The Other Side of Freedom

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Author(s)

Cynthia T. Toney

Publisher

Write Integrity Press

Genre(s)

Age Range

10+

Release Date

October 09, 2017

ISBN

978-1944120399

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Historical crime drama with action for the whole family.

2018 NEXT GENERATION INDIE BOOK AWARDS: First Place, Children's/Juvenile Fiction; First Place, Grand Prize Fiction; 2018 CATHOLIC PRESS ASSOCIATION BOOK AWARDS: Third Place, Children's; 2018 READERS FAVORITE BOOK AWARDS: Gold Medal, Children: Coming of Age; 2018 INDEPENDENT AUTHOR NETWORK BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS: Outstanding Fiction, Children's/Juvenile Fiction; Second Place, Fiction Book of the Year; 2018 LITERARY CLASSICS BOOK AWARDS: Gold, Upper Middle Grade, General; Gold, Upper Middle Grade, Historical;

In a southern U.S. farming community in 1925, thirteen-year-old Salvatore and his Italian immigrant father become involved against their will in a crime that results in the murder of an innocent man and family friend. Will Sal keep the secrets about that night as his father asks, or risk everything he and his family cherish in their new homeland, including their lives? Amidst bigotry, bootlegging, police corruption, and gangland threats, Sal must discover whom he can trust in order to protect himself and his family and win back his father's freedom. Sal's family, their African-American farmhand, and the girl who is Sal's best friend find their lives forever changed as dreams are shattered and attitudes challenged in a small community called Freedom.

Historical crime drama with action for the whole family.

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3 reviews

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5.0

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5.0(3)

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Unforgettable Story

February 25, 2019

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5.0

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I knew of Toney’s flawless ability to write from a modern teenage girl’s perspective, so was curious when I heard her newest book is set in the 1920’s and told from the point of view of a middle school age boy - Salvatore. I certainly wasn’t disappointed. She effortlessly delved into the mind of a young boy who lived in Louisiana during the tumultuous Prohibition years, weaving together a fascinating tale of hardship, corruption and the importance of family and faith. This intriguing, coming of age story focuses on the difficult choices and decisions one Italian immigrant family must face while desperately trying to keep their family together.
I didn’t know much about this interesting time in our history when Italian/Sicilian gangsters terrorized American communities, but was fascinated by this story and how these crime sprees affected law-abiding families of Italian descent. Besides being a captivating story, this book provides plenty of discussion topics including the repercussions that can arise when trying to do what is right, as well as the issues of: prohibition, segregation and immigration. Bravo to Cynthia T. Toney for creating yet another wonderful, thought-provoking teen novel.

Leslea Wahl Top 500 Reviewer 6 reviews

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Stellar Historical Fiction

February 21, 2019

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5.0

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This stellar novel spotlights the trials of Italian immigrants during the era of Prohibition. I'd heard of Al Capone and nefarious activities going on during the 1920's but never thought about the effects of that criminal activity upon the average family. The details are so richly drawn, I felt as if I'd been transported back in time. The main character, 13 year old Salvatore (Sal) lives on a strawberry farm with his parents and young uncle, and his dilemma twisted my heart. This is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction. (And for a story in which the Mob plays a big role, it's squeaky clean.)

Good Points

The writing is flawless, the characters are realistic, and the situation is heart-breaking!

Katy Huth Jones Top 500 Reviewer 14 reviews

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Reads like a classic!

February 16, 2019

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I loved The Other Side of the Freedom - the writing, the story, the close-knit Italian family, and the early 20th century Louisiana strawberry farm setting. Cynthia Toney makes writing look easy with a story that flows smoothly.

Young teen Sal, from whose point of view the story is told, is at the center of an Italian mob's high stakes scheme of running liquor through small Southern towns after Sal's dad and uncle are coerced into abetting them.

The secondary characters - Sal's parents and uncle, his African American friend Hiram and his best friend Antonina - are interesting but remain rather static while Sal is the one who comes of age, deciding what cost he is willing to pay to serve the truth.

This is Young Adult book, but there's nothing here to keep younger children or older teens and adults from enjoying the story as well.

Good Points

Great setting - early 20th century Louisiana strawberry farm
Great characters