I rather liked this little story. It's well told and I felt more gripped by the fact it was written in journal format, slowly unfolded, and dates uncertain, as though we were walking in the hazy shadows of memory where only certain seconds were pulled into startling clarity.

I was very taken with Mary, the not-quite a Witch by choice, except in name and stricken requests, who had become a Puritan by no means of her own. I cannot wait to see what book two has in store for me once I get my hands on it. ( )

enjoyed reading this novel ( )

Witch Child by Celia Rees is a YA historical fiction novel about Mary Newbury, a foundling child who has been raised by a women who was tortured and hung as a witch. Mary’s real mother is able to spirit her away and put her on a ship to America, but unfortunately she has been placed with a group of highly religious Puritans. Although Mary tries to fit in and follow all the rules, she is different. She enjoys her solo wanderings in the forest and she also befriends an Indian boy who teaches her much about the flora and fauna of this new world. When she is recognized as the ward of a witch, fingers start to point at her, those that are jealous of her spout lies and Mary is put in the position of having to flee to the wilderness for her life.

The author ties Mary’s story into the actual history of the pilgrim settlements near Salem, Massachusetts and the outcome is quite seamless. Mary’s story is told through the pages of her diary and through it the setting comes vividly to life. I felt the book revealed itself as YA when it came to the characters however as they seemed stereotypical with the Puritans being overly stiff and intolerant, while the two Indian characters, although painted in a positive light, felt like cardboard characters in that one was a wise healer, and the other, an obvious romantic interest, had been raised by whites and spoke perfect English.

These quibbles aside, I enjoyed the story and I even can forgive the abrupt ending as I knew in advance that there is a sequel and I already have it sitting on my shelf. ( )

Ok. Salem Witch trials retold. Predictable as well. ( )

Mary doesn’t know her parents, she has lived her life with her grandmother. But in 1659 a witchfinder comes to her village and her grandmother is found guilty of witchcraft, by virtue of the fact that she floats in water, and killed. Mary might be next, but she is rescued by a mysterious, rich, well-dressed woman, and sent across the ocean in the company of some Puritans.

Full review: http://www.susanhatedliterature.net/2006/07/18/witch-child/ ( )