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

Interesting story of Patrick Henry's family as they struggling with Henry's wife's growing mental illness. Lots of historic detail, interesting switch of perspectives halfway through the book, enough surprises in the plot to keep the pages turning. Overall, excellent historical fiction that could be appreciated by young and old alike.

Patsy, Patrick Henry's eldest daughter, is left to care for the family when her mother goes insane and must be locked up in the cellar for fear she will hurt one of the younger children. Patrick Henry himself is no help...he's too busy involved in the politics of the day figthing the King for their rights as English citizens.
This was a depressing book! First of all, Patrick Henry is portrayed as an absentee father who doesn't much care what happens to his wife and children. I don't know how historically accurate that is; but if is it correct, it's indeed a sad commentary on one of our country's founding fathers. Patsy is a somewhat a martyr who runs the household and has to exert her authority with the slaves in her parent's absence. show more She is bitter and is forced to be an adult too soon. All the while, Mrs. Henry is a lunatic locked in the cellar (which has been refurbished to accomodate her living there) who screams all day long. Patsy's marriage is moved up a year so that her fiance can help run the farm. The whole family bears the burden of keeping their mother's confinement a secret from the community at large. Anne, the younger sister, is bitter and resentful of Patsy's authority and is the only one who can communicate with their mother. She has the same "gift" as her mother to "see things" and wonders if she will be the one to inherit insanity after their mother predicts one of the children will do so. Don't read this book if you are feeling down- you'll have a hard time getting up again! Suitable for middle school, especially as it ties in with the American Revolution era studied in 8th grade. show less

Patrick Henry's large family was forced to take care of themselves during his long absences. When their mother becomes mentally ill, it falls to Patsy to care for her younger siblings. Her sister Anne does not like Patsy's heavy hand. Anne, reflecting on the circumstances within their home muses, "Madness lives inside our house. Not just in the cellar where Mama languishes. But the whole house."

I really liked this book! It focuses on Patrick Henry's family and is narrated by one of his daughters. This book is a little dark, but is very entertaining and is hard to put down! This book is great for middle school and would tie into an american revolution lesson.

This book is about Patrick Henry's family. His daughter's narrorate the story, he had two sons and three daughter's. His wife is going mentally ill and is going crazy.

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