Wednesday, February 03, 2010
The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent
This story is set in Massachusetts in the 1690's - during the Salem witch trials. It centers around Thomas and Martha Carrier and their five children: Richard, Andrew, Tom, Sarah, and Hannah. Sarah is the narrator. It tells a chilling story of superstition and fear, and is based on stories the author grew up hearing about her ancestor Martha Carrier. I found the story particularly disturbing because it showed how easily a strong, non-conformist woman such as Martha Carrier could be convicted and hanged as a witch. It was very well written and I rate it 5 out of 5. This is my first book for the New Author Challenge 2010.
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3 comments:
Hi Cheryl ... wanted to pop in and tell you I read this story also. Loved that it was based in fact, but as you said "those facts are somewhat disturbing" especially knowing that this really happened. For me being so close to Salem and the areas mentioned in the book it made it even more real. One of the areas they mentioned "Colchester,CT." where the family moved to after Martha's hanging, is located about 20 minutes from where I currently live. I was very captured by the writing ... and much like you I would definitely rate it a 5 out of 5.
I have not read this story. I have read the letter sent by one of the children that accused all those people of witchcraft. I find it as disturbing as trying to believe the modern day tells of ritual killing of animals and mass abuse of children and noone- Not the parents or the attending doctors ever knew a child was touched. I do not believe all the people in the lawsuits for child abuse against the church in Boston is all true. How good so few control so many children. and so many different ages. But Salem Witchcraft was true and the accusers wrote letters of apologies about what they had done. Watching people burn and being hanged - A woman being held till giving birth then taken out and burned. Tough evil children no one even said - What is Really wrong here. I will read the book.
Glad to see you rated this so highly. I won a copy awhile back, and I'm looking forward to reading it.
--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
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