Sarah's story begins more than a year before the trials, when she and her family arrive in a New England community already gripped by superstition and fear. As they witness neighbor pitted against neighbor, friend against friend, the hysteria escalates -- until more than two hundred men, women, and children have been swept into prison. Among them is Sarah's mother, Martha Carrier. In an attempt to protect her children, Martha asks Sarah to commit an act of heresy -- a lie that will most surely condemn Martha even as it will save her daughter.

Fans of these genres may enjoy this book:
-Historical Fiction
-Family Saga
-Women's Fiction

I haven't read many books about the Salem Witch Trials that seemed real. This one stood out for two main reasons. Firstly, it didn't actually take place in Salem, but a nearby village. Second, is the narration. Instead of the elderly Sarah, we meet at the beginning telling her story, we hear it from her as a young child. Those factors combined made this novel seem believable and even eerie at times.

Although I didn't learn anything new about the trials, I did learn more about the day to day life and struggles that took place then.

Sarah's relationship with her mother is a typical dysfunctional one. The family dynamics pulled at my heartstrings but still had me nodding in agreement. Some things never change.

Although this book had a slower pace than I liked, the pacing caused me to savor the rich details. Overall, I was engrossed until the very end.

I have ordered The Wolves of Andover, Kathleen Kent's second book which features Sarah's parents.

Kent crafted this tale based on the stories handed down through generations of her family. Beginning with her ancestor, Martha Carrier. I was impressed to learn that this was her first novel.

If you're looking for a different perspective on this tragic period of time, I highly recommend giving this book a chance.

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Created Feb 04, 2020 at 12:04am • Submit your own review...