What do you think?
Rate this book
The Betrayal of Maggie Blair
In seventeenth-century Scotland, saying the wrong thing can lead to banishment—or worse. Accused of being a witch, sixteen-year-old Maggie Blair is sentenced to be hanged. She escapes, but instead of finding shelter with her principled, patriotic uncle, she brings disaster to his door.
Betrayed by one of her own accusers, Maggie must try to save her uncle and his family from the king’s men, even if she has to risk her own life in the process. Originally published in the UK, this book has a powerful blend of heart-stopping action and thought-provoking themes.
Betrayed by one of her own accusers, Maggie must try to save her uncle and his family from the king’s men, even if she has to risk her own life in the process. Originally published in the UK, this book has a powerful blend of heart-stopping action and thought-provoking themes.
420 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
22 people are currently reading
1600 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Laird
214 books197 followersLaird was born in New Zealand in 1943, the fourth of five children. Her father was a ship's surgeon; both he and Laird's mother were Scottish. In 1945, Laird and her family returned to Britain and she grew up in South London, where she was educated at Croydon High School.
When she was eighteen, Laird started teaching at a school in Malaysia. She decided to continue her adventurous life, even though she was bitten by a poisonous snake and went down with typhoid.
After attending the university in Bristol, Laird began teaching English in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She and a friend would hire mules and go into remote areas in the holidays.
After a while at Edinburgh University, Laird worked in India for a summer. During travel, she met her future husband, David McDowall, who she said was very kind to her when she was airsick on a plane. The couple were married in 1975 and have two sons, Angus and William.
Laird has also visited Iraq and Lebanon. She claims to dislike snakes, porridge and being cold but enjoys very dark chocolate, Mozart, reading and playing the violin in the Iraq Symphony Orchestra.
She currently lives in Richmond, London with her husband.
When she was eighteen, Laird started teaching at a school in Malaysia. She decided to continue her adventurous life, even though she was bitten by a poisonous snake and went down with typhoid.
After attending the university in Bristol, Laird began teaching English in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She and a friend would hire mules and go into remote areas in the holidays.
After a while at Edinburgh University, Laird worked in India for a summer. During travel, she met her future husband, David McDowall, who she said was very kind to her when she was airsick on a plane. The couple were married in 1975 and have two sons, Angus and William.
Laird has also visited Iraq and Lebanon. She claims to dislike snakes, porridge and being cold but enjoys very dark chocolate, Mozart, reading and playing the violin in the Iraq Symphony Orchestra.
She currently lives in Richmond, London with her husband.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
June 2, 2011
Firstly: although Maggie Blair is accused of being a witch, readers should know that this is a work of historical fiction and it has no supernatural elements whatsoever. The book's description and cover art could probably use a bit of adjusting to make the focus of the book a little more apparent.
Even taken as a work of historical fiction, however, this story is interesting but it's not particularly riveting. It's well written enough, but it lacks a certain urgency and passion that you'd expect from such a compelling subject. The author has clearly done her research into 17th century Scotland and it seems that this story is loosely based on events from her family's history--but that very thing may be the root of the problem. The approach is a little too academic and little too even-keeled. It's also severely hindered by a relentless stream of what may be historically accurate, but incredibly polarizing overuse of biblical passages.
Readers who are interested in the topics of puritanical persecution and wrongful accusations would do better to try Elizabeth George Speare's YA classic The Witch of Blackbird Pond or Arthur Miller's scorching play The Crucible. Both these literary works offer not only an idea of how religious fervor has played a tragic role in world history, but also some sense of the burning passion that can lead to those unfortunate events. Without inciting genuine emotion and interest, a work of historical fiction--no matter how competently rendered--remains merely a thinly disguised history lesson.
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for this review.
Even taken as a work of historical fiction, however, this story is interesting but it's not particularly riveting. It's well written enough, but it lacks a certain urgency and passion that you'd expect from such a compelling subject. The author has clearly done her research into 17th century Scotland and it seems that this story is loosely based on events from her family's history--but that very thing may be the root of the problem. The approach is a little too academic and little too even-keeled. It's also severely hindered by a relentless stream of what may be historically accurate, but incredibly polarizing overuse of biblical passages.
Readers who are interested in the topics of puritanical persecution and wrongful accusations would do better to try Elizabeth George Speare's YA classic The Witch of Blackbird Pond or Arthur Miller's scorching play The Crucible. Both these literary works offer not only an idea of how religious fervor has played a tragic role in world history, but also some sense of the burning passion that can lead to those unfortunate events. Without inciting genuine emotion and interest, a work of historical fiction--no matter how competently rendered--remains merely a thinly disguised history lesson.
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for this review.
June 4, 2021
Sixteen-year-old orphan Maggie Blair was living in poverty in 17th Century Scotland with her grandmother. After the death of a child, her ill-tempered grandmother--a healer and a midwife--was accused of witchcraft. Since Maggie had been the first one to find a beached whale, accusations were made that she was also a witch. Maggie managed to escape from prison with the help of her old friend Tam, a drunkard and a thief with a heart of gold. She headed to Kilmacolm where her Uncle Blair took her into his household.
Hugh Blair is based on an actual ancestor of the author. He was a farmer who was a strict Presbyterian during the reign of the English King Charles II. The King wanted to govern the Church, but the Covenanters felt they had a covenant with God and not the political leaders. Hugh Blair and other Covenanters were thrown into prison in the fortified Dunnottar Castle. Maggie traveled with Tam to bring him silver coins to trade for food, and to try to obtain his release.
Although this is a YA book with a teen protagonist, it was a fascinating work of historical fiction. Maggie is an engaging girl who changed from an uncertain girl to a confident young woman with good survival instincts. I enjoyed author Elizabeth Laird's inclusion of so many historical details while she kept the plot moving.
Hugh Blair is based on an actual ancestor of the author. He was a farmer who was a strict Presbyterian during the reign of the English King Charles II. The King wanted to govern the Church, but the Covenanters felt they had a covenant with God and not the political leaders. Hugh Blair and other Covenanters were thrown into prison in the fortified Dunnottar Castle. Maggie traveled with Tam to bring him silver coins to trade for food, and to try to obtain his release.
Although this is a YA book with a teen protagonist, it was a fascinating work of historical fiction. Maggie is an engaging girl who changed from an uncertain girl to a confident young woman with good survival instincts. I enjoyed author Elizabeth Laird's inclusion of so many historical details while she kept the plot moving.
July 21, 2016
Great YA novel about a girl accused of witchcraft in 17th century Scotland. If you loved THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND by Elizabeth George Speare or KIDNAPPED by Robert Louis Stevenson, this book is definitely for you!
Maggie Blair starts out being a heroine almost anyone would love. She's got no one in her life, except a horribly abusive grandmother, she lives in a miserable little shack down by the sea, and just when you think things can't get any worse for her the whole village accuses her of witchcraft!
The whole first section of the book, where Maggie and her grandmother are on trial, is incredibly intense, electrifying, and suspenseful. It's 100 times better than THE CRUCIBLE by Arthur Miller, because you can see why some poor old women really did turn to witchcraft, and why their own rage and bitterness helped to convict them. I give this book four stars just for the first 100 pages, and maybe one star of the last two thirds of the book.
You see, this story "feels" like it ends when Maggie escapes from certain death as a witch. That's not a spoiler, really, because she could hardly die 40 pages into the book! The problem is, though, that the book loses much of its momentum once Maggie slips away and starts a new life on the other side of Scotland. There's a whole new set of characters, a wholesome farm family and a bunch of sincere religious radicals called Covenanters. Maggie tries to fit in with them, but nothing in her situation really got me involved like the accusations of witchcraft.
Oddly enough, the one character who interested me in the last two thirds of the book was the book's "true" villain. She's that spoiled, villainous minx female writers have been crucifying forever in these type of books -- a pretty little liar who kisses her way to the top while tormenting the plain but honest heroine! It drove me crazy that poor Annie is such a one-note baddie, that we never see things from her point of view, that her energy and flair are the only thing that keep the plot moving through the last half of the book. Annie's starring in her own version of FOREVER AMBER, and I want to watch! But instead it's Maggie and her farmer pals, trapped in an endless loop of THE WALTONS.
Could you pass the oat cakes, John Boy?
Maggie Blair starts out being a heroine almost anyone would love. She's got no one in her life, except a horribly abusive grandmother, she lives in a miserable little shack down by the sea, and just when you think things can't get any worse for her the whole village accuses her of witchcraft!
The whole first section of the book, where Maggie and her grandmother are on trial, is incredibly intense, electrifying, and suspenseful. It's 100 times better than THE CRUCIBLE by Arthur Miller, because you can see why some poor old women really did turn to witchcraft, and why their own rage and bitterness helped to convict them. I give this book four stars just for the first 100 pages, and maybe one star of the last two thirds of the book.
You see, this story "feels" like it ends when Maggie escapes from certain death as a witch. That's not a spoiler, really, because she could hardly die 40 pages into the book! The problem is, though, that the book loses much of its momentum once Maggie slips away and starts a new life on the other side of Scotland. There's a whole new set of characters, a wholesome farm family and a bunch of sincere religious radicals called Covenanters. Maggie tries to fit in with them, but nothing in her situation really got me involved like the accusations of witchcraft.
Oddly enough, the one character who interested me in the last two thirds of the book was the book's "true" villain. She's that spoiled, villainous minx female writers have been crucifying forever in these type of books -- a pretty little liar who kisses her way to the top while tormenting the plain but honest heroine! It drove me crazy that poor Annie is such a one-note baddie, that we never see things from her point of view, that her energy and flair are the only thing that keep the plot moving through the last half of the book. Annie's starring in her own version of FOREVER AMBER, and I want to watch! But instead it's Maggie and her farmer pals, trapped in an endless loop of THE WALTONS.
Could you pass the oat cakes, John Boy?
March 14, 2011
Source: ARC received from NetGalley
Trigger Warning(s): Maggie’s grandmother is emotionally and verbally abusive, sometimes physically. There’s also quite a bit of torture in the third part of the book.
I really enjoyed this book. Mostly it was because I was heavily invested in Maggie’s tale--I wanted to see her finally happy, after all the horrid things she has to live through. I wanted things to turn out right for her. While the ending may not work for some people, I myself was quite happy with it. Through the course of the novel, you see Maggie struggling with her doubts about religion, whether or not she truly is a witch, and trying to figure out just how to make herself happy.
I loved Maggie as a character. She starts out doubtful, scared, unsure of where her life is going, wondering if she’s damned. She grows up into a very confident, brave woman, willing to die for those she loves if it comes down to it. She’s prone, just as anyone else, to thinking ill will on people, and sometimes she has her moments of utter stupidity, but so do everyone else in the book and that’s what makes them delightfully human. Truly the characterization is wonderful; I think my favorite was probably Tam, who comes right behind Maggie. Even Annie, the secondary villain, I had a sort of grudging respect and like for; she’s manipulative and greedy, but then I can’t help but understand why she is the way she is. She’s one of those “love to hate” characters. The only character I probably never liked was Maggie’s grandmother, since she was abusive, but even then I understood why she acted the way she did, even if I didn’t personally agree with it.
The book is obviously very well researched, as the 1600s Scotland come to life beautifully in the prose, down to word choice and little details. The containment of the prisoners in the later part of the book was horrifying and quite realistic. It does feel that you’re in 17th century Scotland a lot of the time, and nothing about it ever feels forced.
Laird presents a lot of differing views on religion and the way it’s being fought over across the country, and she never says which one is right or wrong. She leaves it to the reader to come to their own conclusions, and shows us that there are many different shades of grey throughout the entire matter, right down to the people fighting for both sides. I really appreciated this and thought Laird pulled it off very well. All the characters are sometimes morally wrong, but due to their circumstances, it’s understandable in a way. It makes them human and more realized.
The only parts of the book I didn’t care for were, at times, the middle dragged in places. The book isn’t particularly fast paced anyway, but the middle seemed a bit looser than the rest. There are a lot of slow pauses in between certain plot points, too. Another part I didn’t like was how one random character, who we only really know for maybe a few chapters, after helping Maggie, suddenly proposes to her. It felt very out of left field and weird, like it was just thrown in there to get the word count up. Those are just little things, though, and what I loved about the book vastly outnumbers what I didn’t like.
Honestly, this book has an element that most YA needs these days; a lead heroine who isn’t solely defined by the man she’s in love with, or her relationship with him. Maggie isn’t defined by any relationship in the book. She loves her newly found family, yes, and in a way she loves her Granny as well, but she’s her own person. She wants to be married some day, and there is a guy interested in her for a large part of the book, but she has so many different things going on in her life that love, for the moment, has no place in it. It was refreshing to see such a thing in a YA book and it’s something that needs to be around more often. I think that’s why I loved this book so much: Because it was all about Maggie and her life and her story, and how her story interconnects with others, and how she’s determined to find herself despite everything.
The Betrayal of Maggie Blair is an engrossing, if slightly slow read. The story takes place over the course of at least a year or two, with people coming and going into Maggie’s and her situation always changing, always precarious. The characters are well written and fully realized, and there are no strictly good or bad sides. All in all it’s a satisfying read that should be tried by anyone who loves historical fiction and loves to see a strong woman who’s not a fighter. I’ll definitely be checking out more works by Elizabeth Laird.
Trigger Warning(s): Maggie’s grandmother is emotionally and verbally abusive, sometimes physically. There’s also quite a bit of torture in the third part of the book.
I really enjoyed this book. Mostly it was because I was heavily invested in Maggie’s tale--I wanted to see her finally happy, after all the horrid things she has to live through. I wanted things to turn out right for her. While the ending may not work for some people, I myself was quite happy with it. Through the course of the novel, you see Maggie struggling with her doubts about religion, whether or not she truly is a witch, and trying to figure out just how to make herself happy.
I loved Maggie as a character. She starts out doubtful, scared, unsure of where her life is going, wondering if she’s damned. She grows up into a very confident, brave woman, willing to die for those she loves if it comes down to it. She’s prone, just as anyone else, to thinking ill will on people, and sometimes she has her moments of utter stupidity, but so do everyone else in the book and that’s what makes them delightfully human. Truly the characterization is wonderful; I think my favorite was probably Tam, who comes right behind Maggie. Even Annie, the secondary villain, I had a sort of grudging respect and like for; she’s manipulative and greedy, but then I can’t help but understand why she is the way she is. She’s one of those “love to hate” characters. The only character I probably never liked was Maggie’s grandmother, since she was abusive, but even then I understood why she acted the way she did, even if I didn’t personally agree with it.
The book is obviously very well researched, as the 1600s Scotland come to life beautifully in the prose, down to word choice and little details. The containment of the prisoners in the later part of the book was horrifying and quite realistic. It does feel that you’re in 17th century Scotland a lot of the time, and nothing about it ever feels forced.
Laird presents a lot of differing views on religion and the way it’s being fought over across the country, and she never says which one is right or wrong. She leaves it to the reader to come to their own conclusions, and shows us that there are many different shades of grey throughout the entire matter, right down to the people fighting for both sides. I really appreciated this and thought Laird pulled it off very well. All the characters are sometimes morally wrong, but due to their circumstances, it’s understandable in a way. It makes them human and more realized.
The only parts of the book I didn’t care for were, at times, the middle dragged in places. The book isn’t particularly fast paced anyway, but the middle seemed a bit looser than the rest. There are a lot of slow pauses in between certain plot points, too. Another part I didn’t like was how one random character, who we only really know for maybe a few chapters, after helping Maggie, suddenly proposes to her. It felt very out of left field and weird, like it was just thrown in there to get the word count up. Those are just little things, though, and what I loved about the book vastly outnumbers what I didn’t like.
Honestly, this book has an element that most YA needs these days; a lead heroine who isn’t solely defined by the man she’s in love with, or her relationship with him. Maggie isn’t defined by any relationship in the book. She loves her newly found family, yes, and in a way she loves her Granny as well, but she’s her own person. She wants to be married some day, and there is a guy interested in her for a large part of the book, but she has so many different things going on in her life that love, for the moment, has no place in it. It was refreshing to see such a thing in a YA book and it’s something that needs to be around more often. I think that’s why I loved this book so much: Because it was all about Maggie and her life and her story, and how her story interconnects with others, and how she’s determined to find herself despite everything.
The Betrayal of Maggie Blair is an engrossing, if slightly slow read. The story takes place over the course of at least a year or two, with people coming and going into Maggie’s and her situation always changing, always precarious. The characters are well written and fully realized, and there are no strictly good or bad sides. All in all it’s a satisfying read that should be tried by anyone who loves historical fiction and loves to see a strong woman who’s not a fighter. I’ll definitely be checking out more works by Elizabeth Laird.
August 20, 2017
Oh my goodness, I haven't read a book this good in a good long while. Personally I adore historical fiction. I picked up this book at the library and wasn't exactly sure what to think, but then I started reading and was kinda surprised by it. I don't know if I've ever read a historical fiction novel with this much adventure. All the history is so detailed. The author actually has character who were real in her novel, and she's been to the places detailed in the novel. I will definitely be looking into more novels by this author. If you are considering reading this book, pull a Nike and "just do it!".
March 27, 2011
The Betrayal of Maggie Blair by Elizabeth Laird
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2011
420 pages
YA; Historical
4/5 stars
Source: Free e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book; I knew there was something about witches and Scotland in the past but what did the title mean by "betrayal?" And then I saw it was quite long (for a YA book) and I was worried about if the story could be sustained-I generally encourage shorter works, whether it be book, movie, or song. I ended up pleasantly surprised as the pace was very good overall.
The story covers a huge journey made by Maggie, both physically, through Scotland, and mentally, as she examines her faith and her conscience. The story opens with the young orphan living with her grandmother Elspeth in a tiny shack on a Scottish island. A neighbor leads accusations against the two women that leads to their conviction as witches. Maggie is fortunate enough to be able to escape and she goes to her uncle's house.
At her Uncle Blair's house, she is welcomed, not entirely warmly, and begins to integrate herself into their life. They are Covenanters-Presbyterians who reject King Charles II's intrusion into their religious life and subject to dreadful oppression. Indeed their beliefs lead to Uncle Blair's arrest where he is moved across the country. As their suffering increases, Maggie makes the decision that she will go save him.
This results in her journey to Edinburgh (I'm not entirely sure about distances as they're represented in how long it takes to walk-but about two days) with a friend Tam from her early days. His wiliness gets them there safely but Maggie must figure out her own way to save Uncle Blair and to create her own future.
I was absolutely fascinated with the historical background; of course I'm well aware of historical persecution by the various sects of Christianity but the British Anglicans against the Scottish Presbyterians was not well-known to me. I know the campaign against the Irish Catholics much better. The work necessary just to survive, just to scrape by was also well represented. I could feel Maggie's exhaustion over all of the work that had to be completed.
The world Laird drew was dirty and superstitious and confused. The characters were complex with their good and bad side well-represented. Maggie is somewhat naive at the beginning but that changes as she makes her way in the world; she is quite fortunate to move without molestation and generally finding a place to stay safely. The story is told from her perspective and I found her a good narrator. Her questions about faith were fascinating to me. She doesn't know much about religion but she seeks to come to some understanding of it as well as of her own nature, which leads to her concluding decision.
The other characters were also interesting. Her grandmother's anger leads to her persecution but she looks out for Maggie until the end. Tam, a thief and poacher, continually helps Maggie although he also brings the villainous Annie to her door. Annie is mostly a liar and a thief but she also has a bit of the innocent to her in the beginning. The Blairs seem like good people, although they have their faults too.
I admit that I had expected some romance just because YA tends to have that but it doesn't really. Maggie expresses some interest in a few guys but nothing comes of it and she retains her independence. Like in StarCrossed, I appreciated this lack of romance because there was so much going on with the religious/political aspects that it would have been unnecessary.
From what I can tell, this was previously published as The Witching Hour, a title which I don't think fully covers what occurs in this book, but I'm not sure how I feel about this title. I like the inclusion of Maggie's name but I feel like the ending is not a betrayal so it doesn't fully encapsulate this book either. The author's note also reveals Laird's family connection to the events described as she had family persecuted in such a manner; that was interesting to learn.
Cover: I think the blues are very striking although some plaid would not have gone amiss!
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2011
420 pages
YA; Historical
4/5 stars
Source: Free e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book; I knew there was something about witches and Scotland in the past but what did the title mean by "betrayal?" And then I saw it was quite long (for a YA book) and I was worried about if the story could be sustained-I generally encourage shorter works, whether it be book, movie, or song. I ended up pleasantly surprised as the pace was very good overall.
The story covers a huge journey made by Maggie, both physically, through Scotland, and mentally, as she examines her faith and her conscience. The story opens with the young orphan living with her grandmother Elspeth in a tiny shack on a Scottish island. A neighbor leads accusations against the two women that leads to their conviction as witches. Maggie is fortunate enough to be able to escape and she goes to her uncle's house.
At her Uncle Blair's house, she is welcomed, not entirely warmly, and begins to integrate herself into their life. They are Covenanters-Presbyterians who reject King Charles II's intrusion into their religious life and subject to dreadful oppression. Indeed their beliefs lead to Uncle Blair's arrest where he is moved across the country. As their suffering increases, Maggie makes the decision that she will go save him.
This results in her journey to Edinburgh (I'm not entirely sure about distances as they're represented in how long it takes to walk-but about two days) with a friend Tam from her early days. His wiliness gets them there safely but Maggie must figure out her own way to save Uncle Blair and to create her own future.
I was absolutely fascinated with the historical background; of course I'm well aware of historical persecution by the various sects of Christianity but the British Anglicans against the Scottish Presbyterians was not well-known to me. I know the campaign against the Irish Catholics much better. The work necessary just to survive, just to scrape by was also well represented. I could feel Maggie's exhaustion over all of the work that had to be completed.
The world Laird drew was dirty and superstitious and confused. The characters were complex with their good and bad side well-represented. Maggie is somewhat naive at the beginning but that changes as she makes her way in the world; she is quite fortunate to move without molestation and generally finding a place to stay safely. The story is told from her perspective and I found her a good narrator. Her questions about faith were fascinating to me. She doesn't know much about religion but she seeks to come to some understanding of it as well as of her own nature, which leads to her concluding decision.
The other characters were also interesting. Her grandmother's anger leads to her persecution but she looks out for Maggie until the end. Tam, a thief and poacher, continually helps Maggie although he also brings the villainous Annie to her door. Annie is mostly a liar and a thief but she also has a bit of the innocent to her in the beginning. The Blairs seem like good people, although they have their faults too.
I admit that I had expected some romance just because YA tends to have that but it doesn't really. Maggie expresses some interest in a few guys but nothing comes of it and she retains her independence. Like in StarCrossed, I appreciated this lack of romance because there was so much going on with the religious/political aspects that it would have been unnecessary.
From what I can tell, this was previously published as The Witching Hour, a title which I don't think fully covers what occurs in this book, but I'm not sure how I feel about this title. I like the inclusion of Maggie's name but I feel like the ending is not a betrayal so it doesn't fully encapsulate this book either. The author's note also reveals Laird's family connection to the events described as she had family persecuted in such a manner; that was interesting to learn.
Cover: I think the blues are very striking although some plaid would not have gone amiss!
November 20, 2010
This story was very well written, but if the back cover copy had clearly stated what was inside, I would never have picked it up.
Billed as a spiritual/metaphysical story about a young girl accused of witchcraft, I expected more of the story to focus on magic and charms. Instead I was bombarded with a steady stream of psalms and scripture. I eventually had to skip the larger portions of this to continue with the story. If I had not been reading this book to review it, I would have abandoned it almost immediately.
However, the story was intriguing and all the religious spewing aside, I wanted to know what happened to the 16 year old heroine of the story - Maggie Blair.
In the author's defense, the book is a historical fiction, and the religious fervor portrayed is appropriate for the time period. I wonder if the book could have been written without the bible passages though.
Maggie is brave and heroic, traveling across Scotland as her conscience dictates. However, her main motivation seems to be to have family, love and acceptance. Given this focus, I feel as if the ending falls flat when Maggie makes a completely out of character decision which leaves her with none of the things she has been so desperately seeking.
If you enjoy historical Christian fiction, you will enjoy reading this book.
Billed as a spiritual/metaphysical story about a young girl accused of witchcraft, I expected more of the story to focus on magic and charms. Instead I was bombarded with a steady stream of psalms and scripture. I eventually had to skip the larger portions of this to continue with the story. If I had not been reading this book to review it, I would have abandoned it almost immediately.
However, the story was intriguing and all the religious spewing aside, I wanted to know what happened to the 16 year old heroine of the story - Maggie Blair.
In the author's defense, the book is a historical fiction, and the religious fervor portrayed is appropriate for the time period. I wonder if the book could have been written without the bible passages though.
Maggie is brave and heroic, traveling across Scotland as her conscience dictates. However, her main motivation seems to be to have family, love and acceptance. Given this focus, I feel as if the ending falls flat when Maggie makes a completely out of character decision which leaves her with none of the things she has been so desperately seeking.
If you enjoy historical Christian fiction, you will enjoy reading this book.
January 3, 2017
MY FAVORITE BOOK! (Not just because it has my entire name in the title as the main character) but i honestly loved the book! I was apprehensive at first, but ended up loving it. Recommend.
April 18, 2020
The Betrayal of Maggie Blair by Elizabeth Laird is about Maggie who has lived with her grandmother for all of her life. Her grandmother is a bit eccentric, and in 17th century Scotland, that's one of the last things you want to be. Her village believes her to be a witch, so she gets arrested, and because Maggie lives with her, the town believes that the witchcraft has spread to Maggie. But Maggie escapes and goes on the run to an uncle she has never met, who ends up taking her in without any thought. But, where Maggie goes, trouble follows, and soon the Blair family are in for a whirlwind of trouble.
PROS:
~Maggie - I thought Maggie was a strong character. Although she wasn't characterized as a smart person by many people, she's actually one of the most brilliant people in the story. She's cunning, she's smart, she grows into a much stronger character than the feeble young woman we meet at the beginning, so I really enjoyed watching her growth.
~Accuracy in Female Portrayal - I liked how it showed the struggles that women faced at the hands of the law and religion during this time period. I thought Laird did a nice job at researching (at least from what I know), and wrote about the hard truths that women had to face. Kudos to her, because oftentimes, it is covered up or downplayed, rather than showing legitimate problems.
~Religion (kind of...) - I only really enjoyed the part where they didn't romanticize religion. Laird showed a religious rebellion, albeit a small one, which was a really interesting thing to read about.
CONS:
~Severely Meh - The entire book screamed, "I'm a required read! You have to read me!" which obviously made my reading experience less than enjoyable. I didn't like feeling like I was picking this up for my literature class two years ago, rather than out of my own enjoyment, so clearly that was an issue that I was having.
~Likability Issues - Very few characters other than Maggie were actually likable. Elspeth Wylie, the grandmother, was brutal and antagonizing and downright mean to the people around her. All of Maggie's original neighbours were extremely rude and self-fulfilling, the Blair family, while kind were extremely naive in their religious beliefs, Annie was just a massive bitch and I have a hard time believing anyone can be that nasty, and the list goes on. Characters I know I was supposed to like always let me down at the end.
~Naive - Everyone is naive. I know this is a product of the time, because people just weren't as educated in the seventeenth century, but I have a hard time believing your religion can make you THAT stupid. Maybe I could understand 1 family or even 2, but the entire country of Scotland minus a handful of people is a little disconcerting.
~Deception (for the reader) - Now, the reader is led to believe this is a story about Maggie who goes and lives with her uncle, and then someone betrays her family, which yes, does happen. HOWEVER, the rest of the story was all about religion which there was zero mention of on the back of the book. Now, obviously I knew there was going to be a religious undertone, but it consumed the entire story, making it a lot harder to fully enjoy it like I was hoping to.
Now, typically I would have probably rated this a 3-3.5 stars given the fact that I didn't find a lot of outward flaws. The only reason I am rating it so low is because I genuinely couldn't connect with the story. I thought Laird's writing was well done, her plot was executed well enough, the research was evident, but I just couldn't connect to anyone in this story, or even the story itself. It was hard to force myself to continue, especially when I didn't have any massive complaints. So, if you're into historical fiction and enjoy more than just stories written about wars or tragedy, then I do recommend picking it up, because it doesn't focus on the tragedy all that much and focuses more on life in that era, following how religious people were.
PROS:
~Maggie - I thought Maggie was a strong character. Although she wasn't characterized as a smart person by many people, she's actually one of the most brilliant people in the story. She's cunning, she's smart, she grows into a much stronger character than the feeble young woman we meet at the beginning, so I really enjoyed watching her growth.
~Accuracy in Female Portrayal - I liked how it showed the struggles that women faced at the hands of the law and religion during this time period. I thought Laird did a nice job at researching (at least from what I know), and wrote about the hard truths that women had to face. Kudos to her, because oftentimes, it is covered up or downplayed, rather than showing legitimate problems.
~Religion (kind of...) - I only really enjoyed the part where they didn't romanticize religion. Laird showed a religious rebellion, albeit a small one, which was a really interesting thing to read about.
CONS:
~Severely Meh - The entire book screamed, "I'm a required read! You have to read me!" which obviously made my reading experience less than enjoyable. I didn't like feeling like I was picking this up for my literature class two years ago, rather than out of my own enjoyment, so clearly that was an issue that I was having.
~Likability Issues - Very few characters other than Maggie were actually likable. Elspeth Wylie, the grandmother, was brutal and antagonizing and downright mean to the people around her. All of Maggie's original neighbours were extremely rude and self-fulfilling, the Blair family, while kind were extremely naive in their religious beliefs, Annie was just a massive bitch and I have a hard time believing anyone can be that nasty, and the list goes on. Characters I know I was supposed to like always let me down at the end.
~Naive - Everyone is naive. I know this is a product of the time, because people just weren't as educated in the seventeenth century, but I have a hard time believing your religion can make you THAT stupid. Maybe I could understand 1 family or even 2, but the entire country of Scotland minus a handful of people is a little disconcerting.
~Deception (for the reader) - Now, the reader is led to believe this is a story about Maggie who goes and lives with her uncle, and then someone betrays her family, which yes, does happen. HOWEVER, the rest of the story was all about religion which there was zero mention of on the back of the book. Now, obviously I knew there was going to be a religious undertone, but it consumed the entire story, making it a lot harder to fully enjoy it like I was hoping to.
Now, typically I would have probably rated this a 3-3.5 stars given the fact that I didn't find a lot of outward flaws. The only reason I am rating it so low is because I genuinely couldn't connect with the story. I thought Laird's writing was well done, her plot was executed well enough, the research was evident, but I just couldn't connect to anyone in this story, or even the story itself. It was hard to force myself to continue, especially when I didn't have any massive complaints. So, if you're into historical fiction and enjoy more than just stories written about wars or tragedy, then I do recommend picking it up, because it doesn't focus on the tragedy all that much and focuses more on life in that era, following how religious people were.
April 26, 2011
This review was originally published on my blog: The Reading Fever.
Before I gush about why I loved this book, I just need to say that I love the cover. From a photography standpoint, the photo is spectacular; the silhouette of the girl, against the expansive background and cloudy sky, with her reflection in the foreground...it's gorgeous! I also love the title, which fits the book perfectly.
Now, about the book: I think the strongest point of The Betrayal of Maggie Blair, is that it features a set of strong characters. Maggie is a great character, who doesn't always know what to do, or how to stand up for herself. She does know what is right and wrong, though, and this knowledge helps her to do what needs to be done in the story. She constantly pushes herself to do what she knows is right, even if doing so puts her in a bad position.
Maggie's grandmother is quite the character, at times giving meaning to the phrase "old hag." But even she has a depth to her that shows you why she seems a little rough. Other characters like Tam, Annie, and Hugh Blair, are all given extreme personalities, but are developed well enough that you believe them.
The Blair family was especially interesting to read about. They are what seemed like an accurate depiction of a presbyterian "rebel" family (also known as Covenanters) during the time period when King Charles II (and then King James the VII) began ruling the church, and hunting down those who refused to conform, or to recognize him as the head of the church. The Blair family has strong (if a bit extreme) morals, and refuses to conform, which brings some interesting and real conflicts into the book. In fact, everything in this book seemed horribly real. The witch trials were frightening, and the way the soldiers treated the Covenanters was utterly terrible. Laird really brought the time period alive, reminding the reader that not all of history is pretty.
Side note: I actually didn't know about "Covenanters," or the "Killing times" until I read this book, and was so intrigued, that I went and researched it after reading. It was a very interesting time in history.
Now, the book does have a bit of a slow pace to it. Things happen over the course of about a year (maybe even a little longer; I admit that I didn't pay that much attention to the timeline), so the action isn't immediate, and doesn't all happen at once with one huge climax. Instead, things happen over time, there are many obstacles to overcome (danger is always lurking), and the character growth is subtle. But it is exactly how I like my historicals: rich in detail, true to the time period, and not paced according to today's standards.
I highly recommend it!
Before I gush about why I loved this book, I just need to say that I love the cover. From a photography standpoint, the photo is spectacular; the silhouette of the girl, against the expansive background and cloudy sky, with her reflection in the foreground...it's gorgeous! I also love the title, which fits the book perfectly.
Now, about the book: I think the strongest point of The Betrayal of Maggie Blair, is that it features a set of strong characters. Maggie is a great character, who doesn't always know what to do, or how to stand up for herself. She does know what is right and wrong, though, and this knowledge helps her to do what needs to be done in the story. She constantly pushes herself to do what she knows is right, even if doing so puts her in a bad position.
Maggie's grandmother is quite the character, at times giving meaning to the phrase "old hag." But even she has a depth to her that shows you why she seems a little rough. Other characters like Tam, Annie, and Hugh Blair, are all given extreme personalities, but are developed well enough that you believe them.
The Blair family was especially interesting to read about. They are what seemed like an accurate depiction of a presbyterian "rebel" family (also known as Covenanters) during the time period when King Charles II (and then King James the VII) began ruling the church, and hunting down those who refused to conform, or to recognize him as the head of the church. The Blair family has strong (if a bit extreme) morals, and refuses to conform, which brings some interesting and real conflicts into the book. In fact, everything in this book seemed horribly real. The witch trials were frightening, and the way the soldiers treated the Covenanters was utterly terrible. Laird really brought the time period alive, reminding the reader that not all of history is pretty.
Side note: I actually didn't know about "Covenanters," or the "Killing times" until I read this book, and was so intrigued, that I went and researched it after reading. It was a very interesting time in history.
Now, the book does have a bit of a slow pace to it. Things happen over the course of about a year (maybe even a little longer; I admit that I didn't pay that much attention to the timeline), so the action isn't immediate, and doesn't all happen at once with one huge climax. Instead, things happen over time, there are many obstacles to overcome (danger is always lurking), and the character growth is subtle. But it is exactly how I like my historicals: rich in detail, true to the time period, and not paced according to today's standards.
I highly recommend it!
April 29, 2011
Posted on Book Chelle.
What would you do if every thing that life threw at you was unfortunate, negative, and just unlucky? This story takes place in a small Scottish village placed in the 17th century. God and farming is the way of the land in this small village. Maggie started her life with tragedy early on. Her mother and father died when she was small and young which left her Granny to take care of her. They live in a small, shack-like home unkempt and unfit for a young child. They both tend to their land by themselves and are constantly on the verge of hunger.
Maggie encounters more tragedy when the neighboring farmers accuse Granny of witchcraft, and through association, Maggie as well. In the 17th century, God is law and witchcraft is punishable by death. A small chance sets Maggie free, leaving her alone in the world for the first time. She sets out to meet the only family that she knows and hopes that her life changes for the better. Will she be able to overcome her tragic past and survive it all?
Maggie has had to live through a lot of life experiences in such a short amount of time. No girl, whether being in the 17th century or in the 21st century should have lived through all of that. Maggie experiences death, accusation, hunger, solitude, and betrayal all throughout the book. She quickly learns to grow strong and trust in herself to make the right choices. She encounters people who help her and betray her all while having to survive life and not be killed. In the end, she is a strong woman, who is a fit role model for young women out there.
When I first chose this book, I was drawn in by the cover. Reading the synopsis made me a little more intrigued. What I didn't expect was the multiple psalms and other biblical references throughout the book. As much as the story progressed a long, and as much as the book's time frame may have called for it, I felt it was a bit much. There were parts in the book where it seemed to progress slowly due to the biblical and Christian messages the author needed to relay. At times I felt that maybe Maggie wouldn't have done something or made a certain decision if it wasn't hindered by a lot of the scripture quotes being thrown her way.
Laird does write well enough to keep me enthralled throughout the book. Despite the misgivings I felt the book had, she kept it interesting enough for me to still look forward what was beyond the next page. I didn't put the book down once I was really into the book. Laird draws Maggie to be a great role model, strong and brave for any female reader out there. The life lessons she adds through the book are great hints, despite the unfortunate way the events had to happen. I enjoyed Maggie, and I think you will too.
What would you do if every thing that life threw at you was unfortunate, negative, and just unlucky? This story takes place in a small Scottish village placed in the 17th century. God and farming is the way of the land in this small village. Maggie started her life with tragedy early on. Her mother and father died when she was small and young which left her Granny to take care of her. They live in a small, shack-like home unkempt and unfit for a young child. They both tend to their land by themselves and are constantly on the verge of hunger.
Maggie encounters more tragedy when the neighboring farmers accuse Granny of witchcraft, and through association, Maggie as well. In the 17th century, God is law and witchcraft is punishable by death. A small chance sets Maggie free, leaving her alone in the world for the first time. She sets out to meet the only family that she knows and hopes that her life changes for the better. Will she be able to overcome her tragic past and survive it all?
Maggie has had to live through a lot of life experiences in such a short amount of time. No girl, whether being in the 17th century or in the 21st century should have lived through all of that. Maggie experiences death, accusation, hunger, solitude, and betrayal all throughout the book. She quickly learns to grow strong and trust in herself to make the right choices. She encounters people who help her and betray her all while having to survive life and not be killed. In the end, she is a strong woman, who is a fit role model for young women out there.
When I first chose this book, I was drawn in by the cover. Reading the synopsis made me a little more intrigued. What I didn't expect was the multiple psalms and other biblical references throughout the book. As much as the story progressed a long, and as much as the book's time frame may have called for it, I felt it was a bit much. There were parts in the book where it seemed to progress slowly due to the biblical and Christian messages the author needed to relay. At times I felt that maybe Maggie wouldn't have done something or made a certain decision if it wasn't hindered by a lot of the scripture quotes being thrown her way.
Laird does write well enough to keep me enthralled throughout the book. Despite the misgivings I felt the book had, she kept it interesting enough for me to still look forward what was beyond the next page. I didn't put the book down once I was really into the book. Laird draws Maggie to be a great role model, strong and brave for any female reader out there. The life lessons she adds through the book are great hints, despite the unfortunate way the events had to happen. I enjoyed Maggie, and I think you will too.
November 12, 2015
I picked this book because I love reading anything and everything about witches and witch trials. Also it’s set in 17th century Scotland which is just icing on the cake. The Witching Hour is not about witches or witch trials entirely though. It’s about a girl called Maggie who lives on the Isle of Bute with her grandmother who is bitter and angry with life and all that fate has done to her. She can’t help but turn all the hate on the neighbors and the people around her. When one of the new-born dies, his father accuses Maggie’s grandmother of witchcraft and since most of the people don’t have very high opinion of her, she is branded as a witch and burned. Maggie would have been burned too if not for Tam, a family friend.
Maggie manages to run away to her dead father’s brother who lives with his family in Ladymuir. Although he welcomes Maggie in his house and family he has his own problems to deal with. It’s the time when the King wants to replace God in the churches of Scotland and establish himself as the supreme leader. But many people, including her uncle’s family, is opposed to it. They have their secret meetings and sermons. When the King’s men arrest people from the town who have not been co-operating with the King, all hell breaks loose. Maggie has to leave her safe heaven and embark on a journey and put everything she has on risk.
There are a lot of things I loved about this book. First and foremost is the setting. The author Elizabeth Laird describes the time and the place so beautifully that you can’t help feel like you’re actually there experiencing it all with Maggie. I loved the Island of Bute and loved traveling with Maggie across Scotland. It’s as good as it gets where traveling via fiction is considered. I also loved Maggie and how she learned from the mistakes her grandmother made, and how even though she necessarily wasn’t always righteous, she had a good and brave heart.
I learned a lot of things about Scotland that I didn’t know before and although I don’t really understand all the religious details and intricacies, I had a good time getting immersed in the story of Maggie. It’s a Young Adult book but it’s also a book which adults can enjoy thoroughly. The Witching Hour goes way beyond a teenage girl’s story.
The only thing I didn’t like about the book was the length. There were a few dry spots in it and I guess it would have worked best if the book was cut short by a few pages. But other than that I heartily recommend this book
Maggie manages to run away to her dead father’s brother who lives with his family in Ladymuir. Although he welcomes Maggie in his house and family he has his own problems to deal with. It’s the time when the King wants to replace God in the churches of Scotland and establish himself as the supreme leader. But many people, including her uncle’s family, is opposed to it. They have their secret meetings and sermons. When the King’s men arrest people from the town who have not been co-operating with the King, all hell breaks loose. Maggie has to leave her safe heaven and embark on a journey and put everything she has on risk.
There are a lot of things I loved about this book. First and foremost is the setting. The author Elizabeth Laird describes the time and the place so beautifully that you can’t help feel like you’re actually there experiencing it all with Maggie. I loved the Island of Bute and loved traveling with Maggie across Scotland. It’s as good as it gets where traveling via fiction is considered. I also loved Maggie and how she learned from the mistakes her grandmother made, and how even though she necessarily wasn’t always righteous, she had a good and brave heart.
I learned a lot of things about Scotland that I didn’t know before and although I don’t really understand all the religious details and intricacies, I had a good time getting immersed in the story of Maggie. It’s a Young Adult book but it’s also a book which adults can enjoy thoroughly. The Witching Hour goes way beyond a teenage girl’s story.
The only thing I didn’t like about the book was the length. There were a few dry spots in it and I guess it would have worked best if the book was cut short by a few pages. But other than that I heartily recommend this book
May 7, 2011
I was hoping the mix of historical fiction, the idea of witches, and the young adult genre would make a good combination. In the end, the story was ok but was very heavy in the biblical references and a slow read.
Maggie Blair has had a hard life. Her mother died during childbirth and her father died during when of the cattle drive river crossings. She's been living with her grandmother who seems cold and is not very well liked by the community. Maggie longs to be normal and I think to feel loved. The local rich farmer has coveted her grandmother's cottage/land for years. When her grandmother delivers the farmers baby, she predicts it will die soon. When he dies, an opportunity presents itself and grandma is accused of being a witch. The finger soon points to Maggie as well. Maggie escapes after being sentenced to hang, but grandma doesn't.
Maggie crosses a great distance dressed as a boy and lands at the doorstep of her uncle, who has thought all along that his brother died without children. But, she's basically traded one form of persecution for another. Her uncle's family is deeply religious, but do not practice according to the laws. One day he is captured by the king's soldier's and imprisoned. Maggie feels guilty because all this might not have happened if she hasn't been followed by one of her false accusers, a maid in the rich farmer's house. She's trying to escape her own persecution and she doesn't care who she steps on to get what she wants.
A good portion of the book deals with Maggie traveling far and wide to locate her uncle and save him. I was amazed at all the the things she goes through for someone she still doesn't know that well. She grows in her own convictions and becomes an amazingly strong young women. In a time that most people don't see much outside of were they were born, Maggie manages to see much of Scotland. Her courage and determination were amazing. The whole situation caused her to look at the world in a completely different way.
I would have really enjoyed this story more without all the biblical references. I understood the religious persecutions and didn't feel like the characters needed to be quoting the bible all the time. I also found the story really slow at times (maybe that was due to the biblical references). I did enjoy the story for the most part.
Maggie Blair has had a hard life. Her mother died during childbirth and her father died during when of the cattle drive river crossings. She's been living with her grandmother who seems cold and is not very well liked by the community. Maggie longs to be normal and I think to feel loved. The local rich farmer has coveted her grandmother's cottage/land for years. When her grandmother delivers the farmers baby, she predicts it will die soon. When he dies, an opportunity presents itself and grandma is accused of being a witch. The finger soon points to Maggie as well. Maggie escapes after being sentenced to hang, but grandma doesn't.
Maggie crosses a great distance dressed as a boy and lands at the doorstep of her uncle, who has thought all along that his brother died without children. But, she's basically traded one form of persecution for another. Her uncle's family is deeply religious, but do not practice according to the laws. One day he is captured by the king's soldier's and imprisoned. Maggie feels guilty because all this might not have happened if she hasn't been followed by one of her false accusers, a maid in the rich farmer's house. She's trying to escape her own persecution and she doesn't care who she steps on to get what she wants.
A good portion of the book deals with Maggie traveling far and wide to locate her uncle and save him. I was amazed at all the the things she goes through for someone she still doesn't know that well. She grows in her own convictions and becomes an amazingly strong young women. In a time that most people don't see much outside of were they were born, Maggie manages to see much of Scotland. Her courage and determination were amazing. The whole situation caused her to look at the world in a completely different way.
I would have really enjoyed this story more without all the biblical references. I understood the religious persecutions and didn't feel like the characters needed to be quoting the bible all the time. I also found the story really slow at times (maybe that was due to the biblical references). I did enjoy the story for the most part.
December 29, 2011
This isn't a typical book for me. It's not exactly angst-ridden (as I categorized it) but it is pretty... tense, I guess. Regardless, I liked the novel.
***Minor Spoiler Below***
***Also Some Cursing***
***So Beware***
Maggie Blair is only 16 when the book begins. She's pretty useless and kind of a coward I think. Her granny's cruel to her, they're poor, and have little to eat. Because of her granny's temper and cruelty, the shit hits the fan, Granny (and Maggie) is condemned as a witch, and the people who inhabit the Isle of Bute turn into scared and witless accusers. John McBean is the ass who leads it, and that bitch Annie is the one who finishes it.
Let's just discuss Annie for a second here. I didn't like her from the beginning. I think it's a pretty good author who could elicit such strong emotions from her readers, and she sure as hell got some emotion from me. Annie is a hateful, conniving, slutty bitch-thief and she deserved what she got. There were a few times where I wanted to reach through the pages and bitch-slap her so hard her eyes would roll to the back of her head. Hate. Immensely.
Back to Maggie. Her adventures - if you could call them that - made Maggie grow into a woman who could finally think for herself, instead of the useless girl she was in the beginning. The underlying plot of the Presbyterians' struggles motivated Maggie into becoming a woman who could take care of herself. It's not a groundbreaking novel or one to draw forth such astounding conversation, but I do think it's one to draw out emotions and the need to understand that everyone, as Tam says, "is a mother's son" (or daughter).
***Minor Spoiler Below***
***Also Some Cursing***
***So Beware***
Maggie Blair is only 16 when the book begins. She's pretty useless and kind of a coward I think. Her granny's cruel to her, they're poor, and have little to eat. Because of her granny's temper and cruelty, the shit hits the fan, Granny (and Maggie) is condemned as a witch, and the people who inhabit the Isle of Bute turn into scared and witless accusers. John McBean is the ass who leads it, and that bitch Annie is the one who finishes it.
Let's just discuss Annie for a second here. I didn't like her from the beginning. I think it's a pretty good author who could elicit such strong emotions from her readers, and she sure as hell got some emotion from me. Annie is a hateful, conniving, slutty bitch-thief and she deserved what she got. There were a few times where I wanted to reach through the pages and bitch-slap her so hard her eyes would roll to the back of her head. Hate. Immensely.
Back to Maggie. Her adventures - if you could call them that - made Maggie grow into a woman who could finally think for herself, instead of the useless girl she was in the beginning. The underlying plot of the Presbyterians' struggles motivated Maggie into becoming a woman who could take care of herself. It's not a groundbreaking novel or one to draw forth such astounding conversation, but I do think it's one to draw out emotions and the need to understand that everyone, as Tam says, "is a mother's son" (or daughter).
January 22, 2011
The Betrayal of Maggie Blair is a Christian historical fiction novel that was inspired by family research. Certain extra characters in the story derive from actual people connected with the author's family and include historical details discovered at the location. The most fascinating is knowing Hugh Blair was an actual historical person. The journey begins and ends with Maggie. Given my own experience with tracing my family tree, I can appreciate the journey a person goes on and the self discovery and connections ancestral research provides. A sense of self, ownership and independence is often gained through finding out who and what came before us. I liked the different prospectives of faith presented: strength, doubt and ignorance. Whether it is 1680 or 2011, people all around the world can relate to this timeless struggle.
Towards the end of the story Maggie contemplates, "Which was the worse fate? Banishment and slavery, or shame?" For me this was the most important over all question and the moral of the story. For Hugh Blair it is likely shame, for Maggie and those accused of witchcraft one might argue death and banishment and for Tam, perhaps, being enslaved since he was a wandered. Then, again at some stage of the journey Maggie must face all three and overcome it.
The blurb claims the book has a, 'powerful blend of heart-stopping action..." I would say this is a reach on the publishers part and is not necessarily an accurate portrayal of what a reader will experience between the pages. When broken down, what the character goes through is extraordinary, but it is told in a kind of Scottish gray that clings with despair even to the most thrilling parts, dampening the possible suspense that might be generated. However, I believe the tone and voice is thematically well-depicted, I just do not think it is agreeable with the blurb statement presented in the synopsis. I'm afraid it might mislead some readers who are seeking a more excitable tale or thrill and evoke negative feedback. This is more a long historical meandering than a coaster of adventure.
Towards the end of the story Maggie contemplates, "Which was the worse fate? Banishment and slavery, or shame?" For me this was the most important over all question and the moral of the story. For Hugh Blair it is likely shame, for Maggie and those accused of witchcraft one might argue death and banishment and for Tam, perhaps, being enslaved since he was a wandered. Then, again at some stage of the journey Maggie must face all three and overcome it.
The blurb claims the book has a, 'powerful blend of heart-stopping action..." I would say this is a reach on the publishers part and is not necessarily an accurate portrayal of what a reader will experience between the pages. When broken down, what the character goes through is extraordinary, but it is told in a kind of Scottish gray that clings with despair even to the most thrilling parts, dampening the possible suspense that might be generated. However, I believe the tone and voice is thematically well-depicted, I just do not think it is agreeable with the blurb statement presented in the synopsis. I'm afraid it might mislead some readers who are seeking a more excitable tale or thrill and evoke negative feedback. This is more a long historical meandering than a coaster of adventure.
March 27, 2012
Elizabeth Laird is an author capable of very great things. The Garbage King is, quite frankly, superb and I picked up The Witching Hour on the strength of my experience of this book.
The Witching Hour (also published in the US as The Betrayal of Maggie Blair) is a fine, exciting and moving tale of seventeenth century Scotland. Maggie and her Grandmother are accused of witchcraft on their remote island of Bute and Maggie's world begins to break apart from that point.
Laird is a capable, strong writer who packs her work with a world of historical detail. And, in The Witching Hour, she's created a believable, quivery, heartfelt novel that is perhaps a little bit difficult to get engaged in initially but rewards the persevering reader with an exciting coming of age story.
I liked Maggie, the central heroine. She's believable and breathes from the page. I also had a lot of love for her supporting cast. Something Laird is very good at is giving humanity to the most unlovable of characters. The Witching Hour has, at its heart, a message of redemption and of belief which is perhaps fitting considering the topic of Covenanters.
The only issue I had with The Witching Hour was the usage of the foreword. Forewords are tricky beasts. They are the first thing the reader reads and then colour the reading from that point in. I felt Laird did herself a disservice by holding back The Witching Hour until she'd detailed the historical context of the novel. Her writing is strong enough to stand by itself.
I would recommend The Witching Hour for readers of twelve years and above. Although a different genre, I would also suggest readers who enjoyed The Witching Hour should try The Garbage King to experience more of this fine author.
The Witching Hour (also published in the US as The Betrayal of Maggie Blair) is a fine, exciting and moving tale of seventeenth century Scotland. Maggie and her Grandmother are accused of witchcraft on their remote island of Bute and Maggie's world begins to break apart from that point.
Laird is a capable, strong writer who packs her work with a world of historical detail. And, in The Witching Hour, she's created a believable, quivery, heartfelt novel that is perhaps a little bit difficult to get engaged in initially but rewards the persevering reader with an exciting coming of age story.
I liked Maggie, the central heroine. She's believable and breathes from the page. I also had a lot of love for her supporting cast. Something Laird is very good at is giving humanity to the most unlovable of characters. The Witching Hour has, at its heart, a message of redemption and of belief which is perhaps fitting considering the topic of Covenanters.
The only issue I had with The Witching Hour was the usage of the foreword. Forewords are tricky beasts. They are the first thing the reader reads and then colour the reading from that point in. I felt Laird did herself a disservice by holding back The Witching Hour until she'd detailed the historical context of the novel. Her writing is strong enough to stand by itself.
I would recommend The Witching Hour for readers of twelve years and above. Although a different genre, I would also suggest readers who enjoyed The Witching Hour should try The Garbage King to experience more of this fine author.
August 4, 2016
full review at Cracking the Cover
Elizabeth Laird has a gift for creating a mood. From her very first lines to the last sentence on the last page, I felt the rolling nature of her prose. It was as if a narrator with a Scottish brogue was inside my head. Consider this excerpt from her first page:
It was a cold day in December, the sun barely risen, and I’d pulled my shawl tightly round my head and shoulders, but it wasn’t only the chill of the wet sand beneath my bare feet that made me shiver. There was a strangeness in the air. The early mist was clearing. Across the water I could already make out the Isle of Arran, rearing up out of the sea, the tops of its mountains hidden as usual in a crown of clouds. I’d seen Arran a dozen times a day, every day of my life, each time I’d stepped out of the door of my grandmother’s cottage. I knew it so well that I hardly ever noticed it.
But tone isn’t everything. Laird is a strong writer and “The Betrayal of Maggie Blair” is an intriguing story. But the first part is very slow moving. So slow, I almost put it down. Then, all of the sudden, it just flowed better. It almost felt as if the sections were written at a different time, with a different purpose.
I find myself a little ambivalent about Laird’s ending, as well. Some things are resolved, and some are not. However, I think that was a conscious decision on the author’s part. Without giving too much away, I took it as a the author telling us certain characters would continue to evolve and change beyond the pages of this book.
I’m glad I didn’t put “The Betrayal of Maggie Blair” down. Halfway through I found I was fully committed to the story. Maggie is a strong female character without a love interest to prop her up. It’s not often you fins such a character set in that time period.
Elizabeth Laird has a gift for creating a mood. From her very first lines to the last sentence on the last page, I felt the rolling nature of her prose. It was as if a narrator with a Scottish brogue was inside my head. Consider this excerpt from her first page:
It was a cold day in December, the sun barely risen, and I’d pulled my shawl tightly round my head and shoulders, but it wasn’t only the chill of the wet sand beneath my bare feet that made me shiver. There was a strangeness in the air. The early mist was clearing. Across the water I could already make out the Isle of Arran, rearing up out of the sea, the tops of its mountains hidden as usual in a crown of clouds. I’d seen Arran a dozen times a day, every day of my life, each time I’d stepped out of the door of my grandmother’s cottage. I knew it so well that I hardly ever noticed it.
But tone isn’t everything. Laird is a strong writer and “The Betrayal of Maggie Blair” is an intriguing story. But the first part is very slow moving. So slow, I almost put it down. Then, all of the sudden, it just flowed better. It almost felt as if the sections were written at a different time, with a different purpose.
I find myself a little ambivalent about Laird’s ending, as well. Some things are resolved, and some are not. However, I think that was a conscious decision on the author’s part. Without giving too much away, I took it as a the author telling us certain characters would continue to evolve and change beyond the pages of this book.
I’m glad I didn’t put “The Betrayal of Maggie Blair” down. Halfway through I found I was fully committed to the story. Maggie is a strong female character without a love interest to prop her up. It’s not often you fins such a character set in that time period.
January 16, 2011
Dislikes: This book wasn't what I was expecting after reading the description. I was thinking more along paranormal lines to lead to the accusation of witchcraft. Instead this book is more about the religious struggles in 17th century Scotland, Church vs. State. While this did not detract from the book, I did have to switch gears while reading. The main problem I had with this book, even though it is about religious persecution, it was over done and preachy at times. There were a lot of scriptures and psalms as part of the dialog and I felt there were times that the author could have just stated that they started singing a song instead of giving us three paragraphs of the psalm. I also felt Annie was a little over used in the story. It would have been more enjoyable to me if there had been more than one person that seemed to be causing all the problems throughout the book.
Likes: Even without the paranormal, I still found it to be an interesting read. I always enjoy historicals set in Scotland and Ireland and this was no exception. Maggie was a great lead character. She had such a naivety of the world around her and yet still had a strong sense of loyalty to those that she loved and what she felt was right. I also liked how even though there were times along her journey were there was a possibility of a romance, that could have solved all of her problems, the author chose not to go that route and instead let Maggie find herself throughout the book.
Overall: Even though it won't be what a lot of people are expecting, it is still a well written, interesting read. Maggie's journey, from being forced to flee the only home she has ever know to trying to rescue the only family she has left, was a heartbreaking and yet uplifting story right up to the very end.
Rating: 3.5
Likes: Even without the paranormal, I still found it to be an interesting read. I always enjoy historicals set in Scotland and Ireland and this was no exception. Maggie was a great lead character. She had such a naivety of the world around her and yet still had a strong sense of loyalty to those that she loved and what she felt was right. I also liked how even though there were times along her journey were there was a possibility of a romance, that could have solved all of her problems, the author chose not to go that route and instead let Maggie find herself throughout the book.
Overall: Even though it won't be what a lot of people are expecting, it is still a well written, interesting read. Maggie's journey, from being forced to flee the only home she has ever know to trying to rescue the only family she has left, was a heartbreaking and yet uplifting story right up to the very end.
Rating: 3.5
April 3, 2012
This book was so many things wrapped up in one novel!
1. The author based some of this novel on her own family history, which made it all the more compelling to read, knowing that events just like this really occurred. This book was a really well done piece historical fiction.
2. The book was very interesting, because I know pretty much nothing about Scotland during that time period, so it was fascinating (and at times horrifying) to learn about it.
3. I loved the main character! This is such a beautiful coming-of-age story about a girl who always ends up choosing to be honest and true with herself and with others. Maggie is an awesome heroine.
4. I love how romance played a back seat, even though she affirmed a few times that her main desire was to be "normal," which meant with a husband who loved her and some children. And yet, she wasn't obsessed with or focused on that. She knew that would happen when it should happen, and she focused on the very pressing problems that faced her and those she loved.
5. All of her inner thoughts about religion and God were very interesting but not preachy or annoying. They just felt really real.
Annie's story line is so sad. Raised by her violent father and then under the control of her manipulative, deceitful, and abusive employer, it is little wonder that she had seemingly no moral compass. What a sad ending for her, but a very realistic one.
What a harsh world 1680's Scotland was. And Christianity didn't seem very loving sometimes. I can't imagine having to stand in front of my congregation and confess all of my sins.
I will definitely read this book again, if only to mark down quotes this time. I was too busy getting lost in it to mark any. Or perhaps just the whole book tied together so well that nothing in particular ever stuck out. I don't know why I didn't mark any.
1. The author based some of this novel on her own family history, which made it all the more compelling to read, knowing that events just like this really occurred. This book was a really well done piece historical fiction.
2. The book was very interesting, because I know pretty much nothing about Scotland during that time period, so it was fascinating (and at times horrifying) to learn about it.
3. I loved the main character! This is such a beautiful coming-of-age story about a girl who always ends up choosing to be honest and true with herself and with others. Maggie is an awesome heroine.
4. I love how romance played a back seat, even though she affirmed a few times that her main desire was to be "normal," which meant with a husband who loved her and some children. And yet, she wasn't obsessed with or focused on that. She knew that would happen when it should happen, and she focused on the very pressing problems that faced her and those she loved.
5. All of her inner thoughts about religion and God were very interesting but not preachy or annoying. They just felt really real.
Annie's story line is so sad. Raised by her violent father and then under the control of her manipulative, deceitful, and abusive employer, it is little wonder that she had seemingly no moral compass. What a sad ending for her, but a very realistic one.
What a harsh world 1680's Scotland was. And Christianity didn't seem very loving sometimes. I can't imagine having to stand in front of my congregation and confess all of my sins.
I will definitely read this book again, if only to mark down quotes this time. I was too busy getting lost in it to mark any. Or perhaps just the whole book tied together so well that nothing in particular ever stuck out. I don't know why I didn't mark any.
April 5, 2011
One thing I dislike, is the ignorance people have when it comes to the bible. People think that just because they think they know it, they know whats best for everyone. The Betrayal of Maggie Blair is just that. Religious people ignorant in what they read that they killed, hurt, accused innocent people, women mostly of being witches. And whats worse is those church going people who put everyone down using the bible are worse then everyone else.
This story is very touching but also hurtful to read. As the reader follows Maggie, we see and feel every emotion that she goes through. Hurt, rage, sadness, fear. I wanted so badly to slap all those stupid people for being dumb. And whats ironic is that those people who accused Maggie weren't perfect either. They were hiding their sins thinking that they can hide from God using his words against him. And boy did the truth ever did come out.
The plot is breath-taking. Every turn of the page lead me to more and more anger as I see the betrayal of Maggie grow and grow. Ms Laird wrote a fantastic book that showcased every little detail in the witch trials. I was literally holding my every waking breathe hoping for the best for Maggie. It just seems that nothing let up for her.
Now, while most witches trials all lead to a guilty verdict, I was glad that there is that one and rare good ending for some girls who were accused. It wasn't the best ending. Maggie went through so much that nothing that those people say or do now could ever take back what they did to her. I am glad that Maggie had some kind of good outcome for her. Her strength amazed me. AMAZED ME! She held her head up high and did not stand for what those people did.
This story is very touching but also hurtful to read. As the reader follows Maggie, we see and feel every emotion that she goes through. Hurt, rage, sadness, fear. I wanted so badly to slap all those stupid people for being dumb. And whats ironic is that those people who accused Maggie weren't perfect either. They were hiding their sins thinking that they can hide from God using his words against him. And boy did the truth ever did come out.
The plot is breath-taking. Every turn of the page lead me to more and more anger as I see the betrayal of Maggie grow and grow. Ms Laird wrote a fantastic book that showcased every little detail in the witch trials. I was literally holding my every waking breathe hoping for the best for Maggie. It just seems that nothing let up for her.
Now, while most witches trials all lead to a guilty verdict, I was glad that there is that one and rare good ending for some girls who were accused. It wasn't the best ending. Maggie went through so much that nothing that those people say or do now could ever take back what they did to her. I am glad that Maggie had some kind of good outcome for her. Her strength amazed me. AMAZED ME! She held her head up high and did not stand for what those people did.
April 21, 2011
I was going into this thinking it would be a paranormal story because the synopsis alluded to it, but The Betrayal of Maggie Blair is actually a story about a girl trying to find happiness despite all the wrongs that have been done to her. I really enjoyed the overall story despite the many psalms and religious background, but this being a book set in 17th century Scotland, I get why it's such a central point.
Maggie's journey from innocent and scared girl to a strong and determined woman is enjoyable and beautifully told. I really adore her evolvement. I thought the first part of the book dragged on a bit, but once Maggie was off to her uncle's I became more invested in the story and was interested to see how it would end.
Speaking of, the ending made me feel a little bit underwhelmed at first since I was expecting something bigger, but at the same time it kind of felt like a proper way to end the book since Maggie's story is only beginning.
Maggie's journey from innocent and scared girl to a strong and determined woman is enjoyable and beautifully told. I really adore her evolvement. I thought the first part of the book dragged on a bit, but once Maggie was off to her uncle's I became more invested in the story and was interested to see how it would end.
Speaking of, the ending made me feel a little bit underwhelmed at first since I was expecting something bigger, but at the same time it kind of felt like a proper way to end the book since Maggie's story is only beginning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
never-finished
August 14, 2016This book should really go under the heading Not What You Think It Is. Whoever wrote the flap copy did readers a disservice by highlighting the witchcraft aspects of the book and not giving an accurate description of what it is, so I'll do that now.
A historical young adult novel about how a Scottish girl deals with religious persecution. Maggie is accused of being a witch, but there's nothing paranormal or suspenseful about this story.
A historical young adult novel about how a Scottish girl deals with religious persecution. Maggie is accused of being a witch, but there's nothing paranormal or suspenseful about this story.
November 23, 2016
Fantastic historical fiction! Maggie was an admirable heroine who had many adventures.
I kept wondering why she wasn't describing the men's kilts. Come to find out, men didn't start wearing kilts in Scotland until the 1700's! I learned something!
I was very happy with the way the book ended. She was an independent young woman, who was in control of her own destiny. It's a great message for today, as well!
I kept wondering why she wasn't describing the men's kilts. Come to find out, men didn't start wearing kilts in Scotland until the 1700's! I learned something!
I was very happy with the way the book ended. She was an independent young woman, who was in control of her own destiny. It's a great message for today, as well!
dnf
October 24, 2010DNF. I made it to the halfway point and all the characters were angering me beyond belief. Everybody is incredibly ignorant and easily brain washed. Not for me.
July 16, 2020
i liked it okay when i read it, but now i could not recall a single detail if you had me by the throat
so
so
December 17, 2016
Not as witchy as I was hoping, and the plot was a bit meandering really.
September 22, 2021
Like many readers, I expected this book to have a much stronger focus on witchcraft (or supposed witchcraft), but unlike most readers, I was not disappointed to find that The Betrayal of Maggie Blair deals much more with 17th Scottish history than with witchcraft itself.
Since Maggie is very clearly not a witch, nor is she interested in witchcraft, Laird instead spends more of her time crafting the character of Maggie’s granny and the various citizens who live in Scalpsie Bay. Maggie’s grandmother is a complex character, more complex than I had first imagined she would be--her unpleasant and even abusive behavior is clearly meant to mask the anger, bitterness, and desperation that comes with being forced onto the margins of society.
Unfortunately, the death of Maggie’s grandmother ends this interesting plot line and instead forces Maggie into a new (and much less interesting) situation with a band of secret Presbyterian “Covenanters.”
But the real sticking point for me in this book was Annie. Annie serves as Maggie’s primary antagonist throughout the book, the scheming serving girl who will betray anyone and anything for a chance at riches or security.
And yet Annie’s plight is truly pitiable. She comes (or at least claims to come) from an abusive home, is impregnated and subsequently abandoned by her master, chooses to end her pregnancy, and then must either beg, borrow, or steal just to make a livelihood. In many ways, Annie’s situation reflects the deeply patriarchal society that Laird seems to value so much.
Of course, from Maggie’s point of view, Annie is the enemy. But the book upholds Maggie’s beliefs, contrasting the good and virtuous Maggie (who, in addition to her loyalty and love for her extended family is also conspicuously chaste) with that harlot Annie who gets what she deserves: “She has been branded...on the cheeks, and her ears have been cut off. No man will look twice at her now.”
The book is full of pathos when Maggie’s uncle is tortured. Are we now supposed to celebrate this horrible violence simply because it was applied to a “wicked woman” instead of an upstanding Christian man?
The book seems to say yes, and this punitive framework that rewards “good” women and punishes “bad” ones is both grossly oversimplified and deeply troubling.
Improvements:
If I were writing this book, I would change Annie’s motive from spite or cruelty to mere necessity. She does not want to betray Maggie, but she feels forced to do so. Upon meeting Maggie later, she begs her forgiveness and the two women enter an uneasy alliance--they do not trust each other, but they need each other to survive in this world.
If you want to call the book The Betrayal of Maggie Blair, than make that betrayal mean something. Perhaps at a critical moment, Annie, once again driven by desperation to save her child and secure her future, betrays Maggie again. Maybe Maggie retaliates by betraying Annie. In this way, the book would become a back-and-forth dance of alliance and betrayal centered around the very different experiences of two women in 17th-century Scotland. Instead of punishment and reward, we see the effects that this society has on women, both good and ill and we see the power of women forging friendships, as well as the pain when they break them.
3 stars.
Since Maggie is very clearly not a witch, nor is she interested in witchcraft, Laird instead spends more of her time crafting the character of Maggie’s granny and the various citizens who live in Scalpsie Bay. Maggie’s grandmother is a complex character, more complex than I had first imagined she would be--her unpleasant and even abusive behavior is clearly meant to mask the anger, bitterness, and desperation that comes with being forced onto the margins of society.
Unfortunately, the death of Maggie’s grandmother ends this interesting plot line and instead forces Maggie into a new (and much less interesting) situation with a band of secret Presbyterian “Covenanters.”
But the real sticking point for me in this book was Annie. Annie serves as Maggie’s primary antagonist throughout the book, the scheming serving girl who will betray anyone and anything for a chance at riches or security.
And yet Annie’s plight is truly pitiable. She comes (or at least claims to come) from an abusive home, is impregnated and subsequently abandoned by her master, chooses to end her pregnancy, and then must either beg, borrow, or steal just to make a livelihood. In many ways, Annie’s situation reflects the deeply patriarchal society that Laird seems to value so much.
Of course, from Maggie’s point of view, Annie is the enemy. But the book upholds Maggie’s beliefs, contrasting the good and virtuous Maggie (who, in addition to her loyalty and love for her extended family is also conspicuously chaste) with that harlot Annie who gets what she deserves: “She has been branded...on the cheeks, and her ears have been cut off. No man will look twice at her now.”
The book is full of pathos when Maggie’s uncle is tortured. Are we now supposed to celebrate this horrible violence simply because it was applied to a “wicked woman” instead of an upstanding Christian man?
The book seems to say yes, and this punitive framework that rewards “good” women and punishes “bad” ones is both grossly oversimplified and deeply troubling.
Improvements:
If I were writing this book, I would change Annie’s motive from spite or cruelty to mere necessity. She does not want to betray Maggie, but she feels forced to do so. Upon meeting Maggie later, she begs her forgiveness and the two women enter an uneasy alliance--they do not trust each other, but they need each other to survive in this world.
If you want to call the book The Betrayal of Maggie Blair, than make that betrayal mean something. Perhaps at a critical moment, Annie, once again driven by desperation to save her child and secure her future, betrays Maggie again. Maybe Maggie retaliates by betraying Annie. In this way, the book would become a back-and-forth dance of alliance and betrayal centered around the very different experiences of two women in 17th-century Scotland. Instead of punishment and reward, we see the effects that this society has on women, both good and ill and we see the power of women forging friendships, as well as the pain when they break them.
3 stars.
December 2, 2011
The Betrayal of Maggie Blair is a strong, powerful book. It has a bit of a rocky start at first, but once you get around page 150 (which is about one third of the 450 page long book), the pace picks up immensly. The writing style isn’t all that decorative – it’s pretty straight forward – but it fits the setting of 17th century Scotland. The greatest downside though is that the book is very long, especially for a book aimed primarily at young adults. I had to read it in several sittings, unable to keep my attention to it long enough to complete it in one try.
The novel tells the story of Margaret aka Maggie Blair. Her parents died several years ago, and now Maggie lives with her grandmother in a small house, with barely enough food to get by. Life is hard, and her grandmother isn’t exactly the most pleasant woman in the entire world. She tries to scare the neighbouring farms so they will not mess with her and her granddaughter – but the effect is aversive, and Granny gets taken into custody for witchcraft, Maggie being dragged along to the prison. An old friend of her grandmother’s, Tam, helps Maggie to escape, but for her grandmother all help is too late: she is prosecuted and eventually hanged. Maggie flees her old home town Brute, and joins some drovers, old friends of her father, who help bring her to Ladymuir, where her Uncle Blair – her only other living relative – and his family live. Although they welcome Maggie into their home, her aunt never warms up to her, and it’s hard for Maggie to fit into the family of devote Presbyterians. When Uncle Blair goes to great lengths to sneak Mr. Redwick – a renounced preacher – to the town, her aunt fears for the worse, and correct, so it seems. The “Black Cuffs”, soldiers of the king appear and take Uncle Blair into custody. Desperate to do something to help, Maggie proposes that she go and save her uncle, whatever the cost.
After trying to summarize what happens in the book, I realize that a lot of stuff actually happens. On the one side, there’s Scotland in the grasp of witchcraft trials, and on the other side, there’s the Presbyterians refusing to swear the oath that says the King is supreme. It is a time of terror, and Maggie Blair is an excellent example of what all these terrors can do to a person. When we first meet Maggie she’s a timid young girl who fears her grandmother’s occasional loss of temper and fits. She wants people to like her grandmother, although it is quite clear that they don’t, and it doesn’t help that she’s behaving rather peculiarly as well. We see Margaret as a girl who tries to blend in, who desperately wants to be loved, and who would do anything if people would just like her. Rather than that, people’s hatred for the little girl expand as she is brought to trial alongside her grandmother and a wicked servant girl named Annie testifies, not only against Granny, but against Maggie as well.
As we follow Maggie on her way to her Uncle Blair’s house, we see her grow in courage. She sheds the timidity and fear, and learns to depend no longer on her grandmother, but solely on herself. While at first I was not that fond of her as a character, I grew fonder of her as time progressed. By the time Maggie reaches her Uncle Blair’s farm she is still a quiet girl who keeps a lot to herself, but she is also capable of standing up for herself and the people she loves, and she has more courage in her heart than a lot of people much older than she is. She blends in well with the family, fully accepted by her cousin Richie and her little neice Martha. However, her aunt does not warm up to her. Unfortunately, the reason for that is never explained in the novel, because it did make me curious as to why. Yet again, Maggie is unable to find what she craves for: a person who truly loves her.
Later on in the book, we see Maggie meet that person, in the form of an enemy soldier. Although his caring for her is genuine, Maggie is unable to return it, because she has realized by this time that she no longer needs to be loved. I’m pretty certain that the Maggie we see early on in the book would not have said no, but would have embraced the affections whole-heartedly. The Maggie we see by now, is independent enough not to rely on other people’s love anymore. She no longer needs their approval. It’s a total transformation, but it happens gradually and slowly, and thus it’s all the more clear to the reader. I loved Elizabeth Laird’s characterization, and how she turned Maggie from a timid and fragile little girl into an independent, strong young woman.
I enjoyed the other characters as well. Maggie’s grandmother might be a scary woman, and she certainly tries to scare everyone, but her motives are honest and understandable, which made me all the more sympathetic towards her. Uncle Blair is a devote man, passionate about his love for God and the Bible and god-knows-what-else. He’s a bit over the top really, willing to give his life as a martyr for the cause, without taking a pause to think long and hard about what the consequences would be for his family. In that perspective, he is really not the loyal, trustworthy man we at first deem him to be: he is blind in his belief, ignorant towards the people who truly need him. Maggie seems to be the only one who truly grasps these two aspects of his personality, and yet she loves him nevertheless. Tam, the vagabond extraordinarie who shows up whenever someone needs him, is an interesting and intriguing character as well. He believes in the goodness of people, he has no religion but tries to be fair to everyone, and he hates war. He actually learns Maggie some values in life that she ought well to learn. In a way, he knows more about spirituality and goodness than even devote Uncle Blair does.
The storyline isn’t very original. There have been tons of books about Witchcraft, and probably just as many about people rebelling against oppression from a foreign Lord or King. However, what I did find refreshing and innovative, was the mixture of these two themes – who don’t seem to go together at first – in one novel. For one of the first times in historical fiction, we see a total view of the 17th century Scotland. We see ignorant farmer’s people prosecuting witches at trials and we see Presbyterians trying to rebel against King Charles II. It’s an interesting era to write about really.
When I read the Epilogue and realized that the entire story is actually based on Elizabeth Laird’s own heritage, and names she came across when searching for her ancestor’s history, one of them being accused of Witchcraft, and the other held hostage in a prison for Presbyterians, I found the story all the more interesting. I love it when authors focus on their own history, their own heritage, and then write historical fiction about that. It reminded me vaguely of The Heretic’s Daughter by Kathleen Kent, a story about witchcraft based on Kathleen Kent’s own heritage as well.
On the downside, I’m still convinced that the book is a bit too lengthy. It could have had a faster pace from the start had several pages been cut and left out. The biblical references, especially the continuous mention of prayers, made the book drag along a bit here and there. I can understand why adding a prayer to make it feel real, but does that have to be every other page?
All in all, The Betrayal of Maggie Blair is a nice book for those who love historical fiction and witchtrials. It is a bit lengthy and has a rocky start, so beware of that. It wasn’t at all what I expected – I had expected more paranormal, and a larger focus on the witchtrials – but it’s a nice read and gets really interesting after a while. The character of Maggie is amazing and her personal growth is very impressive. Although the storyline isn’t the most original one in the world, Elizabeth Laird gives a nice spin to it with intriguing characters with their own views of the world around them. Definetely worth a try.
The novel tells the story of Margaret aka Maggie Blair. Her parents died several years ago, and now Maggie lives with her grandmother in a small house, with barely enough food to get by. Life is hard, and her grandmother isn’t exactly the most pleasant woman in the entire world. She tries to scare the neighbouring farms so they will not mess with her and her granddaughter – but the effect is aversive, and Granny gets taken into custody for witchcraft, Maggie being dragged along to the prison. An old friend of her grandmother’s, Tam, helps Maggie to escape, but for her grandmother all help is too late: she is prosecuted and eventually hanged. Maggie flees her old home town Brute, and joins some drovers, old friends of her father, who help bring her to Ladymuir, where her Uncle Blair – her only other living relative – and his family live. Although they welcome Maggie into their home, her aunt never warms up to her, and it’s hard for Maggie to fit into the family of devote Presbyterians. When Uncle Blair goes to great lengths to sneak Mr. Redwick – a renounced preacher – to the town, her aunt fears for the worse, and correct, so it seems. The “Black Cuffs”, soldiers of the king appear and take Uncle Blair into custody. Desperate to do something to help, Maggie proposes that she go and save her uncle, whatever the cost.
After trying to summarize what happens in the book, I realize that a lot of stuff actually happens. On the one side, there’s Scotland in the grasp of witchcraft trials, and on the other side, there’s the Presbyterians refusing to swear the oath that says the King is supreme. It is a time of terror, and Maggie Blair is an excellent example of what all these terrors can do to a person. When we first meet Maggie she’s a timid young girl who fears her grandmother’s occasional loss of temper and fits. She wants people to like her grandmother, although it is quite clear that they don’t, and it doesn’t help that she’s behaving rather peculiarly as well. We see Margaret as a girl who tries to blend in, who desperately wants to be loved, and who would do anything if people would just like her. Rather than that, people’s hatred for the little girl expand as she is brought to trial alongside her grandmother and a wicked servant girl named Annie testifies, not only against Granny, but against Maggie as well.
As we follow Maggie on her way to her Uncle Blair’s house, we see her grow in courage. She sheds the timidity and fear, and learns to depend no longer on her grandmother, but solely on herself. While at first I was not that fond of her as a character, I grew fonder of her as time progressed. By the time Maggie reaches her Uncle Blair’s farm she is still a quiet girl who keeps a lot to herself, but she is also capable of standing up for herself and the people she loves, and she has more courage in her heart than a lot of people much older than she is. She blends in well with the family, fully accepted by her cousin Richie and her little neice Martha. However, her aunt does not warm up to her. Unfortunately, the reason for that is never explained in the novel, because it did make me curious as to why. Yet again, Maggie is unable to find what she craves for: a person who truly loves her.
Later on in the book, we see Maggie meet that person, in the form of an enemy soldier. Although his caring for her is genuine, Maggie is unable to return it, because she has realized by this time that she no longer needs to be loved. I’m pretty certain that the Maggie we see early on in the book would not have said no, but would have embraced the affections whole-heartedly. The Maggie we see by now, is independent enough not to rely on other people’s love anymore. She no longer needs their approval. It’s a total transformation, but it happens gradually and slowly, and thus it’s all the more clear to the reader. I loved Elizabeth Laird’s characterization, and how she turned Maggie from a timid and fragile little girl into an independent, strong young woman.
I enjoyed the other characters as well. Maggie’s grandmother might be a scary woman, and she certainly tries to scare everyone, but her motives are honest and understandable, which made me all the more sympathetic towards her. Uncle Blair is a devote man, passionate about his love for God and the Bible and god-knows-what-else. He’s a bit over the top really, willing to give his life as a martyr for the cause, without taking a pause to think long and hard about what the consequences would be for his family. In that perspective, he is really not the loyal, trustworthy man we at first deem him to be: he is blind in his belief, ignorant towards the people who truly need him. Maggie seems to be the only one who truly grasps these two aspects of his personality, and yet she loves him nevertheless. Tam, the vagabond extraordinarie who shows up whenever someone needs him, is an interesting and intriguing character as well. He believes in the goodness of people, he has no religion but tries to be fair to everyone, and he hates war. He actually learns Maggie some values in life that she ought well to learn. In a way, he knows more about spirituality and goodness than even devote Uncle Blair does.
The storyline isn’t very original. There have been tons of books about Witchcraft, and probably just as many about people rebelling against oppression from a foreign Lord or King. However, what I did find refreshing and innovative, was the mixture of these two themes – who don’t seem to go together at first – in one novel. For one of the first times in historical fiction, we see a total view of the 17th century Scotland. We see ignorant farmer’s people prosecuting witches at trials and we see Presbyterians trying to rebel against King Charles II. It’s an interesting era to write about really.
When I read the Epilogue and realized that the entire story is actually based on Elizabeth Laird’s own heritage, and names she came across when searching for her ancestor’s history, one of them being accused of Witchcraft, and the other held hostage in a prison for Presbyterians, I found the story all the more interesting. I love it when authors focus on their own history, their own heritage, and then write historical fiction about that. It reminded me vaguely of The Heretic’s Daughter by Kathleen Kent, a story about witchcraft based on Kathleen Kent’s own heritage as well.
On the downside, I’m still convinced that the book is a bit too lengthy. It could have had a faster pace from the start had several pages been cut and left out. The biblical references, especially the continuous mention of prayers, made the book drag along a bit here and there. I can understand why adding a prayer to make it feel real, but does that have to be every other page?
All in all, The Betrayal of Maggie Blair is a nice book for those who love historical fiction and witchtrials. It is a bit lengthy and has a rocky start, so beware of that. It wasn’t at all what I expected – I had expected more paranormal, and a larger focus on the witchtrials – but it’s a nice read and gets really interesting after a while. The character of Maggie is amazing and her personal growth is very impressive. Although the storyline isn’t the most original one in the world, Elizabeth Laird gives a nice spin to it with intriguing characters with their own views of the world around them. Definetely worth a try.
April 15, 2022
My interest in this book was the Scottish history....liked the detail to 17th century Scotland. I was appalled by the tortures the people suffered at the hands of the kings soldiers. Also how anyone could be accused of being a witch and be hanged for it.
Maggie's grandmother is an old, onery lady that's brash and unkempt. It's made her a lot of enemies and a believable witch. She's constantly cursing people and just plain mean. Maggie, only 16, gets dragged into her troubles because mean Mr. Macbean wants their land. The story takes them both to trial, where her grandmother is convicted, hanged, and burned. Maggie escapes from prison with help from an old friend, Tam, before they can hang her. She flees for her life to Kilmacolm, where her Uncle Blair lives with his family at Lady Muir. A farmer and family man who stands by his beliefs, he suffers tremendously at the hands of the soldiers after he is arrested. Trouble has followed her here and everything is falling apart. Maggie finally sets out to find her Uncle and free him.
I wasn't sure about Maggie at first-she was kind of meek, but by stories end, she comes into her own. Was hoping she would come to a decision of sorts about God....
History, friendship, the search to belong, all helped her to grow in this story.
Maggie's grandmother is an old, onery lady that's brash and unkempt. It's made her a lot of enemies and a believable witch. She's constantly cursing people and just plain mean. Maggie, only 16, gets dragged into her troubles because mean Mr. Macbean wants their land. The story takes them both to trial, where her grandmother is convicted, hanged, and burned. Maggie escapes from prison with help from an old friend, Tam, before they can hang her. She flees for her life to Kilmacolm, where her Uncle Blair lives with his family at Lady Muir. A farmer and family man who stands by his beliefs, he suffers tremendously at the hands of the soldiers after he is arrested. Trouble has followed her here and everything is falling apart. Maggie finally sets out to find her Uncle and free him.
I wasn't sure about Maggie at first-she was kind of meek, but by stories end, she comes into her own. Was hoping she would come to a decision of sorts about God....
History, friendship, the search to belong, all helped her to grow in this story.
January 24, 2018
The book had a really slow start and I had a lot of trouble getting into it. I felt like there were too many details to the point where it was overwhelming and unnecessary. It felt like every sentence had 3 redundant adjectives. There are some interesting parts, but I still think the majority of the book was pretty average. If you're into historical fiction this book would be a good fit for you, but if your impatient like me and need more of a hook from the start, you probably wouldn't enjoy this read. I really think the book could've been compacted into a much shorter novel, perhaps that would''ve made it easier to stick with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews