The Heretic's Daughter in Around the World in 80 Books

Oct 10, 2013 Kay Green rated it liked it

Shelves: bookclub

A well written book about the Salem witch trials told through the eyes of the 10 year old daughter of one of the women who were accused and hanged. The narrative seemed very authentic and plausible, but the actual events were so difficult to read about without feeling angry and disgusted. The frenzy that was stirred up in these towns based on the ranting of teenaged girls was unstoppable for a while. I did think the author described our New England weather and geography perfectly but that was th ...more

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Jan 28, 2010 Tanya rated it liked it

Shelves: op-book-club-reads-2010-2014, 2010

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I would not recommend this as young adult reading, much for the same reasons that the Heretic's Daughter is asked not to read from the Red Book until she is more mature and ready. While I think we can benefit from learning about the Salem Witchcraft Trials, I think the wisdom I have as an adult (and a mother) makes it easier for me to tolerate the ending with all of its suffering and come to the awareness of why Sarah's parents made the choices they did. As a teenager, I would not have been able I would not recommend this as young adult reading, much for the same reasons that the Heretic's Daughter is asked not to read from the Red Book until she is more mature and ready. While I think we can benefit from learning about the Salem Witchcraft Trials, I think the wisdom I have as an adult (and a mother) makes it easier for me to tolerate the ending with all of its suffering and come to the awareness of why Sarah's parents made the choices they did. As a teenager, I would not have been able to have this insight. I would not have read this book had it not been a book club selection, but I'm very glad I have read this book to gain more knowledge about those times and our ugly history. It is a way of honoring those lives that were unjustly and prematurely terminated.

Some of the passages that really stick with me and linger are...

"If we could see the fullness of our tomorrows, how many of us would take desparate action to change the future? What if our far seeing showed us the loss of our homes, our families, our very lives, and to save it all we would need only to barter away our most precious souls. Who among us would give up what we cannot see for what we can hold in our hands? I believe many of us would peel ourselves away from our immortal selves as easily as the skin from a boiled plum if it meant we could remain on the earth for a while, our bellies full and our beds warm and safe at night." p 214-215

"...a child, so recently come into the world from the void of creation, can be more resilient than the strongest man, more strong-willed than the hardiest woman. A child is like an early spring bulb that carries all the resources needed within its skin for the first push through the soil towards the sun. And just as a little bit of water can start the bulb to grow, even through fissured rock, so can a little kindne- give a child the ability to push through the dark." p 273 This passage makes me think about all kids that I encounter for I may be that one that provides that spark of kindness that forever changes a life - such a powerful idea.

Martha carrier's final words to her daughter, "There is no death in remembrance. Remember me, Sarah. Remember me, and a part of me will always be with you." p 286 For the loved ones that I have lost or that are ill and soon may pass, you are with me and will always be with me. I hope my own life will be worthy of remembering for I try to make it so.

"He did not come to our aid or rise to greet us but waited for us to make our way own by ourselves. And when we at last descended the final step, he turned, and the rustling crowd parted raggedly, like crested waves before the prow of a ship, making space for us to walk. I undetstood at that moment fully and suddenly why he would not carry me, and why he had not come to my defense in times past when I was battling for my place in the world. It was not because he failed to love me, but because he loved me so well. He had brought us food and clothing and kind words when we were imprisoned; he would not abandon us. But he would never seek to weaken me so that I could not withstand the burdens and cruelties or harsh judgments of the world...I took a step. And then another...and with every step I thought of my mother's courage as she faced her judges. With every step, I thought of her cleaving to the truth even as she fell the short distance of the rope. With every step, I thought of her pride, her strength, her love. And with every step, I thought, I am my mother's daughter, I am my mother's daughter... p. 322 I encourage truth and honesty in my own and my children's dealings with others, even when it is very hard to do. As a teen and as an adult, I've walked a path that is not so easy because I have stood by the truth even when it would make me less popular. I hope my kids will also realize that when we, as parents, step back, we do it because we care so much to let them have the opportunity to make the mistakes and grow from them, or to experience the triumphs of their own actions and become more self-sufficient. I don't think my kids will understand some of the choices we are making today until they become parents themselves.

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