Woo’s work of nonfiction tells the story of Ellen and William Craft. Both were slaves in Macon, Georgia. In 1848 they leave Macon. Ellen, who can easily pass for white, travels as a sickly young man, William as his slave. They believe that once they reach Philadelphia their lives will be safe and easy. However, the North presents a while new set of problems, especially with the enactment of The Fugitive Slave Act. 

As I read Master Slave Husband Wife, I kept thinking,”Why hadn’t I known anything about this remarkable couple.” Woo’s well-written, well-researched work describes the Craft’s escape to Philadelphia, Boston, Canada and finally England. She describes a couple who with the help of friends, Quakers and abolitionists, lived harrowing, extraordinary lives.