“Or Give Me Death” by Ann Rinaldi.

(NY: Gulliver Books, 2004. 226 pp. $6.95, ISBN 0-15-205076-0)

Historical fiction written primarily for young adults.

What is liberty? Is it a right or always a longing never completely fulfilled?

Patrick Henry, one of America’s favorite forefathers, longed for liberty and his longing became the mother’s milk of early America. His famous “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech, first delivered on March 23, 1775, is often credited with turning the passions of colonial Virginians towards American Revolution and the pursuit of Independence.

In the crowd the day he gave that famous speech were none less than Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. In the face of such illustrious personages it is hard to imagine these giants of history as people like you and I, who struggled with what liberty meant for them, their families and their country.

In “Or Give Me Death” Ann Rinaldi masterfully weaves a fascinating blend of fact and fiction to tell us the story of Patrick Henry the statesman, the defender against religious persecution, the fearful husband and the stern father.

She tells the story of mental illness, explores the lack of treatment options and the havoc it can reek in a family. It is a story of children trying to raise themselves when the adults are too busy or incapable. “Or Give Me Death” is a story of learning the difference between truth and lies, and the ultimate duty of loyalty while one is longing for liberty.

Against the longing for liberty is the reality of slavery, but the reader is made aware that there are many different ways to be enslaved. Personal stories of African slaves are brought to life, as are the fears of those who said slavery was evil but contrarily owned slaves.

One woman will die in pursuit of liberty and another will plead “Patrick, Patrick, please, I beg of you, give me my freedom, or let me go to my death.”

Did these struggles with slavery and liberty in his home life inspire Patrick Henry’s famous speech, which inspired the Virginians to arms, which led to a Revolution which gave us the freedom to pursue our own vision of liberty?

Read “Or Give Me Death” and decide for yourself. It is, after all, a free country.

Geri Williams is a local book fancier.