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Shop nowThe Fifth of March
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Learn moreFourteen-year-old Rachel Marsh is nanny to John and Abigail Adams' children and witnesses firsthand how tension builds in the feisty New England town in the two years before it erupts into the Boston Massacre. Friends become foes and families divide as British troops arrive in 1768 to force the outspoken Bostonians to toe the line and obey the British government.
But the idea of liberty and self-government has taken hold, and once considered, cannot now be set aside. At the same time, Rachel begins to take stock of her own life and future, and learns that to live life to its fullest and with integrity, one must seek the truth for oneself and take a stand.
Ann Rinaldi, a master at making history come alive, creates an exciting front-row seat for the listener as she uses the voice of young Rachel Marsh to underscore that American liberty was not easily won, but at great cost to those who would not let their dreams die.
Ann Rinaldi is an award-winning author best known for bringing history vividly to life. She has received numerous starred reviews and awards, as well as widespread recognition for her historical novels. Ms. Rinaldi lives in central New Jersey.
Melissa Hughes’ career began in radio, where she was a staff announcer, DJ, and voice-over artist. Working in England for many years, she starred in the BBC Radio drama Trouble Brewing, appeared in numerous plays, and created the screams for the character of Lois Lane, as well as other voices in the film Superman.
Reviews
The story weaves the early New Englanders’ passion for liberty into a young woman’s struggle to find her place in the world and discover herself…Melissa Hughes’ voice has lovely diction and clear tones.”
“Rinaldi provides a vivid picture of colonial life and the pre-Revolutionary War period, including the disagreements among various American factions and the frightening actions of mobs and British retaliation. Because the issues she raises—the role of peacekeeping forces, the use of violence to achieve political goals, and the courage required to take a stand—are as significant today as they were at the time, this will be a wonderful selection.”
“Rinaldi shows readers the events leading up to the Boston Massacre…The story moves along briskly, and details of life in 18th-century Boston are woven into the narrative. The political unrest, the differing views of the patriots and loyalists, and the constant threat of mob violence are also well portrayed.”
“Carefully researched and lovingly written…Fortuitously timed, a novel that illuminates a moment from our past that has strong parallels to recent events.”
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