Tunnels of Treachery Updated ed.
Tunnels of Treachery Updated ed.
We’re just going to play computer games,” Kami said, her back to the door. “We don’t want to hear stories.”
“Kami and Eddie, your grandfather and I would really like you to come and listen. To stay down here in the basement is to be rude to your grandfather, and to our hosts,” said Mrs. Mark. “There are many stories you need to hear about your heritage. They are important. Now put your caps on and come upstairs this minute!”
Silently, the twins looked at one another and then pulled the round caps on. “There,” Eddie said, going back to his game. “But you can’t make us go upstairs.”
Mrs. Mark shrugged, not wanting to fight with her grandchildren in public. Andrea could see hurt and disappoint wash over Mr. Mark’s face, the scars on her neck turning red from embarrassment. Andrea wished she could do something to help get the twins upstairs.
“Someday, you will realize how important the stories are,” Mrs. Mark admonished, wagging a bony finger at their backs. “Remember my words, Kami and Eddie. You will live to regret this foolish selfishness of yours. One way or another, you will learn the stories!” And with those stern words, she walked over and shut the door, leaving Andrea pondering their meaning.” (p. 18)
Andrea, 15, and her 10-year-old brother Tony join family and friends to celebrate their grandparents’ wedding anniversary in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Everyone is dressed in period clothing as part of the celebration. “All seemed ready and eager to share parts of family history and their stories.” (p. 8) Mr. and Mrs. Mark, with their grandchildren Eddie and Kami, are also there. It is a joyous occasion, but the twins, Kami and Eddie, only want to play video games instead of participating in the storytelling. Mrs. Mark laments, “They want to be blonde with blue eyes. They are ashamed to be Asian and to have grandparents who speak English with such funny accents.” (p. 11)
Andrea and Tony are shocked by Kami and Eddie’s attitude to the history of their grandparents. Andrea and her brother have had the opportunity to actively experience history. In Tunnels of Time, they travelled back in time to explore the tunnels of Moose Jaw during the period of Prohibition in the 1920’s. They argue with the twins about their attitude, and, during a thunderstorm, all four of them are transported back in time. Once again, Andrea and Tony are back in the tunnels, but, this time, they are searching for the twins who are working as indentured servants. In the 1920’s, Chinese immigrants had to pay a Head Tax to remain in Canada. In order to do so, they worked in difficult conditions for minimal wages.
As in the previous two novels in the “Moose Jaw Time Travel Adventure” series, Andrea and Tony encounter friends, such as Rosie, Beanie and Vance, who help them. They also encounter a new character named Sarah who turns out to be their grandmother Jane. The adventure is reminiscent of the previous two novels with dangerous criminals, such as Mean-Eyed Max, kidnappings, and chase scenes. This time, Kami and Eddie have become indentured servants. What follows is an interesting examination of the conditions of Chinese immigrants in Western Canada in the 1920’s.
Tunnels of Treachery was first published in 2003 as the third novel in the historical adventure series by Mary Harelkin Bishop. The novel has been updated with illustrations and new resources. There are also “Historical Notes”, “Discussion Questions”, and suggestions for creative projects. The examination of the plight of Chinese immigrants is both interesting and very relevant to the 21st century. Examples of anti-Asian racism and violence have increased in recent years. The search for one’s roots, something, experienced by all the young people is also revealing and exciting.
The black and white illustrations add detail to the fast-paced adventure story. Readers will learn about the history of 1920’s Moose Jaw but will also examine topics such as: racism, Prohibition, technology, time travel, family history, crime, workers’ rights, poverty, immigration, diabetes, discrimination, drugs, addiction, and second languages. In the end, all four young people come to appreciate the importance of history in their lives. Andrea tells readers, “She couldn’t wait for stories to begin; there were so many wonderful memories to share.” (p. 232.)
Myra Junyk, who lives in Toronto, Ontario, is a literacy advocate and author.