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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Salem Witches Week: The Writings of Kathleen Kent

Today we're spotlighting the books of Kathleen Kent. 

by:  Kathleen Kent
published by:  Little Brown and Co.
publish date:   September 2008

Martha Carrier was one of the first women to be accused, tried and hanged as a witch in Salem, Massachusetts. Like her mother, young Sarah Carrier is bright and willful, openly challenging the small, brutal world in which they live. Often at odds with one another, mother and daughter are forced to stand together against the escalating hysteria of the trials and the superstitious tyranny that led to the torture and imprisonment of more than 200 people accused of witchcraft. This is the story of Martha's courageous defiance and ultimate death, as told by the daughter who survived.








by:  Kathleen Kent
published by:  Reagan Arthur Books
publish date:  November 2010

In the harsh wilderness of colonial Massachusetts, Martha Allen works as a servant in her cousin's household, taking charge and locking wills with everyone. Thomas Carrier labors for the family and is known both for his immense strength and size and mysterious past. The two begin a courtship that suits their independent natures, with Thomas slowly revealing the story of his part in the English Civil War. But in the rugged new world they inhabit, danger is ever present, whether it be from the assassins sent from London to kill the executioner of Charles I or the wolves-in many forms-who hunt for blood. A love story and a tale of courage, The Wolves of Andover confirms Kathleen Kent's ability to craft powerful stories of family from colonial history.
 
 
 
 
I absolutely adored both of these stories.  I actually read/listened to The Wolves of Andover first and thought it was wonderful.  It was the book that somewhat inspired the whole idea of the Salem Witches Week.  It got me more interested in learning more about what happened. 
 
Both of these books are extremely well researched.  Kathleen Kent is a 10th generation descendant of Martha Carrier and knows her history well.  She has a deep love and respect for her ancestry and it shows in her writings.

Tomorrow we're spotlighting YA book, there are several!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

I just won a copy of The Heretic's Daughter from another blog, but I've never seen The Wolves of Andover - it looks great!

Unknown said...

Enjoyed the review, I've been to Salem, Massachusettes and had fun. Thanks for posting all the books in Salem witches week.
Mike Draper