The Fifth of March, Ann Rinaldi
The Fifth of March, Ann Rinaldi
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The Fifth of March
A Story of the Boston Massacre

Author: Ann Rinaldi

Narrator: Melissa Hughes

Unabridged: 6 hr 40 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 12/01/2011

Synopsis

Fourteen-year-old Rachel Marsh is nanny to John and Abigail Adams' children and witnesses firsthand how tension builds in the feisty New England town in the two years before it erupts into the Boston Massacre. Friends become foes and families divide as British troops arrive in 1768 to force the outspoken Bostonians to toe the line and obey the British government. But the idea of liberty and self-government has taken hold, and once considered, cannot now be set aside. At the same time, Rachel begins to take stock of her own life and future, and learns that to live life to its fullest and with integrity, one must seek the truth for oneself and take a stand. Ann Rinaldi, a master at making history come alive, creates an exciting front-row seat for the listener as she uses the voice of young Rachel Marsh to underscore that American liberty was not easily won, but at great cost to those who would not let their dreams die.

About Ann Rinaldi

Ann Rinaldi is an award-winning author best known for bringing history vividly to life. She has received numerous starred reviews and awards, as well as widespread recognition for her historical novels. Ms. Rinaldi lives in central New Jersey.

About Melissa Hughes

Melissa Hughes’ career began in radio, where she was a staff announcer, DJ, and voice-over artist. Working in England for many years, she starred in the BBC Radio drama Trouble Brewing, appeared in numerous plays, and created the screams for the character of Lois Lane, as well as other voices in the film Superman.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Wendy on August 26, 2011

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first half of the book. 4 stars for the reading. Minus one star for my unresolved questions at the end. Such a sad situation for the British soldiers in Boston. I enjoyed reading about the turmoil in Boston and as people try to "pick their sides" during a time when t......more

Goodreads review by Olivia on October 20, 2018

Waffling between 2.5 and 3 stars. It did have one quote that seemed quite Deep to me: "I don't know what this liberty thing is all about, Rachel. None of us do, yet. I pray that if we ever achieve it, we will know how to control it. And not let it control us."......more

Goodreads review by Rebecca L on February 24, 2015

This book was very good. I've read one other of Ann Rinaldi's books and enjoyed it immensely as well for her writing style is superb and her story telling amazing although this book was a little slow in the beginning (This is usual though and predictable for a historical fiction book). I really felt......more

Goodreads review by Emma on January 12, 2023

If I ever find an Ann Rinaldi book warranting less than five stars, I'll let you know.......more

Goodreads review by Kris on July 08, 2011

Story of the Boston Massacre through the eyes of Rachel Marsh, who is a servant working for John and Abigail Adams. It's definitely a book geared for a younger reader...not a lot of meat to it but a good story. I thought she brought up some good points about liberty and what it means to be an "Ameri......more

Quotes

The story weaves the early New Englanders’ passion for liberty into a young woman’s struggle to find her place in the world and discover herself…Melissa Hughes’ voice has lovely diction and clear tones.” AudioFile

“Rinaldi provides a vivid picture of colonial life and the pre-Revolutionary War period, including the disagreements among various American factions and the frightening actions of mobs and British retaliation. Because the issues she raises—the role of peacekeeping forces, the use of violence to achieve political goals, and the courage required to take a stand—are as significant today as they were at the time, this will be a wonderful selection.” Booklist

“Rinaldi shows readers the events leading up to the Boston Massacre…The story moves along briskly, and details of life in 18th-century Boston are woven into the narrative. The political unrest, the differing views of the patriots and loyalists, and the constant threat of mob violence are also well portrayed.” School Library Journal

“Carefully researched and lovingly written…Fortuitously timed, a novel that illuminates a moment from our past that has strong parallels to recent events.” Kirkus Reviews

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