Review * Giveaway
Condemn Me Not: Accused of Witchcraft
by Heather B. Moore
Book Description:
“This woman was one of the most impudent, scurrilous, wicked creatures of this world; and she did now throughout her whole trial discover herself to be such a one. Yet when she was asked what she had to say for herself, her chief plea was that she had led a most virtuous and holy life.” —Reverend Cotton Mather, 1692
USA Today Bestselling author Heather B. Moore brings the life of her 10th great-grandmother to center stage. Susannah North Martin, accused of witchcraft in 1692, joins five women in the Salem Jail, all sentenced to death for their crimes. Amidst tragedy, Susannah finds hope and compassion as she remembers a well-loved life, and readers discover that love reaches far beyond the grave as Susannah faces the magistrates in Salem.
Review:
I don't remember having read any books about the Salem witch trials other than The Witch of Blackbird Pond. That was so long ago that I don't remember much about it, but I was intrigued when I heard Heather B. Moore was writing about her 10th great-grandmother who had been accused of witchcraft. I can't even imagine this situation. What a sad time in history.
This was such an interesting story, and it was full of emotion (both good and bad). One of the things that drove me crazy with the accusations was that if these women were so powerful, why wouldn't they have been able to free themselves from jail? Why did so many jump on the accusing bandwagon even when rational people would have been able to see that it was ridiculous? I appreciated that Moore addressed those types of questions by including parts in the story that indicated that the accusers often had something to gain (i.e. land).
There were quite a few disturbing moments, but one that stood out as something I hadn't heard before was the court having the accused strip completely so they could examine them. How mortifying!
I'm not always a fan of flashbacks, but it was nice to have a break from the horribleness of jail to some happier times in Susannh's life. I was so happy that she had been able to find love and happiness in her life, and that this event didn't occur until she was old.
As far as content, besides the obvious disturbing situation and details that went along with it, there were a few pretty passionate scenes and fade to black (marital) sex.
It was very eye opening with a bittersweet ending. I learned a lot.
Tour Schedule:
March 20: Heidi Reads / Min Reads and Reviews
March 21: Katie's Clean Book Collection / Mel's Shelves
March 22: Peggy Urry / Lisa is a Bookworm
March 23: Literary Time Out / Why Not? Because I Said So
March 24: My Book a Day / Empower Moms
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Title: Condemn Me Not: Accused of Witchcraft Author: Heather B. Moore
Publisher: Mirror Press
Published: March 2017
ISBN: 1941145957
Source: I received an eCopy via the tour host publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Purchase: Amazon
No comments:
Post a Comment