The Heretic’s Daughter by Kathleen Kent
By Angelia Menchan • Dec 30th, 2008 • Category: Book Review •
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The Heretic’s Daughter by Kathleen Kent is one of the best books I have read or reviewed in 2008. The book is featured in the 18th century and tells a fictionalized account of the Salem Witch Trials. I was fascinated and unable to put the book down until I was done. Narrated through the voice of Sarah Carrier, a precocious ten-year old, the historical component is compelling. Sarah’s mother, Martha is a strong, sharp-tongued woman who takes care of her family with an iron will and an acid tongue. Sarah’s family also includes her father, younger sister and brothers.
At the beginning of the novel, the Carrier move from Billerac to Andover, Maryland to live with their widowed grandmother. Unbeknownst to them, one of the children has smallpox and this illness will decimate their family and make them pariahs amongst the townspeople. But ultimately, though family members will die, this will be the least of their worries.
Strange events take place in Salem Village; young girls accuse villagers of witchcraft and unfortunately the finger points at Martha Carrier. It is easy to for them to choose Martha because she is such a rebellious, seemingly sacrilegious sort. Once Martha is arrested, Sarah has to prove her family love and loyalty in such a way that the story moves at breakneck speed from that point and the reader is spellbound by the story.
The Heretic’s daughter is a wonderful look at a very sad time in our history and Ms. Kent does an amazing job of keeping us interested and drawn in. What a wonderful debut. I recommend this novel to all who enjoy an enthralling, well told story.
Angelia Menchan
APOOO BookClub
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Angelia Menchan is wife, mother, mentor and the author of five books, most recently, “Is No Not Clear Enough For You? She is a reviewer for APOOO Exchange Team. Angelia currently works as a Budget Officer, but her most rewarding work experience was as Job Corps Counselor. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her love and reading. Her motto is, “You Get from the Universe, What You Give to the Universe.” She can be contacted at www.angeliavmenchan.com and http://acvermen.blogspot.com
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