Official Review: Living on the Edge in Freedomtown

[Heidi M Simone]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Living on the Edge in Freedomtown" by Jacqueline T. Small.]

---

2 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

When a town is named Freedomtown, one might assume it is a free and safe place to live. In the short and easy-to-read book Living on the Edge in Freedomtown by Jacqueline T. Small, the author describes a small town with some unique and strict laws. The book is one of Small's firsts and is in the Other Fiction genre. The story mainly takes place in Freedomtown, Pennsylvania. Freedomtown was founded by Samuel Freeman, who escaped slavery in the 1800s. He developed a charter for his new town to control who is allowed to live there.

Years later, Samuel's descendant, Michael Freeman, is in charge of keeping the town safe and upholding the town's charter. Even though slavery is no longer an issue, Freedomtown only accepts those of African descent and with no criminal record. Those who have an interracial marriage are not allowed to live in town and are asked to leave. Freedomtown's strict rules are meant to keep its citizens safe and worry-free.

However, as with many well-thought-out plans, sometimes unexpected problems arise. An intruder enters Freedomtown with contraband, and the town begins to stir. Once captured by the police, the intruder refuses to admit who he works for. While waiting for the intruder's court date, other illegal activity occurs. The residents in Freedomtown struggle to understand how criminals have been able to enter their once peaceful, safe city. The strict charter and law enforcement seem to have failed them. It is up to Sheriff Michael Freeman to uncover the truth. Will he be able to discover who is leading these criminals?

I enjoyed certain parts of Living on the Edge in Freedomtown. One aspect of the book that I liked is Small exploring the idea of how history shapes the future. Since Samuel Freeman was a slave, he harbored a hatred towards white people, which caused his descendants to have similar strong feelings. The current Freeman family shows prejudice against every white person by excluding all whites and interracial marriages from the town. A significant event (such as slavery) can leave people scarred, and it can lead some to think that there aren't many good people in our world. The light at the end of the tunnel is that there are good people. It takes time and effort to find those good people, but they are there.

One criticism I have of the book is the simplicity of the plot. With a topic like gaining and maintaining freedom, I would have expected a heavier storyline. I felt there were several points trying to be made, but not enough details were added to fully develop the plot. At times, the story seemed rushed and somewhat vague.

The character development in the book also leaves something to be desired. I felt I was able to get only bits and pieces of the characters in Living on the Edge in Freedomtown. Once I thought I was getting to know someone, the point of view immediately changed. The foundation of the book is strong, but there needs to be more development in both character and plot.

I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. I would recommend Living on the Edge in Freedomtown to those who would like a light, quick read about how the past can shape the present. Those looking for a deeper, more developed story, may want to pass.

******
Living on the Edge in Freedomtown
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like hsimone's review? Post a comment saying so!

[bookowlie]

Nice, balanced review. I like how you pointed out the little things that might have improved the book. I particularly enjoyed reading your opinions since I had considered selecting this review book a few weeks ago. I read the sample on Amazon, but wound up choosing another book instead.

[Levi]

@hsimone great job on the review. For a book that garners a lower rating from a reviewer, but that has such an interesting storyline, putting that storyline at the forefront is a great service to a work that may... shall we say..need more work. I love the concept of this story, it is almost enough on its own to make me want to read it.

[Heidi M Simone]

Nice, balanced review. I like how you pointed out the little things that might have improved the book. I particularly enjoyed reading your opinions since I had considered selecting this review book a few weeks ago. I read the sample on Amazon, but wound up choosing another book instead.

Thank you, bookowlie, for your kind and thoughtful words. I was considering this one over another one, but decided to go with this one. The foundation is good, but definitely wished there was more. What do you think, would you consider reading it or passing? Thanks again!

-- 31 Aug 2015, 18:27 --

@hsimone great job on the review. For a book that garners a lower rating from a reviewer, but that has such an interesting storyline, putting that storyline at the forefront is a great service to a work that may... shall we say..need more work. I love the concept of this story, it is almost enough on its own to make me want to read it.

@Escapeartist, thank you! When I read the summary, I really liked to concept as well. The concept of using something as slavery to shape the present is a great idea. Definitely wished it had more depth, though. If you end up reading it at some point, I would love to hear what someone else thinks. Thanks again, Escapeartist!

[bookowlie]

Nice, balanced review. I like how you pointed out the little things that might have improved the book. I particularly enjoyed reading your opinions since I had considered selecting this review book a few weeks ago. I read the sample on Amazon, but wound up choosing another book instead.

Thank you, bookowlie, for your kind and thoughtful words. I was considering this one over another one, but decided to go with this one. The foundation is good, but definitely wished there was more. What do you think, would you consider reading it or passing? Thanks again!

-- 31 Aug 2015, 18:27 --

@hsimone great job on the review. For a book that garners a lower rating from a reviewer, but that has such an interesting storyline, putting that storyline at the forefront is a great service to a work that may... shall we say..need more work. I love the concept of this story, it is almost enough on its own to make me want to read it.

@Escapeartist, thank you! When I read the summary, I really liked to concept as well. The concept of using something as slavery to shape the present is a great idea. Definitely wished it had more depth, though. If you end up reading it at some point, I would love to hear what someone else thinks. Thanks again, Escapeartist!

The subject matter in the blurb seemed interesting, but I wasn't as interested after reading the sample. Still, some books have a slow start and get better along the way.

[Levi]

@hsimone You're very welcome. I liked the idea of reverse racism being tackled, and its effects being similar to those that sparked it.

[bluemel4]

Very insightful review. You did a great job critiquing the book. It sounds like a very interesting premise.

[Heidi M Simone]

Nice, balanced review. I like how you pointed out the little things that might have improved the book. I particularly enjoyed reading your opinions since I had considered selecting this review book a few weeks ago. I read the sample on Amazon, but wound up choosing another book instead.

Thank you, bookowlie, for your kind and thoughtful words. I was considering this one over another one, but decided to go with this one. The foundation is good, but definitely wished there was more. What do you think, would you consider reading it or passing? Thanks again!

-- 31 Aug 2015, 18:27 --

@hsimone great job on the review. For a book that garners a lower rating from a reviewer, but that has such an interesting storyline, putting that storyline at the forefront is a great service to a work that may... shall we say..need more work. I love the concept of this story, it is almost enough on its own to make me want to read it.

@Escapeartist, thank you! When I read the summary, I really liked to concept as well. The concept of using something as slavery to shape the present is a great idea. Definitely wished it had more depth, though. If you end up reading it at some point, I would love to hear what someone else thinks. Thanks again, Escapeartist!

The subject matter in the blurb seemed interesting, but I wasn't as interested after reading the sample. Still, some books have a slow start and get better along the way.

I see. Some books do, you're right. Sometimes all you need is to read the part of the book to know if it'll hold your interest. Thanks again for your thoughts!

-- 31 Aug 2015, 20:04 --

@Escapeartist, I thought that was an interesting, too. I never really have thought about it, so in that aspect, I am glad I picked up this book!

-- 31 Aug 2015, 20:08 --

Very insightful review. You did a great job critiquing the book. It sounds like a very interesting premise.

Thank you very much, bluemel4! I really like the premise of the book, too. It has such a good foundation!

-- 31 Aug 2015, 20:08 --

Very insightful review. You did a great job critiquing the book. It sounds like a very interesting premise.

Thank you very much, bluemel4! I really like the premise of the book, too. It has such a good foundation!

[zeldas_lullaby]

Great review. It gave me a good sense of the strengths and weaknesses of this book!

[Heidi M Simone]

Thank you, zeldas_lullaby! I appreciate you reading my review. I'm glad I was able to give you a sense of the positives this book good and what could be improved!

[Tanaya]

Wow, this sounds really interesting. I tend to stay away from stories that focus so heavily on race, but the premise for this one sounds really powerful. Too bad about the simple plot and characters. Great review with solid criticisms.

[Heidi M Simone]

Tanaya, thank you! I liked how you said "the premise for this one sounds really powerful". I agree with you 100%. Thanks again for reading my review!

[Cee-Jay Aurinko]

I loved reading your review, hsimone. I don't think I will read this book though.

[Heidi M Simone]

Thanks, Leon! I understand completely about not reading this book. Thanks for reading my review, though!

[Kappy]

Freedomtown only accepts those of African descent ... Those who have an interracial marriage are not allowed to live in town ...

Excellent review, but I find the premise a bit baffling. Does the story explain how a town in the USA can legally enforce such racial restrictions?