River Sing Me Home by Eleanor Shearer opens in 1934 with the master of Providence plantation giving an order that slavery has ended. However, the master reminds the slaves that they are not yet free because they will work for him for six years before they leave the plantation. According to the master, the name ‘slave’ will no longer apply because he will call them his apprentices. When the slaves hear their master say they will work for him for the next six years, their joy turns into sorrow. However, Rachel can no longer continue working on her master's plantation because the wave of freedom gives her the hope of reuniting with her five surviving children, who were sold to other plantations. To achieve the secretive goal, Rachel must escape because she is still legally bound to work for her master for six years before she finally gets freedom.
Rachel's journey to look for her five children is dangerous. However, people who live in an abandoned tobacco plantation help Rachel to cross to Bridgetown help Rachel. In Bridgetown, Rachel reunites with Mary Grace, her mute daughter. Grace joins her mother in the rest of the journey to locate the other siblings. On the way, Nuno, an Indian orphan, and ‘Nobody,’ a seaman walking in a similar direction, join Rachel and Grace. The journey to the next plantation involves crossing a dangerous crocodile-infested river. Fortunately, Rachel and Grace cross successfully and locate Micah, Rachel's son. Before reaching Trinidad, Rachel reunites with another son, Thomas Augustus, who is also on the run with other slaves. With her three children, Rachel finds her beautiful daughter, Cherry Jane. Feeling energized and happy, Rachel's children motivate her to continue with the search to find their last surviving sibling. Fortunately, Rachel finally finds Mercy, and she feels satisfied because her five surviving children now surround her.
Shearer’s River Sing Me Home is full of resilience and reconciliation. Rachel reconciles with her children for not having the power to protect them from the hands of her masters. The novel also explores the evils of slavery and life after slavery. Therefore, the novel is captivating despite having terrifying scenes because it has a successful conclusion.
