Tricia Nelson

Great book. What did I know about 1670's Massachusetts? Not much. But I feel like I got a good glimpse into the Puritan society in power there and the conflicts with the Native Americans during that time. I got pulled into the story, was appalled by the history included in the pages, and was rooting for the main character. I read this because I am part of a book club and this was the latest choice, and while I wouldn't have picked it up, I'm so glad it was chosen. The story is well-written and tells so much history without making it boring or hard to read. I inhaled this book over 36 hours - that's how good it is. Reading it during the same week as the racial tensions in our country explode felt strangely connected. We have a history in our country of treating non-white people horribly, and it's something that I know I didn't leave school being acutely aware of. This author treated this story with care and insight and it's a well-done book. I would recommend!

I was thrown when I began reading this book, because I had read that it was a funny story. I didn't find it funny, and that felt like it kept interrupting me while I read, thinking “Why do people think this is funny”? Now that I've finished, I'm very glad I read it. The story of hope and redemption and the impact that we have on each other's lives is worth reading. We read this for book club, and there is a lot to unpack here and discuss.