There are so many things that are bad about this book: it's cliche "historic" romance between a "highborn Scotish lady" and a coal miner, seemingly inaccurate portrayal of organized class politics in London before the industrial revolution, the obligatory sex scenes, the very problematic implicit equating of various forms involuntary and coerced servitude of Europeans with chattel slavery, and the casual background almost gone-with-the-wind-esk descriptions of Black enslavement on a colonial Virginia plantation, the never problimitized understanding by the main characters that the Cumberlands were an unpopulated no mans land not claimed by any indigenous people, the inclusion of American revolutionary characters like George Washington that just happen to make an appearance, etc, etc, etc.And still I wanted to read it. Even if Follett didn't do it in accurate or completely appropriate ways, he still touched on themes that were incredibly interesting to me, and which I believe are such important foundations of the system of racism and white supremacy we've got today. It was really interesting to consider the class position of people in communities in Scotland, colonized by the English, before industrialization and before many of those people immigrated as settler colonial shock troops to the Americas. I was excited to read about people being sentenced to "transportation" to the Americans, something I only just learned about in Taylor Sparrow's A Problem of Memory. It was great to imagine how a growing financial empire might link the coal fields of Scotland with tobacco plantations in Virgina and sugar plantations in Barbados. And it was useful to read about and try to imagine what might have been possible when white convicts, white indentured servants and enslaved African worked side by side in Virginia or what might have been possible in terms of organizing among workers in London on the cusp of the beginning of the industrial revolution.Who knows, maybe Follett meticulously researched this book and it is free of anachronistic notions around class and gender politics, maybe it is an accurate portrayal of the social cohesion between workers of various ethnicity and backgrounds in London. But I doubt it. I don't know if Follet was trying to write a book about mercantile capitalism and the roots of modern racism, but you can kind of find a story about that here. It was interesting to read, if you go into it expecting a bodice ripper, taking place in the 18th century written by a white guy in the late 20th century you won't be disappointed.
**Notice** I don't think there are spoilers in this review because the book is so freakin' predictable, but others may think I've given away state secrets. If you're not good at predicting (actually, if you have no ability to predict a plot AT ALL), don't read this.I suppose it's best not to start your reading of Follet's historical fiction with Pillars of the Earth--because what could possibly live up to that standard? Although I enjoyed A Place Called Freedom (in the way you enjoy a box of generic sandwich cookies because Oreos weren't available), I didn't think it came close to the beauty that is Pillars of the Earth. Mack McAsh is a Scottish coal miner, oppressed by the nasty British, not only in Scotland, but in England and America, too! Lizzie Hallim Jammison, a noble lady, is his one true love. Ah, what obstacles will they have to overcome before they can finally live happily ever after? Aside from the class difference, there's her husband. There's also Cora, Mack's girl. And Peg, who's in love with Mack. Of course both Mack and Lizzie are stubborn and prideful. Then there's that prison sentence and transportation to America. But wait! While Mack is lying in the hold next to a dead man, Lizzie is in the owner's cabin. They're off to America together. And then Lizzie's husband buys Mack's indenture, so . . . . This is a time I needed the ability to give 2.5 stars. I liked it. It was a fast, pleasurable read sitting in the sunroom. Just totally predictable.
What do You think about A Place Called Freedom (1996)?
An informative historical adventureFollett's A Place Called Freedom was one of the most requested books when I worked at a now-defunct used book store more than 10 years ago. I finally got around to reading it and I can see why it was in such demand. Follett introduces the reader to the turbulent politics on 1760s England, Scotland and America. He throws in a liberal dose of romance and the reader will be reminded of the Tom Cruise / Nicole Kiddman epic movie Far and Away. There are plenty of similarities - both feature poor, rural heroes who fall in love with the landlord's spunky daughter. Nevertheless, it's a great read and unique enough to stand up in its own right. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in a view of England's politics and turmoil on the eve of the American Revolution - it puts America's arguments for revolution in a clearer context - it even strengthens them. On top of that, the book is a great read.
—Dale
A Place Called Freedom follows the character Mack from a coal mine in Scotland to London where he struggles to earn decent pay for himself and other laborers. He ends up in the colony of Virginia still yearning for true freedom. This novel had great potential to be a story as gripping as Pillars of the Earth, but it feels rushed instead. I would have loved more detail about the surroundings and period details about dress, food, & everyday life. I especially thought the story fell short when Follett decided not to describe Mack's journeys in detail. We learn nothing of his trip from Scotland to London other than how long it took. The Atlantic crossing could have been very exciting and suspenseful, but instead is just brought to an end and we are told how many died. The characters, especially Mack, are interesting but not as developed as they could be in order to really feel that you "know" them and care about them. I couldn't decide if Lizzie was strong and independant or impetuous and selfish. I also never really understood why Jay's father hated him so much. Overall, I did like this book and enjoy reading about the time period covered, but I wish Follett had made it about twice as long.
—Samantha
I always find Follett's work entertaining, but this book was a bit predictable. It wasn't one of his better novels. My only qualms with this story were the characters Cora Higgins and Peg Knapp. Understandably their professions were very common, but they were dismal females who only wanted an easy way out. While Mack may have been considered among the undesirables, he at least had self-respect (questionable because he wanted to be with Cora) and dignity; Cora and Peg did not. I was hoping they would have been hanged when they were caught, but Follett had to drag them through the story.
—Athena
