Finishing Becca

Author: Ann Rinaldi
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: HarperCollins, 2004
Pages: 384
Rating: Recommend

Synopsis: An independent-minded young maid tells the story of social-climber Peggy Shippen and how she influenced Benedict Arnold's betrayal of the Patriot forces. Revolutionary Philadelphia is brought to life as Becca seeks to find her "missing pieces" while exploring the complicated issues of the war between the impoverished independence men and decadent British tories.

Review: Peggy Shippen came of interest to me while I was listening to Valiant Ambition. Benedict Arnold is a known traitor, but to hear his wife, Peggy Shippen, was probably the mastermind was fascinating to me.

While this book was written for the 12-17 year olds, I enjoyed it. Finishing Becca created a world and a picture of who Peggy Shippen really was in an easy-to-read format. I'm looking forward to learning more about this woman who managed to keep herself out of the historical spotlight despite almost costing the United States its independence.