Bruzas, Alena. To the Bone. Rocky Pond Books, 2024. 978-0-593-61620-8. 256 p. $19.99. Grades 9-12.
On the surface, this is a harrowing survival story about the starving time, 1609-1610, at the James Fort. But really this is a tale of true horrors, specifically those endured by Ellis, a young indentured servant. She learns that the people she is supposed to trust are not going to protect her, that loving the wrong person could threaten her life, and that colonizing land is wrong and dangerous.
THOUGHTS: Based on what archaeologists have discovered about what people did to survive that crushing winter, this horror novel is all the more frightening because everything in it that is evil is, and was, real. The terrifying account of abusive husbands, violence against the indigenous people, and, of course, cannibalism, is so chilling, it’s easy to forget that these events actually happened. Much of the story, especially the end, is very dark and while fans of historical fiction might love this, they will need to be warned that it should be categorized as much horror as historical, if not more so. This story will stay with readers for a long time and could even prompt them to want to learn more about Jamestown. Between this fictionalized version, and the real stories, they will not be disappointed.
Historical Fiction
Ellis flees devastation in England after losing her family and looks forward to a new adventure in America. Filled with hope for finding a place of her own after fulfilling her debt, Ellis works for the Collins family which includes Henry and Mrs. Collins who is expecting. Despite Mr. Collins’ warnings not to explore with Jane Eddowes, Ellis can’t help but fall under Jane’s adventurous spell. The two find ways to meet and explore their new surroundings both inside James Fort and in the uncharted land around it. Ellis harbors a secret hope of locating her father, who traveled to America before her but never sent word to the family. It’s not difficult for Ellis to observe the unkind relationship between the colonists and the Indigenous people. Jane offers Ellis a break from the reality of Mr. Collins’ anger towards their situation and his wife’s resistance to accepting their new life. As supplies and food stores dwindle and winter approaches, the colonists are forced to do whatever it takes to survive. Will Ellis reach her breaking point when the unthinkable happens, or does she have the will to survive?
THOUGHTS: Initially, I picked up To the Bone due to its short length, unique approach to a less-covered historical time period, and its appeal to horror fans. That said, I had to put down my book while reading on more than one occasion due to the graphic descriptions. Though this one fits historical fiction, the horror definitely is real. A worthy YA purchase to highlight the realities of early American history and where horror books are in demand.
Historical Fiction