The Secrets of Mary Bowser

'I spy with my little eye, where the bird goes when he doesn't fly,' Mama said one mid-day, her words floating on the Richmond heat as we carried empty cookpots through the yard to the kitchen. Mama, your little girl is all grown up, and still playing our best game. I am a spy ...Mary Bowser was born a slave. She was freed and educated. Then she willingly went back into slavery ...As the American Civil War looms, Mary gives up her independence and returns to her home state. There she poses as an illiterate slave in the Confederate White House and spies on President Jefferson Davis. But as the death and destruction of war take their toll, Mary discovers that everything comes at a cost--even freedom. Based on a true story, The Secrets of Mary Bowser is an extraordinary and inspiring tale of injustice and courage, friendship and conflict--and of one woman willing to sacrifice her own liberty to change the course of history.

ISBN 1444736256   Pages 496 ISBN13 9781444736250 (What's this?)   Weight (grammes) 340 Publisher Hodder & Stoughton General Division   Published in London Imprint Hodder Paperback   Height (mm) 197 Format Paperback   Width (mm) 130 Publication date 24 May 2012   Spine width (mm) 32 DEWEY 813.6   Academic level General DEWEY edition DC23

'Lois Leveen has given us a new hero, Mary Bowser - a slave turned spy for the union army. Told with clarity, confidence, and courage, THE SECRETS OF MARY BOWSER illuminates an untold and important story about slavery, the Civil War, and the role of women in achieving emancipation. A riveting and powerful book.' -- Naseem Rakha, Internationally bestselling author of The Crying Tree 'Deftly balancing history, romance and adventure, Leveen honors the life and historical importance of a brave, resourceful woman.' -- Kirkus 'Will appeal to many readers with its clear narrative, uncomplicated characters and unambiguous sense of right and wrong.' -- Historical Novels Review

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