Chariot on the Mountain

There are some hints of plot in this review, but I do not think they will spoil the excitement of this book at all.This is the third - and best - Jack Ford historical novel I have read. It is amazing to me how he finds amazing historic trials and turns them into literary gold.I was stunned to learn through reading Chariot on the Mountain that this fierce young woman challenged a white slaver in court - years before the Civil War. To find out how she won her freedom in court made me proud to be a lawyer. But even apart from an incredible piece of history, this novel is a great read and so cinematic that I would be surprised if this story doesn't eventually explode on the large or small screen. (On Twitter I said I would eat the cover if it isn't picked up by some smart network or studio.)What the young slave Kitty has to do to save herself and her children is dramatic enough, but the journey of her white mistress from plantation owner to abolitionist is just as powerful. I loved both of these women and the lawyer who helps them. Reminded me a little of the journey of Huck Finn.I highly recommend this breathtaking true story of antebellum South. The emotion doesn't end with the last chapter, but continues as you follow up by finding out the rest of the life stories of these two strong and loving women.

Race relations is a difficult subject to address, this book handles both sides of the issue compelling the reader to learn and think how would I have handled this? Very intriguing how this subject is presented, this book was difficult to put down.

This story is fascinating and heartbreaking. The historical facts are surprising and underline the impact racism and slavery has on the United States even to this day.

The story of Kitty, her owner Mary, and friend Fanny fighting to regain Kitty’s freedom in a male dominated world, a state fully in support of slavery is remarkable not just because it is based on fact but because it is all so unlikely and ultimately rewarding. A worthy read for fans of historical fiction.

This book is about family. Family that is not defined by blood or race. It is about slavery and freedom and the costs to the people involved. Unlikely women bond together to help Kitty and her children. Kitty is a slave and a woman that is strong, brave and determined. The book was well written with well developed characters. What made it so much better was that Kitty did exist and she is not forgotten. A wonderful book!

An "ok" book.....you can get it read relatively quickly....an interesting topic.

Well written engaging book. I would sometimes put it down just to catch my breath. I found the final quarter of the book couldn’t keep up the pace of the previous pages - but still a fascinating story.

My first Jack Ford novel, and I thought it was well written. It appealed to my emotional and intellectual side. I don’t know if the title accurately reflects the depth of the novel but the author alludes to it toward the end. Loved the short chapters, making it a fast but not easy read.