The Hag Rider
It’s 1859 in Galveston, Texas, and 13-year-old John “Jack” Benson, son of a man who is always drunk and hits him almost every day, is about to be beaten by his father in public when a voice cries out, “Don’t you dare touch that boy!” An old haggard slave woman voices her concern and is reprimanded by her owner. Known as a hoodoo witch doctor and “hag rider,” the woman named Vanita Valine is well known in the community, especially by the other slaves. Later that night, John is awakened by a voice exclaiming: “Get away. Got to get away now!” So begin the adventures of young John.
John leaves Galveston and heads for Houston. He is then hired by an elderly woman and is told to work with her slave named Moze as a gun carrier. Moze is an excellent shot and teaches John how to hunt, track, and fish. In 1861, John turns 15, joins the Confederate army, and is assigned to the cavalry. Given a “trick bag” by Vanita and told to hold it close, John is faced with many dangers during the war but is mysteriously helped by slaves along the way.
I would suggest this novel as a coming-of-age story that would appeal to young adults. As a young boy, John learns about himself as he experiences the trials and tribulations of serving in the Confederate army, his attempt to survive imprisonment during the war, his long walk back to Texas, and his eventual reunion with his father. Along the way, the mysterious “hag rider” messages he receives save him from disaster, messages provided by various Black people. The story kept me interested until the final pages.
