For slaves fleeing captivity; the Underground Railroad was the most viable means of escape; and with over three thousand miles of clandestine routes and secret trails; Ohio had the country's most extensive network of safe houses. A great number of these passageways were concentrated throughout the state's east central region; particularly the inland channels of Coshocton; Holmes and Guernsey Counties and the now-famous canal route; a major conduit winding through Tuscarawas and Stark Counties. Similarly; runaways sought refuge in the hills and valleys of Harrison County; as well as in the Quaker stronghold of Columbiana County. Using the letters of Wilbur H. Seibert; along with contemporary photographs of area safe houses; Janice VanHorne-Lane provides an intimate account of east central Ohio's profound contributions to the Underground Railroad and its mission; freedom for all.
#591444 in Books 2015-10-13 2015-10-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.20 x 1.00 x 5.50l; 1.00 #File Name: 1594633975400 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Soon; there will be no one left who survived WWII...By M. L. LevineReading Paper Love underscored for me how daunting a task it is to balance a suspenseful; heartfelt narrative-- containing limited actual information-- with the story of the detailed process of getting that information. I agree with others that the book needed a more disciplined editor; that it meanders; that it's repetitive. Still worth reading! The details about the fascinating/tedious process of "finding" Valy are sometimes necessary and sometimes feel like filler to stall the revealing outcome. I would have rather been stalled by learning more about Sarah Wildman's parents; sibling(s); and "partner"/husband; all of whom were treated rather cryptically; as if they had no right to be part of the story or as if the subject might be (understandably) a minefield. Wildman also clearly restrains herself from adding too much personal info about herself that would take away from the Valy narrative but; as they say in German;"Wenn schon; denn schon" (if you're gonna start it; do it already). I give Sarah Wildman 5 stars for the work; diligence; commitment; and passion that went into unearthing the documentation to reveal the life of one of the millions of anonymous victims of the Nazis. The 4 star rating reflects a readable book that could have benefited from another edit.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. I would recommend it to a Book Club that selects books by ...By Penelope K. LockhartI saw the author discuss the book as part of a panel on C-Span. I was so enthused by her presentation I ordered the book immediately.The subject of the book - tracing the "true love" of her grandfather in 1930's; 1940's Germany Austria - was fascinating. Everyone loves a mystery. However; I felt the book itself would have benefited from editing/cutting. The structure of the book (its flow) was confusing to me; although I may be too linear a reader.That correspondence survived from Germany in the years of WWII was remarkable to me. The author added many details and historical facts that enriched my understanding of the period.It is certainly worth reading. I would recommend it to a Book Club that selects books by "Themes". The C-Span panel included three other authors with books that involved "discovery" or "searching" in WW II - primarily for Jewish places or people.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Life interruptedBy M. MurphySarah brings a very personal and scholarly approach to writing about her grandfather's and his friend's wartime experiences and the after effects. Beginning with the discovery of a package of letters to her grandfather from family and friends she never heard him speak of; she delivers a multi-layered book which is so much more than just a recounting of the results of her efforts to find out more about his wartime experiences and those of his Vienna girlfriend. As a journalist and grant recipient; she was afforded access to a number of recognized scholars on relevant subjects; one contact leading to another and another; resulting in her successfully weaving together academic research and others' experiences with those of her subjects. It is not simply the story of one man and his close circle; but also that of many individuals in a vibrant Viennese society suddenly ripped apart; and the different reactions and fates of those caught up in it.
