I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is my first fictional book about the abolisment movement, and it was hard to read as expected. Not because of the writing but how cruel humans can be to one another. It took me longer then tI though because I did have to put the book down a few times
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy reading about the realities of history and are ready to see if it truly was

A well written look at a remarkable cast of individuals in a time of change. Also an interesting look at the drivers for social change and the rights of man. A very well written look at the wrongs of being a human "owned".

Such an interesting book topic. We all know about the civil war and how the north was supposedly safe for runaway slaves even before the war, yet laws that were put in place made the north just as dangerous as being caught in the South. To get the story from three different perspective of people living during that pre-Civil War era is quite interesting. I love that you have mixed views in all of those perspectives. There is Ann the abolitionists wife, Collete a woman who is sympathetic to the African American’s plight, and then Anthony himself. This book is both beautiful and brutal in its portrayal of Anthony’s fight to find freedom. That he was able to make it safely up north only to be dragged back south a couple of months later is heartbreaking but sadly not uncommon. This book overall is just such a great place to open up conversations about a darker time in America’s history, what really occurred and how much people had to fight to be free. I highly recommend it.
Thank you to Sparkpress and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy.

If you are a fan of historical fiction, add The Stockwell Letters by Jacqueline Friedland to your To-Be Read list right now. There is nothing like a super compelling historical fiction novel to lose myself in. It’s the best genre for a rainy day or a weekend of reading. I don’t find all that many truly great historical fiction books, so many are dry and boring! But then one like this comes along and it is a real treat.



Here’s the scoop:

A passionate advocate of abolition from her earliest years, Ann’s activism was derailed just before her twenty-fourth birthday, when she fell sick with a mysterious illness. Wendell Phillips, the famous abolitionist, prevented his wife from participating in more anti-slavery outings due to her fragile health. Even so, when fugitive slave Anthony Burns is apprehended in Boston, Ann is determined to help him, no matter what it costs her.

With a particular focus on the predicament of nineteenth-century women who wanted to effect change despite the restrictions society imposed on them, The Stockwell Letters takes a deep dive into the harrowing conditions of the antebellum South and the obstacles faced by abolitionists who fought tirelessly to eradicate slavery.



This is based on a true story, which makes it even more of a must-read! This is out on August 29.

this was a great story! i loved ann as a character, and it was delightful to learn a bit more about the abolitionist movement in the nineteenth century. would definitely recommend to those into historical novels driven by great black female characters!

I have read quite a few abolitionist novels but none quite like this one. I enjoyed the multiple perspectives of this novel, particularly Ann's as she struggles to figure out how to fight for justice despite the confines society places on her. I appreciated the unique perspective Friedland's structure adds to this subgenre of historical fiction.

History isn’t always pretty, and slavery was one of our country’s darkest hours. I enjoyed the writing style of this book, which drew me in to the unpleasant reality that freedom wasn’t always free, or easy, or even permanent. I cannot say that I actually “enjoyed” the story as it was painful to read of man’s inhumanity to man and the supposedly civil upper class which often approved of it, or did nothing to stop it. This is not for the tender heart, but is a lesson that we all need to revisit from time to time. I am glad that I read this book and would like to thank NetGalley for the advance read copy.

The amount of thought and research that has gone into this book is very evident from the ease with which Jacqueline Friedland educates her readers, even as she holds them in her thrall.

Ann Phillips, an ardent abolitionist and the wife of well-known abolitionist Wendell Phillips, is held back from playing the part she wants to in the struggle against slavery by two key factors: her health is indifferent and she is a woman, at a time when women had all too few rights. But when she hears about the case of Anthony Burns, a slave who escapes, for a time, to freedom, Ann cannot keep her distance from the situation.

This is historical storytelling at its very best. The letters in the title refer to the correspondence between three of the main characters, and Friedland's success lies in making us understand and emphasize with protagonists who are facing very different circumstances from our own, living in very different times from our own.

Based on the true story of Anthony Burns, a fugitive slave from Virginia, The Stockwell Letters by Jacqueline Friesland is a pre-civil war era historical fiction novel told from the perspective of Ann Phillips (wife of abolitionist Wendell Phillips), Collette (a women in Richmond, Virginia), and Anthony himself. The story revolves around Anthony who escapes from Virginia to Boston, gets a taste of freedom, only to be sent back to Virginia when his old master, Master Charles, travels to Boston to track him down. Collette actively tracks Anthony's story through the newspapers in Virginia, while Ann works directly with her husband Wendell to try and purchase Anthony's freedom. The book itself is well written and clearly well researched, accurately portraying the tensions of the time period.

Thank you NetGalley and Spark Press for the advanced copy of this book for review consideration. #NetGalley #TheStockwellLetters

Very interesting! I love reading about people who existed, and I was not disappointed discovering Charles Burns, who tried everything to become free. I found it particularly fascinating to also read about women who, even though they had their own problems and were not necessarily heard in a society where women did not have a voice, did everything to help Charles.
I learned a lot about pre-war times (Secession) along with the political and justice systems in North and South states. Very interesting indeed!
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

This time period is always hard for me to read about. I found the writing to be slower than I prefer. While I'm sure this will be a good book for others, it just was not for me.

Excellent read! The writing is distinguished, the characters have depth, and the historical accounting is riveting. An enlightening page turner. Jacqueline Friedland did enormous research and wrote without personal prejudice or input, to which I applaud. Thank you NetGalley and Spark Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. #Netgalley, #TheStockwellLetters, #SparkPress.

The Stockwell Letters by Jacqueline Friedland is a historical fiction novel that took place prior to the Civil War, but during the beginning of the unrest between the North and South and their opinions on owning slaves.

Jacqueline gave great depth to her characters and the public at large. Although it followed people from Virginia, to the Carolinas & north to Massachusetts, they were all brought together by the common thread of Anthony.

This is not one of my preferred genres, but i was thoroughly captivated my Ms. Friedland's writing style and I enjoyed following these characters and never wanted the book to end!

Book Review 📚

The Stockwell Letters by Jacqueline Friedman - 4.5/5 ⭐

Never did I imagine being so enthralled with a book about historical fiction! Set in the early 19th century, this book is about to take you on a beautifully written journey.

3 MCs (Diana, Elizabeth and Jacob) exchanging letters, with a POV from each of them giving us an insight into their thoughts. The tree characters all utterly different and yet all work together, perfectly. There is a fantastic character development between all three as the story goes on.

Between the characters and the plot of the story, you are sure to be in love with something. There wasn't a point where I felt bored (unusual for me as I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction) so Jacqueline has really achieved something in her writing. A great story with phenomenal writing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Spark Press for allowing me to read this ARC - this is an HONEST review from my own personal opinion.

In her latest novel, The Stockwell Letters, Jacqueline Friedland skillfully weaves together the power of historical fiction and the charm of the epistolary format. Set against the backdrop of the early 19th century, this engrossing tale takes readers on a journey filled with secrets, romance, and the timeless pursuit of self-discovery.

The story unfolds through a series of letters exchanged between three intriguing characters: Diana, a spirited young woman trapped in a loveless marriage; Elizabeth, her devoted and insightful friend; and Jacob, a passionate and ambitious artist who enters their lives unexpectedly. The narrative cleverly alternates between the voices of these three characters, allowing us to witness their hopes, fears, and dreams as they navigate the tumultuous social landscape of the era.

Friedland's meticulous attention to historical detail is evident throughout the novel. From the elegant descriptions of Regency-era fashion to the nuanced depiction of societal norms and expectations, she transports readers to a time of strict social hierarchies and limited choices for women. The author expertly captures the voices and perspectives of her characters, immersing us in their dilemmas and inner conflicts.

At its core, The Stockwell Letters is a tale of forbidden love and the complexities of personal identity. As Diana finds solace in her correspondence with Jacob, their connection deepens, and their letters become a conduit for expressing desires and truths that cannot be revealed openly. The emotional depth and intimacy conveyed through these letters is truly captivating, drawing readers into a world of hidden desires and forbidden passions.

Friedland's writing style is elegant and evocative, making it easy to become fully engrossed in the lives of her characters. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of quiet introspection juxtaposed against dramatic twists and turns. While some readers may find the pace slow in certain sections, the lush prose and the gradual unraveling of secrets keep the story intriguing throughout.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of complex themes such as societal expectations, personal freedom, and the search for one's true self. The characters' struggles with identity and the limitations imposed upon them by their social circumstances are thoughtfully portrayed, adding depth and resonance to the narrative.

If there's a minor criticism, it would be that a few plot points feel somewhat predictable. However, this does not diminish the overall enjoyment of the story, as the characters and their journeys remain compelling and relatable.

In conclusion, The Stockwell Letters is a beautifully crafted novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and epistolary storytelling. Jacqueline Friedland's exquisite prose, well-researched historical backdrop, and compelling characters make this a captivating read from start to finish. It is a tale that reminds us of the enduring power of love, the strength of the human spirit, and the importance of embracing one's true self despite societal constraints.

"The Stockwell Letters" by Jacqueline Friedland is a compelling historical novel that delves into the life of Ann, a passionate abolitionist who faces personal challenges in her fight against slavery. Set in a tumultuous era, the story explores Ann's unwavering dedication to the cause, despite her own health struggles and the opposition from her husband, renowned abolitionist Wendell Phillips.

Friedland's vivid storytelling transports readers to a time of social upheaval and showcases Ann's unwavering determination to help a fugitive slave. The emotional depth of the characters and the historical context bring the narrative to life, making it a captivating and thought-provoking read.

"The Stockwell Letters" is a testament to the power of conviction and the sacrifices individuals are willing to make for justice. Jacqueline Friedland skilfully weaves together history and personal struggles, creating a poignant and engaging tale that resonates long after the final page.