Forge

By Laurie Halse Anderson

   Forge is about a young african american named Curzon during the american revolution. Curzon was a former slave, when he see's someone being attacked by a red coat. Curzon throws a rock at him and then the other boy kills him. He goes to the boy and learns that his name is Eben. Eben thanks him and asks if he wants wants to join the army. Curzon agrees. Curzon makes friends and enemies through the book, but eventually gets along with everyone. He is in the 16th Massachusetts regiment. He has a smaller group that he becomes close to. Even though he escaped slavery he finds that it is also very hard to be a soldier. 

    When Curzon first starts talking to Eben after they kill the red coat they hear gun shots in the distance. When the two get there, there is a battle going. They both decide to go in. The americans beat the british in this particular match. Eben tells Curzon that he would like to thank him. He brings him to his house and brings Curzon to meet his uncle who is a high ranking military officer. Curzon agrees to join the army. They originally go to a camp where Eben and Curzon makes friends and enemies. 

    

     Their division is sent to a different camp. This camp has many problems. The group does not get enough food. They make a thing called rock cake. Even though it tastes terrible it gives them a source of food. One day a man comes with a horse and gives them a canteen. When they open the canteen it is filled with food. The group bonds over different struggles and overcome their differences.

     

    The group has to do many things on their own. One major thing that they have to build their own house. The group is assigned different duties, such as cutting down trees or digging. Even though Curzon is a free man now things are still hard for him. John Burns is very rude and makes fun of him a lot. Other people are also very mean to him. Curzon is faced with the struggles of hunger because there is not enough food. Also he is faced through battles.

    I thought that this was a really good book. I like how the story went into depth of what it was like for someone back then. I have read many stories about the american revolution but I thought it was really cool what the author did. One the that I like about it is that even though she put real events she also blended in fiction. Also about I like how it talks about two struggles back then. The author talks about slavery and the American Revolution. Overall this is a great read for anyone who likes historical fiction. Next time you are looking for a book I would suggest you read this