The Road to Devotion

by Cameron Kent

Book Overview

When Sarah Talton's father suddenly passes away in the summer of 1860, she is left with a teenaged sister to care for, and the family farm and slaves to oversee. Determined to keep their land out of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0982576021
• ISBN13: 9780982576021
• Release Date: November 2009
• Publisher: Press 53
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Discovering Truth Beyond Self

I attended a book signing that Cameron Kent held in Greensboro before I read the book. At that signing was an African-American woman around 40 who became so enthusiastic after hearing Cameron speak about the book that she was energized to her own being. "I never came to one of these," she said and added, "I never knew I could or what they were about. I can't wait to start reading!" My thought later was how much I wish I could talk to her now-after she has read "The Road to Devotion." She must have experienced such a personal emotional release. Cameron has captured perfectly a human interaction that can transcend stereotypes, even deep prejudice, even societally imposed slavery. I consider perhaps the greatest evil of slavery, beyond the basic evil of the slave trade, to be the generations who were denied learning. How many minds were forced into atrophy! It is through the exchange of knowledge that both Sarah and Jacquerie realize a liberating destiny that neither could have had without the other. Cameron has created two thoroughly believable characters living in antithetical but parallel worlds. He has found a credible way to draw them into interaction then into friendship. That is a difficult task when dealing with the anti-bellum South where all law, mores, social structure, and economic interaction worked to separate. When it succeeds, as it has in "The Road to Devotion", it makes obvious to the reader the depth of the abomination.

A Journey of Truth

BRILLIANT!! "The Road to Devotion" is a marvelous, must-read book for people of all ages! Cameron Kent's latest novel is truly top-notch historical fiction. You only have to read a few chapters before it becomes very evident that the man has "done his homework" ~ ~ and NOT just in Civil War history. A plantation farm in Winston, NC sets the stage for a heartwarming story of farm owner, Sarah Talton and runaway slave, Jacquerie Bodin. A very unlikely bond and friendship forms between these two women as, chapter by chapter, their story unfolds with accurate historical references. From Moravians, Presbyterians and Quakers to references of the Yadkin River, Salem, NC and Charleston, SC ~ ~ I love the "local flavors" that are blended into the canvas of this story of faith and of hope. Whether describing a Carolina morning sunrise or a Christmas wreath hanging in the church window, with extremely vivid detail, Cameron paints a picture with his words ~ ~ leaving nothing to the imagination. Other nice touches to this story include the lyrics to hymns and African-American spirituals that are scattered throughout, as well as a Biblical scripture reference that introduces each chapter, solidifying the message of truth. Trust me, you definitely will NOT be disappointed on your journey with "The Road to Devotion." Awesome, Cameron!!

Life Truths Revealed in Civil War Novel

Normally, I hate period pieces and historical novels. As Edna Mode of the Incredibles says: "It detracts from the now." But I was surprised to find that I really enjoyed reading this book--I actually devoured it over the span of just a couple of days. _The Road to Devotion_ is a glimpse into the lives of a few (mostly female) characters in the South during the 1860s, amid considerable social and political turmoil. Kent examines humanity, justice, morality and even a little romance without being preachy or trite. The truths uncovered in the book are universal and timeless, and I really felt as if Kent transported me 150 years back in time (and I enjoyed the ride). The action in the story is skillfully woven together with an unflinching look at the injustices of the time, and the characters' thoughts and feelings. The novel is entertaining on several levels and hints at deeper issues for the reader to ponder on as well. Nicely done, Cameron--I eagerly await the next book.

super historical

Two decades earlier, her mother died and now in 1860, thirty-four year old spinster Sarah Talton is burying her father, but cannot cry for him as she inherited or perhaps nurtured by him his iron determination to show no emotion. As the North Carolina dirt is paced on the coffin, she knows she must remain resolute for the sake of her twenty years old sister Rebecca who is hysterical but gets comfort from Dickens not Deuteronomy. Near Winston, Sarah now runs the family farm and the slaves who work on it. To succeed as a farmer, Sarah must be even tougher than her hardened late dad as Civil War seems imminent, but still has to sell some acres and slaves. Landowner Braxton Smithwick covets Sarah, but when she meets Monsieur LeGare she finds herself in love though he does not speak anglais. When a bounty hunter dumps a battered runaway slave on Sarah, she takes the person in to heal them. Between these two people, Sarah begins to wonder about the truism of the lessons her father taught her re black skinned ignorant and the white man's burden, which has been accentuated by neighbors she has known all her life who with hostility breaking out demand total obedience to the cause of the Confederacy. This is a super historical that showcases the importance of constantly questioning one's values as new experiences happen. The story line is fast-paced but driven by the powerful characters especially the siblings, their late dad, Braxton, LeGare and significantly Jacquerie the slave. Fans will relish this strong Civil War drama as the thirtyish Sarah learns the Road to Devotion is lined with "hope, grace, love and faith". Harriet Klausner

Great book by a great Author

Wow, what a great book! The great authors know how to take a complex and challenging issue (slavery, bigotry and a closed mind)and simplify it into a great read. Everytime I thought I knew what was going to happen, Kent would through a subtle curve ball that kept me flipping the pages. Nothing over the top or outlandish - just good writing. I love how he challenges the notion that even the hardest of hearts can change with understanding and knowledge. He also brought me to the conclusion that being too comfortable in an ideal or thought could be a dangerous place to live! Well done Cameron Kent!