable and moot. It needlessly puts their lives, and, ironically, the lives of the slaves they are committed to saving, continually at risk of annihilation.
This "atmospheric" story is a worthy one, in which the author, admittedly, is intending to capture the “zeitgeist” of the time, rather than to create an embellished historical fiction woven around real characters and events. The barbarity of slavery and the fierce and brutish mentality of its adherents as well as the anti-slavery position of the abolitionists, are explicated well, almost to the point of being polemical, which may be why there is so much talk in lieu of action. This didactic slant, if you will, is another reason I believe the book may be targeted to a younger audience. However, for me, as an adult, and for the aforementioned reasons, the book was somewhat rough going, requiring considerably more “suspension of belief” than I was ultimately able to give.
July 15, 2018
Read this review (and others) at: https://literatureislife.com/2018/07/...
Synod was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Synod is a piece of historical fiction revolving around the Underground Railroad. From that, the book has a Free State of Jones/Hell on Wheels type of vibe. It is a bit earlier in American history and takes place in New England, but those are the things this story reminded me of. On the whole Synod stands up, but partway through things do start to get a little weird. Part of the dynamic shifts somewhat suddenly and in an odd direction and this change proved fairly distracting.
The name Synod comes from the settlement that most of the story takes place in or around. It is a small Protestant community that decides to become a waystation on the Underground Railroad. Their community is small with around a dozen people, but they are all hardy survivors constantly ready to work hard. Having a small community means there are few secrets and the lack of privacy makes for many challenges. Emotions run high throughout the story as the added tension of helping runaways is added to the already tense hamlet. The dialogue and characterization are solid, with the speech and character attitudes fitting the era.
Assisting runaways is a noble cause but also a dangerous one and residents of Synod no disillusions about that. Synod is set up with defense in mind and they have armed themselves against both the wilderness and bounty hunters. And the bounty hunters do not care who gets in their way or if their bounties are brought in alive. On the flipside, there are various people from the North involved with helping the Railroad, from churchmen to politicians. But this is where things in Synod (the book) start to get a little weird.
While the story starts out as pure historical fiction, a supernatural element becomes more apparent partway through. It influences characters and events pretty heavily, but never really feels like it fits. If it had stayed subtle that probably would have worked out fine. And in the beginning, it does start that way. But the level of supernatural involvement keeps getting more and more obvious until it is directly affecting the story. It never goes into full Harry Potter type magic, but more of that low-key Stephen King level. That inclusion just drug an otherwise good historical fiction novel down with too much confusion. Beyond that one pothole the story was fine, but it felt like a fairly big pothole.
Synod was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Synod is a piece of historical fiction revolving around the Underground Railroad. From that, the book has a Free State of Jones/Hell on Wheels type of vibe. It is a bit earlier in American history and takes place in New England, but those are the things this story reminded me of. On the whole Synod stands up, but partway through things do start to get a little weird. Part of the dynamic shifts somewhat suddenly and in an odd direction and this change proved fairly distracting.
The name Synod comes from the settlement that most of the story takes place in or around. It is a small Protestant community that decides to become a waystation on the Underground Railroad. Their community is small with around a dozen people, but they are all hardy survivors constantly ready to work hard. Having a small community means there are few secrets and the lack of privacy makes for many challenges. Emotions run high throughout the story as the added tension of helping runaways is added to the already tense hamlet. The dialogue and characterization are solid, with the speech and character attitudes fitting the era.
Assisting runaways is a noble cause but also a dangerous one and residents of Synod no disillusions about that. Synod is set up with defense in mind and they have armed themselves against both the wilderness and bounty hunters. And the bounty hunters do not care who gets in their way or if their bounties are brought in alive. On the flipside, there are various people from the North involved with helping the Railroad, from churchmen to politicians. But this is where things in Synod (the book) start to get a little weird.
While the story starts out as pure historical fiction, a supernatural element becomes more apparent partway through. It influences characters and events pretty heavily, but never really feels like it fits. If it had stayed subtle that probably would have worked out fine. And in the beginning, it does start that way. But the level of supernatural involvement keeps getting more and more obvious until it is directly affecting the story. It never goes into full Harry Potter type magic, but more of that low-key Stephen King level. That inclusion just drug an otherwise good historical fiction novel down with too much confusion. Beyond that one pothole the story was fine, but it felt like a fairly big pothole.
December 27, 2018
"Synod" certainly has a memorable quality to it, boasting a compelling - albeit taciturn - main character in Goldfinch, plus lively scenery and swift pacing in the back half. I found that some of the expository scenes in the first "act" really enliven the setting, and the various motives of the ensemble. Then, once "Synod" is in its best form, it is speaking to racial tension in its entirety, and turning a small pocket of earth into a pivotal Underground Railroad depot.
The characters - their dress, tone, nuances and philosophies - are carefully thought-out and inspired, while the political landscape they navigate is thoroughly researched. (What's more, themes of corruption and distaste, along with mystery and even the supernatural, cater to a generalist audience.) As I've alluded to, "Synod" also features a mystical subplot that seems to (somewhat) skew reality and question the close narration; it also helps unite the "core" characters and bring their abolitionist quest into focus. However, it still allows the narrative and the proverbial "hero's journey" to remain at the foreground.
"Synod's" wider plot, plus its many subplots, the historical accounts and pure adventure coalesce into an accessible read for a 21st century mind. Give this one a read!
The characters - their dress, tone, nuances and philosophies - are carefully thought-out and inspired, while the political landscape they navigate is thoroughly researched. (What's more, themes of corruption and distaste, along with mystery and even the supernatural, cater to a generalist audience.) As I've alluded to, "Synod" also features a mystical subplot that seems to (somewhat) skew reality and question the close narration; it also helps unite the "core" characters and bring their abolitionist quest into focus. However, it still allows the narrative and the proverbial "hero's journey" to remain at the foreground.
"Synod's" wider plot, plus its many subplots, the historical accounts and pure adventure coalesce into an accessible read for a 21st century mind. Give this one a read!
March 27, 2018
From the opening chapter of “Synod,” where Goldfinch and his assistant (former slave Solomon) are hunting something—for God’s sake, what are they going to shoot?—I was hooked. This book was an entertaining read from start to finish. In my opinion, it has everything to make an interesting and compelling story: suspense, drama, crooked politicians, violence, and sex (the way Dan C. Gunderman tastefully explains it is done in a classy manner). After the first few chapters, I didn’t want to put the book down. Gunderman takes you on a harrowing journey of historical fiction—through northern New Jersey in 1829. There, you’ll find a society slowly coming to grips with the institution of slavery; the story tackles this head on. What will become the “Underground Railroad” is now front and center and part of the central theme of this novel.
All of the characters in the village of Synod are as interesting as the violent outsiders that threaten its very existence. The story line is at times spellbinding, and always intriguing—right to the very end. I was pleased and am anxiously awaiting Gunderman’s next book.
All of the characters in the village of Synod are as interesting as the violent outsiders that threaten its very existence. The story line is at times spellbinding, and always intriguing—right to the very end. I was pleased and am anxiously awaiting Gunderman’s next book.
December 28, 2018
This is a well executed debut novel from Dan C. Gunderman, with adventure, history, intrigue and a number of different themes. The main character, Goldfinch, is interesting and, at times, tough to predict. That, coupled with a clear, spirited quest for abolition make it a smooth and engaging read. The early anti-slavery sentiment is particularly interesting, knowing the attention it would bring in the decades after 1829. Altogether, I suggest giving "Synod" a look, especially if you're interested in the 19th century or the way it still informs society today!
April 25, 2019
Synod is an artful, engaging take on history on various levels. Living in the area, I found the the landscape detail very accurate and easy to imagine back then. Synod is a rollercoaster ride that takes you all the way to the end at the edge of your seat the whole time.
I also believe it was a very interesting take on important historical events. It is a very well written novel with a hopeful opening to a follow-up. I recommend this book to fans of all genres!
I also believe it was a very interesting take on important historical events. It is a very well written novel with a hopeful opening to a follow-up. I recommend this book to fans of all genres!
June 24, 2019
Interesting story set in Northern New Jersey. It combines facts and fiction.
June 22, 2018
“With the sense that someone was lurking nearby, Goldfinch shook himself out of the daze. He felt a chill forming at the back of his neck.”
A small settlement in New Jersey has its sights set on being set apart from the world. It’s 1829 and Andrew Jackson is president and slavery is still allowed. They believe in work, fairness and equality, but also desire peace. When they are settled enough to start enacting their original plan, it turns out nothing like they planned. They are supposed to be a stop on the Underground Railroad, not a battle zone.
The author of Synod contacted me to request a book review through my blog. I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for a fair review. The synopsis sounded like an interesting historical fiction book set in early America.
Goldfinch is the leader of the group at Synod, yet he is old and has visions of his time in the War of 1812. He believes in the abolitionist fight and thinks the entire community is on the same page. Yet, when the battle comes to his front gate, he finds traitors among them. With the lives of a few runaway slaves in their hands, Goldfinch finds help from some strange places and people and finds his own way in the end.
While the initial storyline is interesting, it took me a while to get into Synod. The writing style is very in-depth and therefore the book reads at a slower pace than most modern novels. There is also some mysticism through in with a wolf helping a government official “see” what goes on at Synod. People who like historical fiction set in early America will enjoy this book as well as those who want a book that has a deeper storyline. It’s not a quick beach read. The message is that a small act by one person to another can help move along big changes.
Read more here: http://sarahannecarter.com/synod-by-d...
A small settlement in New Jersey has its sights set on being set apart from the world. It’s 1829 and Andrew Jackson is president and slavery is still allowed. They believe in work, fairness and equality, but also desire peace. When they are settled enough to start enacting their original plan, it turns out nothing like they planned. They are supposed to be a stop on the Underground Railroad, not a battle zone.
The author of Synod contacted me to request a book review through my blog. I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for a fair review. The synopsis sounded like an interesting historical fiction book set in early America.
Goldfinch is the leader of the group at Synod, yet he is old and has visions of his time in the War of 1812. He believes in the abolitionist fight and thinks the entire community is on the same page. Yet, when the battle comes to his front gate, he finds traitors among them. With the lives of a few runaway slaves in their hands, Goldfinch finds help from some strange places and people and finds his own way in the end.
While the initial storyline is interesting, it took me a while to get into Synod. The writing style is very in-depth and therefore the book reads at a slower pace than most modern novels. There is also some mysticism through in with a wolf helping a government official “see” what goes on at Synod. People who like historical fiction set in early America will enjoy this book as well as those who want a book that has a deeper storyline. It’s not a quick beach read. The message is that a small act by one person to another can help move along big changes.
Read more here: http://sarahannecarter.com/synod-by-d...
November 12, 2018
What "Synod" offers:
*A novel of its era (character motivation, dialogue, etc.)
*Weighty political and cultural themes
*Incorporation of two important movements (Second Great Awakening and the early Underground Railroad)
*A deftly defined setting
*Strong characterization around its core ensemble, namely the inscrutable "Goldfinch," plus a number of secondary personalities (i.e., a strong leading lady, a gritty minister with connections up and down the state, and sharp-tongued bounty hunters)
*A strong subplot revolving around the entire institution of slavery (and the determination of a certain "Four")
*Political intrigue, swift pacing to match any literary tones, and subtle, mystical scenes that draw narration and reality into question
*A novel of its era (character motivation, dialogue, etc.)
*Weighty political and cultural themes
*Incorporation of two important movements (Second Great Awakening and the early Underground Railroad)
*A deftly defined setting
*Strong characterization around its core ensemble, namely the inscrutable "Goldfinch," plus a number of secondary personalities (i.e., a strong leading lady, a gritty minister with connections up and down the state, and sharp-tongued bounty hunters)
*A strong subplot revolving around the entire institution of slavery (and the determination of a certain "Four")
*Political intrigue, swift pacing to match any literary tones, and subtle, mystical scenes that draw narration and reality into question
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews