Gallows Road

by Lisa Hall Brownell

A beautiful young woman is condemned to death for a crime that she swears she did not commit. Inspired by true events in Connecticut in the 1750s, "Gallows Road" is told through the eyes of an indentured servant, Mercy Bramble. The mysterious death of her newborn puts Mercy's life in the hands of a jury, while three ministers -- and a group known as Children of God -- fight to save her soul.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

280 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 2022

About the author

LISA HALL BROWNELL is a fiction writer who believes in the power of stories to connect us to one another, and bridge past to present. She loves the smell of printer’s ink and has always spent a sizable portion of her paycheck on books. As director of publications for Connecticut College, she edited an award-winning magazine. She is a graduate of Brown University and holds an M.A. in English (with a concentration in creative writing) from San Francisco State University. “Gallows Road” is her first novel. In addition to writing novels, she also enjoys writing short stories, particularly ghost stories. She and her husband live in Connecticut.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our book club chose this book to read one by a local author. Wow! It was a great pick! Gallows Road was a compelling story. Truthfully, it took me a little while to fully engage with the story, but once I did, I couldn't wait to open the book and keep on going.
This story follows the life of Mercy Brambles, in New London, CT in the mid-18th century. Mercy is an indentured servant from the age of 9. When she gets traded for a horse from her original master to Brian Palmes, Mercy's life becomes more difficult in many ways. Without giving too much away, I will say that she does eventually end up imprisoned and sent to trial.

[Maura Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for historical fiction, if it is well-written and based in fact. Add to this a believable narrative arc and characters to cheer for, and, well, I'm hooked. This novel, based on a real case in New London, Conn. in 1753, had me from the start. The lead character, Mercy Bramble, opens the narrative by explaining who she is and where she is - in a prison cell awaiting execution for a crime of which she says she is innocent. As she shivers in the November cold she recalls her life as an unwanted child and an indentured servant, first with one family, then another, and the results of a pregnancy that lands her in prison. Rarely have I read a book that so drives home the real meaning of such near-slavery and the implications for those trapped in its miserable existence than in Mercy's retelling. Yet she has depth and spunk, and as the story twists and turns, it seems clear that an unlikely hero might come well to her aid. Despite that tantalizing possibility, at great risk, Mercy finds the strength to confront her tormenters and discovers the wisdom and courage she had all along. It's a great book, and Lisa Brownell has written a classic book worthy of novelist Wally Lamb's ringing endorsement. I can't wait to read her next novel!

[Susan Kietzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Brownell tells a chilling tale of the imprisonment and trial of a young woman accused of a crime she denies committing. Set in the 18th century and based on true events, Gallows Road takes the reader upstairs and downstairs, juxtaposing the culture of the well-bred with the misery of unrelenting servitude. Mercy Bramble, born into poverty, never had a chance. Or did she? Written in the first person, Gallows Road reads almost like a diary. And a diary once opened is rarely closed until read in its entirety.

[Mendy Sobol · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Gallows Road” author Lisa Hall Brownell is a master storyteller and an exciting new voice in historical fiction. Her captivating writing offers a chilling portrayal of 18th Century New England, where money, power, and religious fanaticism hold sway over justice. The “good people” of New London may have thought they silenced Mercy Bramble forever, but Brownell has outwitted them, artfully resurrecting Bramble’s voice and offering a cautionary tale relevant to our time.

[Ginny Bitting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and so engaging. I love historical fiction and this did not disappoint. Right from the first page, Mary Bramble's voice goes straight to your heart. With impeccable research and vivd details we see a young woman trapped in a web of social strictures and structures that survive today. So much relevance for a story set in colonial New England. Surrounded by complex characters, who are themselves conflicted by their own actions, Mercy's spirit never wavers.
Highly recommend!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite a story line based on history in 1730s in New London, CT. Hard to imagine that this type of life actually existed in our country - we who think our lives are difficult today will certainly think otherwise after reading this "story" based on true facts.

[Diane Beaulieu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic. Well written. I could see and feel the struggles of Mercy vividly in this historical fiction story focusing on indentured servitude.

[Lynn Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this piece of historical fiction set in New London Connecticut written by a Connecticut author.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical Fiction is my favorite genre; Lisa Hall Brownell in her book “Gallows Road” had me riveted to this story about an indentured servant who was wrongly accused and imprisoned for nearly two years. It is an unusual story of a simple young girl born into poverty, contracted into servitude, and set up by those in control of her. This has applications to today where a young person in poverty with little support can be taken advantage of, manipulated, or not believed. Brownell’s extensive research takes us on a journey in 1750s New London, Connecticut with historical accuracy of life and events of that time period. Her storyline of Mercy Bramble takes liberty with twists and turns and a surprise ending. What I enjoyed most about the book was her rich writing and use of poetic language woven throughout the story. Her book makes history come alive in our early American colonies.

[Suzanne O’Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent; local author, born in Waterford, CT. Historical fiction based on Sarah Bramble who was hanged on Gallows Lane in Waterford on November 11, 175 having been accused of killing her own child.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fine novel, beautifully written, and a demonstration that the counterfactual approach to history can sometimes be (or feel like) the true story. Did Mercy Bramble die on Gallows Rd. or ...?

[Cheryl Gregoire · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable book based on a historical event. Wish it was more accurate. While I understand authors take some liberties with scenes, certain events should remain true.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only go to p.74.
Too slow
Sad because it is based on a local girl's hanging in New London prior to the Revolution

[Cheryl]

A good read. I'm glad I wasn't born 200 years ago! What a tough time, especially for women and servants. But the story's woman has spunk! Read it and see!

[Lisa Palone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting to read about colonial New London Connecticut. I know it’s a fictionalized account, but still pretty cool.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent piece of historical fiction. What a wordsmith is Lisa Hall Brownell!