The Rebellion of Jane Clarke

The Rebellion of Jane Clarke
by Sally Gunning Sycamore Public Library call number: FIC GUN


"On the eve of the Revolutionary War, a young woman is caught between tradition and independence, family and conscience, loyalty and love..."

In 1770, Jane Clarke is living in Satucket Massachusetts, a small town on Cape Cod. Jane’s father is a strong supporter of King George. Jane is not sure what to believe about the newspaper accounts of the troubles in Boston with the British soldiers. She is seeing a man named Phinnie, whom her father has approved for marriage. When she addresses her concerns to Phinnie on the troubles in Boston, his response does not satisfy her. When she decides not to marry him her father sends her away to Boston to care for an ailing aunt as punishment. She becomes friends with Henry Knox, a supporter for independence, and becomes influenced by his views. But she is also troubled by the abuse of the soldiers by the Bostonians and she tries to remain neutral. Remaining neutral becomes more difficult after witnessing the Boston massacre.

The British soldiers are on trial for murder and are defended by John Adams. Jane’s brother, who is for independence, is a clerk for John Adams. Jane must decide what role she will play, if at all, in the trial.

There are several stories going on--her friendship with Henry Knox, the relationship with her brother, the ongoing care of her aunt, and the trial, some of which have unpredictable endings.

I enjoy historical fiction but this is not one of my favorites. However, it was an easy and enjoyable read.

Submitted by: Nancy
Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Rating: B