In April 1687, 16-year-old Katherine Tyler leaves her home in Barbados after her grandfather dies. She goes to Connecticut to live with her Aunt Rachel and Uncle Matthew in their Puritan community. Her free-spirit rebels at the rigid constraints of the communities religion and she befriends a old Quaker woman labelled as a witch. Eventually false acquisitions pile up and Kit ends up enduring a terrifying night running from a 'witch hunt' and ending up in jail awaiting her trial.
To cultures collide in this gripping story! I could hardly put this down! It was a interesting look into the Puritan religion and a bit of a look into the persecution the Quakers endured. Although the book has what I would call a strong bent against the Puritan religion, it is not unbalanced in its judgment of the individual people. Kit learns much from the enforced change to her normally free, and impulsive lifestyle, and her character is greatly strengthened throughout the story. Thinking through the consequences before acting is a big thing that she learns, but this does not play out in her becoming timid and action less. Instead I think it refines her courage.
This book will open great conversations about different religions and how people tend to treat those of other cultures/faiths. The tendency in people to condemn what they do not understand can be seen clearly. Of course all conversations should be in light of the Bible! How would Jesus teach us to treat others?
There is some romance in the book. As always the feelings that may be stirred up inside from this will need to be openly discussed with your daughters. Kit is courted by a young man who seems infatuated with her, but she only looks on him as a escape of the life she is leading now, she does not love him. There is a kiss, which she is confused by because of the feelings that does arise in her. I find her confusion and thought processes in regards to love to be much more realistic then most 'romance novels' and so that is why with some care and open communication, I think I would allow my daughters to read this around the age of 14/15+. Kit's confusion about her life and love does not gain clarity till the very, very end of the book. So there is no long gushy, lovely duvey thoughts in the book. I believe it presents a clear view of love in the parts where it deals with it.
Romance: 2
Language: 0
Violence/Scary Scenes: 6
Recommended Age: 14+
