Or Give Me Death: A Novel of Patrick Henry's Family

Ann Rinaldi

Aug 2004 · Sold by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

About this ebook

A surprising Revolutionary War tale of a family beset by a mother’s mental illness: “Often gripping…the portrayal of Patrick Henry is unusually complex.”—Publishers Weekly
 
Patrick Henry, the famous statesman of the American Revolution, has a secret: He keeps his wife in the cellar. It’s the only alternative to an asylum, for, slowly losing her mind, Sarah Henry has become a serious danger to herself and her children.
 
Narrated by the Henrys’ two daughters, Patsy and Anne, who must take on new responsibilities, this compassionate novel explores the possibility that Patrick Henry’s immortal cry of “Give me liberty or give me death” may have first been spoken by his wife as she pled for her freedom—and “delivers another intriguing spin on history” from the popular author of young adult fiction (Kirkus Reviews).
 
Includes a reader's guide

Ratings and reviews

This book is amazing! It's an exciting tale of thought, worry, and ,of course, madness. I think it is an exciting book for kids my age (5th grade) to read.

DONT READ THIS IT IS SO BORING

Give Me Liberty Or Give Me death

About the author

ANN RINALDI is an award-winning author best known for bringing history vividly to life. A self-made writer and newspaper columnist for twenty-one years, Ms. Rinaldi attributes her interest in history to her son, who enlisted her to take part in historical reenactments up and down the East Coast. She lives with her husband in central New Jersey.