I was sold on reading The Mapmaker’s Children the moment I saw “Underground Railroad” mentioned in its synopsis. I’ve had an obsession with the Underground Railroad since learning about Harriet Tubman in grade school and reading The House of Dies Drear by Virginia Hamilton.
It’s 1859 in New Charles Town. Sarah Brown, daughter of abolitionist John Brown, is destined to be a spinster for life after a serious illness renders her infertile. After she recovers, Sarah puts her artistic talents to good use drawing freedom maps for passengers of the Underground Railroad. As the years go by, Sarah devotes all her time at Hill House in West Virginia helping enslaved men become free men. The Hill family helps Sarah with her abolitionist ventures.
Now it’s 2014 in New Charles Town. Eden Anderson and her husband Jack have just moved to an old house on Apple Hill Lane. Childless and depressed, Eden is miserable at having to accept her fate of never bearing children. Shortly after arriving at Apple Hill Lane, Eden discovers a mysterious ancient doll’s head at the bottom of a cellar that had once been used to hide runaway slaves. Eden sets out to discover the history and story behind the doll’s head, making new friends and relationships along the way that just may atone for her lack of children.
Despite everything I’ve read about the Underground Railroad over the years, I don’t remember learning anything about abolitionist John Brown or his daughter, Sarah. Sarah’s life story is quite fascinating and I’m surprised I had never learned about her before reading The Mapmaker’s Children.
I loved the mystery surrounding the ugly doll’s head Eden finds in the cellar. Sarah McCoy doesn’t reveal until later on how the doll plays into the story, but those familiar with Sarah Brown’s work for the Underground Railroad will know how everything ends.
I hated Eden’s character for most of the novel. I enjoyed hating her, and enjoyed watching her character squirm when animals and small children got close to her. However, I do understand that Eden was bitter due to years of battling fertility problems.
Overall, it was a great novel, backed by thorough and interesting research. I appreciate how the author wove together the stories of Sarah and Eden to complement one another.
Other books by Sarah McCoy include:
- Marilla of Green Gables (2018)
- Mustique Island (2022)
- Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely? (2025)
Did you read this book and love it, too? I’d like to know what you thought about it.
Last Updated on November 15, 2025 by Sarah Ann
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