Title: Wolf by the Ears
Author: Ann Rinaldi
First published April 1, 1991
272 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780590434126 (ISBN10: 0590434128)
Rating: 3.83
Overview
In Wolf by the Ears, Ann Rinaldi tells the story of Harriet Hemings, a young woman living a life of comfort and protection at Monticello. Despite being a slave, she has always felt well-treated and respected.
However, rumors start to circulate that she may be more than just Thomas Jefferson’s slave – she could be his daughter. As the truth is revealed, Harriet is faced with a difficult decision.
Should she stay and remain a slave, or should she risk everything and run to freedom? Leaving behind her family, race, and the only home she’s ever known is a daunting prospect, but the allure of freedom is strong.
Follow Harriet as she determines her own destiny in this powerful historical novel.
About the Author
Ann Rinaldi is an author of young adult fiction, specializing in historical fiction. She has written 40 novels, eight of which were recognized by the ALA as notable works.
Wolf by the Ears was named one of the best novels of the past 25 and 100 years. Rinaldi is known for her contributions to the Great Episode series, set during the American Colonial era, and also writes for the Dear America series.
Rinaldi resides in Somerville, New Jersey, with her husband Ron, whom she married in 1960. Before becoming an author, Rinaldi worked as a newspaper columnist for The Trentonian.
She wrote her first published novel, Term Paper, in 1979. Rinaldi attributes her love of history to her eldest son, who introduced her to reenactments.
Rinaldi writes young adult books simply because she enjoys doing so. In 1991, she became a grandmother.
Editoral Review
Wolf by the Ears by Ann Rinaldi is a gripping historical novel that explores the complex web of relationships and power dynamics in pre-Civil War America. Published in 1991, the book is a prime example of the YA historical fiction genre and captures the struggles of a young woman living in a slave society.
Set in 1820 in Monticello, Virginia, the book focuses on Harriet Hemings, the illegitimate daughter of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings. Harriet is an intelligent and curious young woman who is deeply conflicted about her status as a slave and her familial ties to the Jeffersons.
When she discovers that her best friend, Melody, is to be sold to a cruel plantation owner, Harriet becomes determined to help her friend escape to freedom. However, her plans are complicated by her own conflicting loyalties and the dangerous secrets she uncovers about the Jefferson family.
Rinaldi’s writing style is elegant and engrossing, and she masterfully weaves historical details and contextual information into the narrative without sacrificing the pacing of the plot. The book is a deeply moving exploration of themes such as identity, power, and justice, and it presents a nuanced portrait of a complex historical period.
The book’s portrayal of life in a slave society is both harrowing and illuminating, and it sheds light on the lingering legacy of slavery in modern America. One of the strengths of the book is the complexity of its characters.
Harriet, in particular, is a compelling protagonist who grapples with her own sense of identity in the face of social and cultural pressures. Her relationships with the other characters in the book are also well-drawn and provide a nuanced view of the intricate web of power dynamics in the Jefferson household.
The book’s use of multiple perspectives also adds depth to the story and allows the reader to see how different characters perceive and navigate the various conflicts in the novel. However, the book is not without its flaws.
Some readers might find the pacing of the plot to be slow at times, and there are moments where the narrative feels overly didactic. Additionally, some of the themes and motifs in the book can feel heavy-handed and repetitive, which may be off-putting to some readers.
Overall, Wolf by the Ears by Ann Rinaldi is a deeply affecting and engaging historical novel that provides a nuanced and insightful look at life in pre-Civil War America. Its complex characters, elegant prose, and thought-provoking themes make it a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction, especially YA readers.
The book’s relevance to contemporary issues related to race and justice also adds to its appeal, and it is sure to be a valuable addition to any reader’s bookshelf. Rating: 4/5 stars.
While there are some minor flaws to the book, it is still an excellent example of the YA historical fiction genre, and its relevance and power make it a must-read.
