Price of Passage by Larry F. Sommers

Historical Fiction, 380 pages

Published 2022 by DX Varos Publishing

Reviewed by Jan K Jenson (Janet Kay) www.novelsbyjanetkay.com

The author takes us on a thought-provoking journey back in time - back to the pre-Civil War days when America was torn apart with conflicts raging over slavery versus freedom for all. This compelling tale of immigration and liberation is told through the eyes of a newlywed couple of Norwegian immigrants seeking a new life in this land of opportunity - and Daniel, a courageous runaway black slave. 

Their respective journeys take them from New Orleans up the Mississippi River into America’s wild heartland where they face danger, death and challenges to their very survival. Still, hope reigns and eventually prevails for those who survive.

Parts of this novel may be difficult to read, to comprehend how such atrocities once took place in this great country. Yet, we can learn valuable lessons from our past history - things we need to remember to ensure a better future for all.

 Larry Sommers has done extensive research to create authentic historical settings in this novel. The characters are  actually based on his own Norwegian immigrant ancestors although he has fictionalized all aspects of this story. 

This novel is well worth reading and can help us all to understand past conflicts and differences and, above all, how we can work together to resolve them.