Book Review: Let Freedom Ring

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Let Freedom Ring     Amazon US TPB Amazon Canada TPB
Al Lacy , Joanna Lacy
Class/Genre:   Fiction   Historical
Multnomah, Jul 2001, $10.99, 300 pp.

In the 1850s, Russian Corporal Vladimir Petranova is wounded during the Crimean War. Only the work of the British, led by Florence Nightingale, saves his life and ultimately enables Vladimir to return home to his beloved Sasha.

In spite of his veteran status, Vladimir and his family must hide their deep religious beliefs in Christianity from the Cossack police. Czar Alexander II has assigned his deadly Cossacks to kill any Christian religious leaders and imprison or exile their followers. On top of all that Vladimir finds his family farm in jeopardy from a poor season and heavy taxes. In desperation, he takes his family and flees to New York City to start life anew in the "Land of the Free". Along the way to freedom, Vladimir and his family meet many other immigrants seeking the same symbolism of the new Statue of Liberty and the right to practice Christianity without repercussions as he does.

Conceptually, LET FREEDOM RING is a historical fiction novel that uses faith to help individuals deal with severe persecution for their religious beliefs. However, the story line lacks depth, as the characters seem more like a campfire crowd swapping stories. This approach preaches to the audience rather than entertains and inspires the reader through the actions of the cast. Those readers who want a sermonizing tale will cry LET FREEDOM RING. For those who want a complete character whose actions uplift the spirit, Al & Joanna Lacy’s tale is a pass.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner