" Can't remember much of it, but I thought it good enough to buy the sequel. " Started off with an interesting premise but left me unimpressed. It was quite small, and not very well written- although i kinda get what they're trying to do. " I enjoyed this, although a tad too shallow. Will certainly use in class this year with our history theme. " Well done - a different twist to the Salem Witch trials history. Fantastically written and gripping right to the end. I decided to make it a text for my YA reading group. " After picking this epistolary novel off the shelf at random. You like books with fiction? But also has some real stories in it? Read this book! " - Marissa, Maybe because there are traditional witchcraft roots in this book. " I don't know what it is about this book, but I absolutely loved it. " Loved this, cant wait to read tyhe second one!! " - Connie, And then there's the ending! Such a shocker, such a surprise! Can't recommend it enough! " - Ryan, Sure, it's written for young, teen-aged girls, but the story is so compelling and the diary format so engaging that it's very hard to put the book down. " Absolutely LOVE this book and have read it several times.
It is written from the perspective of Mary's diary entries, which provide a lot of insight into the harness of life, and the prejudices of the time.
She joins a group of Puritans traveling to the new world. " Excellent story of Mary, fleeing her home as her grandmother is executed for being a witch. The way the book was written has me interested in how true the story is (based in real life) and if these mary papers exist. " the story kept me interested for the first few segments then it was just a rollercoaster of my attention twords the details, not a page turner, but not a book i hated, all around it was alright. " it is a good book but it is kinda freaky " - Kitty, " A book that puts modern thoughts of being restricted to shame, you love the main character and thus lose yourself in the possibility of her being cast out or killed. And if you put it down for a while, you don't feel too eager to pick it up again. I understood, and felt very close to the characters. " An interesting, different and well written book. Although Rees writes for young adults, this book has the sophistication to appeal to adult readers as well. Before long, though, whispers that she is a witch begin to undermine her tentative place in this new community.įull of wonderful details, beautifully written, and possessing an interesting, consistent narrative voice, this is a story that should appeal to most female readers. Mary's grandmother has been a herbalist and healer, and Mary has learned - and has need to practise - some of these healing skills. Mary is whisked away by a mysterious woman, and then given into the care of some Puritans who are sailing for the New World. Mary Newbury's story begins in Cromwellian England, and the action begins in the first chapter when Mary's grandmother is hanged for practising witchcraft.
Well, author Celia Rees does a terrific job of making you feel like a historian/anthropologist who has just discovered an amazing find: the diary of a young colonial girl which has been stitched into a quilt. So compelling, in fact,that I think my students may well ask, "Is this real?" I have to continually explain that good fiction SHOULD convince you that "it" (the characters, the emotions, the storyline) is "real," but sometimes they find that concept confusing. " This is a particularly compelling example of historical fiction. I found this book very easy to read and although it is aimed for teens it did have some adult themes. Recommended for those who like historical fiction. " 2nd time i have read it and its still as good as the first time. I found myself sympathizing with the protagonist, Mary, right from the start. " This novel provided an interesting glimpse into the harsher aspects of Puritan life.