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The Bradstreet Chronicles
The Book of Maggie Bradstreet
Maggie Bradstreet is a curious girl of thirteen with a mind of her own, which can get her into trouble in Puritan New England. She wants nothing more than to prove to her brother's friend Job that she is no longer a child, but when witches are discovered in their community of Andover, Massachusetts, her world turns upside down. Maggie's diary tells of excitement turned to horror as more and more people are accused of witchcraft, and her best friend's mother is taken off to jail. She tries to save her friends and in the end must save herself. The Book of Maggie Bradstreet, a multigenerational account that chronicles a romance and adventure during a fascinating period in US history, is biographical fiction based on historical records about the author's ancestors. Like others in Colonial Andover, Margaret Bradstreet witnessed firsthand the bullying, touch test trials, and arrests of her friends and neighbors. Readers will find the untold and remarkable story of what happened in Colonial Andover as riveting as literary classics that portray the well-known Salem witch trials. Includes a map and afterword with additional historical content.
196 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2012
11 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Gretchen Gibbs
2 books10 followersGretchen Gibbs grew up in a small town in Massachusetts about forty miles from Andover, where her book takes place. When she discovered that her ancestors played a major role in the witch trials in Andover, she had to write the story. She created the diary of a real girl, her ancestor Maggie Bradstreet. Gretchen is a psychologist who taught, practiced and conducted research for many years. She has published books and articles in psychology as well as short stories, memoir, and poetry.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 16, 2014
It is 1692 and in Andover, Massachusetts, Maggie Bradstreet has received a blank book with many pages to fill up with her thoughts for her 13th birthday. Maggie, whose father, Dudley Bradstreet, is the magistrate, has been fortunate enough to have learned to read and write beyond what most girls learn at the time. Still, Maggie would like to have continued with school like her older brother Dudley Jr. is allowed to do. And unfortunately, Maggie isn't quite as good at needlework, cooking or other household jobs expected of girls and women.
Maggie would much rather go off with her friends - Polly Bridges, whose father is a blacksmith and tends to drink away his profits and is considered not a fit friend for Maggie by her parents; Hannah Dane, granddaughter of Reverend Francis Dane; and Sarah Abbot, the first to bring the news to Maggie and Hannah that witchcraft is no longer only in Salem but has come to Andover. And so on May 29, 1692, Maggie, Hannah and Sarah walk the distance to Goody Carrier's house to see her arrested for being a witch, changing life in Andover for everyone.
Like the citizens of Salem, where a witchcraft frenzy was already in full sway, Andover was a Puritan settlement and now the same kind of witchcraft frenzy is stirred up in the Meeting House there, fueled by the afternoon sermons of Rev. Thomas Barnard. Rev. Dane attempted to be the voice of reason but fear drives people's feeling and before long, arrests are made, including Polly Bridges' mother, an arrest that nearly destroys the family.
Throughout all this, Maggie can only watch and worry. But she stands by her friend Polly as much as possible. And because her father is the magistrate, it is his job to write the arrest warrants for all the witchcraft arrests that follow Goody Carrier's that fateful summer and fall of 1692. But there comes a point when he can no longer go against his conscience and when he refuses to write any more warrants, Maggie, her parents and brother are forced to flee Andover and hide out in New Hampshire, leaving behind Maggie's beloved dog, Tobey. Tobey pays a heavy price when it is rumored that he has been bewitched by Maggie's Uncle John Bradstreet, as does everyone who is accused of being a witch, a wizard or bewitched by one of them.
At the back of the book, Gretchen Gibbs explains how The Book of Maggie Bradstreet came about. Her parents were both interested in family history and it was her father discovered they were related to Dudley Bradstreet, the magistrate, and how he refused to write any more warrants. Maggie's diary is, however, historical fiction based on real events and real people, most of whom appear in this book. Much of the information about the accused and their trials that Maggie details in her fictional diary was obtained from records of the time found at the Historical Societies of Andover.
I found Maggie Bradstreet to be a believable character, because she is far from perfect, even in Puritan society and one that kids would really be able to relate to. Because her diary is kept in a secret place, she is honest about her crush on Polly's cousin Tyler, how she feels towards other people, and through her writing, you can see how she begins to develop her own skepticism about witchcraft based on what she sees and hears.
I found The Book of Maggie Bradstreet to be an engaging, thought provoking novel, one that is eminently readable. I think it also resonates in today's world because it shows how easily people can be swayed to believe even the most unlikely things about their former friends and neighbors. Which is scary stuff, when you think about it.
I personally like reading books about this period of American history, for much the same reason as Gibbs. I, too, have family that witnessed but were not involved in the witchcraft accusations, trials and hanging in Salem, MA. Gibbs enough background information about that, so the story would appeal even to a reader not familiar with the Witch Trials. She also gives lots of detailed information about what life was life for the Puritans on a daily basis, and the influence their religion had one them, but not so much that it bogs down the story.
The Book of Maggie Bradstreet includes a map and information about what happened to the people involved in the Witch Trials of Andover. This book is a nice companion to Elizabeth George Speare's novel The Witch of Blackbird Pond, which takes place a few years before the Salem Witch Trials, but shows how witchcraft was in the air even then. Maggie Bradstreet is a nice addition to any classroom, home school, or personal library.
This book is recommended for readers 12+
This book was received as an eARC from Net Galley
This review originally appeared on Randomly Reading
Maggie would much rather go off with her friends - Polly Bridges, whose father is a blacksmith and tends to drink away his profits and is considered not a fit friend for Maggie by her parents; Hannah Dane, granddaughter of Reverend Francis Dane; and Sarah Abbot, the first to bring the news to Maggie and Hannah that witchcraft is no longer only in Salem but has come to Andover. And so on May 29, 1692, Maggie, Hannah and Sarah walk the distance to Goody Carrier's house to see her arrested for being a witch, changing life in Andover for everyone.
Like the citizens of Salem, where a witchcraft frenzy was already in full sway, Andover was a Puritan settlement and now the same kind of witchcraft frenzy is stirred up in the Meeting House there, fueled by the afternoon sermons of Rev. Thomas Barnard. Rev. Dane attempted to be the voice of reason but fear drives people's feeling and before long, arrests are made, including Polly Bridges' mother, an arrest that nearly destroys the family.
Throughout all this, Maggie can only watch and worry. But she stands by her friend Polly as much as possible. And because her father is the magistrate, it is his job to write the arrest warrants for all the witchcraft arrests that follow Goody Carrier's that fateful summer and fall of 1692. But there comes a point when he can no longer go against his conscience and when he refuses to write any more warrants, Maggie, her parents and brother are forced to flee Andover and hide out in New Hampshire, leaving behind Maggie's beloved dog, Tobey. Tobey pays a heavy price when it is rumored that he has been bewitched by Maggie's Uncle John Bradstreet, as does everyone who is accused of being a witch, a wizard or bewitched by one of them.
At the back of the book, Gretchen Gibbs explains how The Book of Maggie Bradstreet came about. Her parents were both interested in family history and it was her father discovered they were related to Dudley Bradstreet, the magistrate, and how he refused to write any more warrants. Maggie's diary is, however, historical fiction based on real events and real people, most of whom appear in this book. Much of the information about the accused and their trials that Maggie details in her fictional diary was obtained from records of the time found at the Historical Societies of Andover.
I found Maggie Bradstreet to be a believable character, because she is far from perfect, even in Puritan society and one that kids would really be able to relate to. Because her diary is kept in a secret place, she is honest about her crush on Polly's cousin Tyler, how she feels towards other people, and through her writing, you can see how she begins to develop her own skepticism about witchcraft based on what she sees and hears.
I found The Book of Maggie Bradstreet to be an engaging, thought provoking novel, one that is eminently readable. I think it also resonates in today's world because it shows how easily people can be swayed to believe even the most unlikely things about their former friends and neighbors. Which is scary stuff, when you think about it.
I personally like reading books about this period of American history, for much the same reason as Gibbs. I, too, have family that witnessed but were not involved in the witchcraft accusations, trials and hanging in Salem, MA. Gibbs enough background information about that, so the story would appeal even to a reader not familiar with the Witch Trials. She also gives lots of detailed information about what life was life for the Puritans on a daily basis, and the influence their religion had one them, but not so much that it bogs down the story.
The Book of Maggie Bradstreet includes a map and information about what happened to the people involved in the Witch Trials of Andover. This book is a nice companion to Elizabeth George Speare's novel The Witch of Blackbird Pond, which takes place a few years before the Salem Witch Trials, but shows how witchcraft was in the air even then. Maggie Bradstreet is a nice addition to any classroom, home school, or personal library.
This book is recommended for readers 12+
This book was received as an eARC from Net Galley
This review originally appeared on Randomly Reading
May 4, 2012
I love The Book of Maggie Bradstreet. (For that matter, I love Maggie Bradstreet herself.) History, intrigue coming-of-age..... plus you get to read someone's diary. It's the very definition of a page-turner!
July 6, 2015
A very well done fictionalisation of actual events and people. The voice of the 13 year old narrator is authentic.
October 3, 2020
Really enjoyed this book
I was very curious to also see how my colonial ancestors lived at the time. I loved the story about Maggie and was heartbroken by the hanging of her dear Toby and anxious to learn that the fear of famine and a harsh climate and other causes contributed to the witchcraft hysteria. A really great book.
I was very curious to also see how my colonial ancestors lived at the time. I loved the story about Maggie and was heartbroken by the hanging of her dear Toby and anxious to learn that the fear of famine and a harsh climate and other causes contributed to the witchcraft hysteria. A really great book.
March 21, 2014
My copy was provided by Netgalley.
Maggie is just an innocent young girl living in the age of 1692, the time of the Salem Witch Trials. Maggie never imagined a witch could be living in her town and she was so naïve. She went through life doing multiple chores and taking care of her family. What Maggie can't help is her massive curiosity and the unknown feelings she feels towards Job, her best friend's brother.
Yet someone comes down with what seems like a curse laid by a witch. Suddenly, the town of Andover, Massachusetts becomes possessed with hysteria. It seems like every day a new witch is discovered. People are being accused left and right and Maggie seems to think there is a system to who is being accused, like someone is acting out of revenge. But when it seems as if Maggie's friends are going to be accused and possibly hanged, Maggie will do anything to help her friends, even if it means she will end up being accused herself.
This book perfectly captures the terror of the Salem Witch Trails. One day, you don't have a secret between yourself and your best friend and the next day she is accused of being a witch. The hysteria the people felt was described vividly, depicting what a terrible age this was.
What Maggie experienced during the witchcraft frenzy felt very real. I felt as if I could connect to her, even though she lived in Puritan New England. I mean, she certainly wasn't perfect and she didn't leave anything out when she wrote in her journal. She wrote all about how she wasn't good at needlework, how she wanted to continue at school, and how she felt about Job. Maggie felt really real to me and she was a believable character. I really enjoyed seeing how Maggie changed throughout the story. At first, she believed in everyone's tales over how everyone accused is really a witch, but as time grew on and Maggie discovered a pattern, she started to doubt her townspeople.
This book creates a feeling of terror among the people who read this and for people who have heard of the Salem Witch Trials. The book vividly depicts how quickly society can revert back to feudal times when people were killed just for being different. It's terrifying that even in today's society, everyone can be swayed by hysteria. Highly unlikely rumors could be thought as true just because everyone else believes in it.
Along with talking about the Salem Witch Trials, Gibbs explains what it was like to be a Puritan and what religion meant to them. This book was rich with history and instead of being boring, I felt as if I learned many things while I ravenously read this book.
I definitely recommend this book to people who loves historic books and people who want to learn more about the Salem Witch Trials.
Maggie is just an innocent young girl living in the age of 1692, the time of the Salem Witch Trials. Maggie never imagined a witch could be living in her town and she was so naïve. She went through life doing multiple chores and taking care of her family. What Maggie can't help is her massive curiosity and the unknown feelings she feels towards Job, her best friend's brother.
Yet someone comes down with what seems like a curse laid by a witch. Suddenly, the town of Andover, Massachusetts becomes possessed with hysteria. It seems like every day a new witch is discovered. People are being accused left and right and Maggie seems to think there is a system to who is being accused, like someone is acting out of revenge. But when it seems as if Maggie's friends are going to be accused and possibly hanged, Maggie will do anything to help her friends, even if it means she will end up being accused herself.
This book perfectly captures the terror of the Salem Witch Trails. One day, you don't have a secret between yourself and your best friend and the next day she is accused of being a witch. The hysteria the people felt was described vividly, depicting what a terrible age this was.
What Maggie experienced during the witchcraft frenzy felt very real. I felt as if I could connect to her, even though she lived in Puritan New England. I mean, she certainly wasn't perfect and she didn't leave anything out when she wrote in her journal. She wrote all about how she wasn't good at needlework, how she wanted to continue at school, and how she felt about Job. Maggie felt really real to me and she was a believable character. I really enjoyed seeing how Maggie changed throughout the story. At first, she believed in everyone's tales over how everyone accused is really a witch, but as time grew on and Maggie discovered a pattern, she started to doubt her townspeople.
This book creates a feeling of terror among the people who read this and for people who have heard of the Salem Witch Trials. The book vividly depicts how quickly society can revert back to feudal times when people were killed just for being different. It's terrifying that even in today's society, everyone can be swayed by hysteria. Highly unlikely rumors could be thought as true just because everyone else believes in it.
Along with talking about the Salem Witch Trials, Gibbs explains what it was like to be a Puritan and what religion meant to them. This book was rich with history and instead of being boring, I felt as if I learned many things while I ravenously read this book.
I definitely recommend this book to people who loves historic books and people who want to learn more about the Salem Witch Trials.
June 1, 2014
From www.thebookdorks.com
Can we talk for a minute about how freaking glad I am that I wasn't born a Puritan? That time was 1) scary, 2) horrible and depressing. I mean, they didn't even get to wear pretty clothes! Which I know is one of the points of Puritanism, but whatever. If I'm gonna live in another time period, I'm gonna wear a big fluffy dress. Anyway, the Salem Witch Trials are completely terrifying to me. To see the vindictiveness that can lead to someone being declared a witch...horrible. Look at someone funny, and you could be thrown in a dirty prison for months and then hung. Geez.
Now, about Maggie Bradstreet. First of all, the book is written in the form of a thirteen-year-old's diary. And in that respect it's pretty well done, I could see a girl of that age writing/thinking these things. But on the other hand, it's...written by a thirteen-year-old girl. The wording is very straight forward, not poetic, not flowery, not particularly pretty. So...I can't decide whether that bugs me or not.
Maggie's just a normal colonial girl, blah blah cooking and cleaning and playing with her friends (and I absolutely love reading about daily life in other eras, so yay!), until people start being arrested as witches. It's scary to see things in the town get worse and worse, and to see Maggie get more and more scared. People close to her are being arrested left and right, for ridiculous reasons, and it just escalates from there. You know what, everyone should just read this book, it's worth it.
Some quotes from Maggie:
Unless I wasn't clear, I really, really liked this book. A lot. And then as an added bonus, all the historical references that I had to look up threw me into a Wikipedia loop again, so I feel like I'm learning things too! Did you know that Cotton Mather (the rotten witch hunter guy who actually does show up in the book) was the person to insist on inoculation against smallpox, effectively stopping the Boston smallpox epidemic of 1721?
So apparently I do like books about witchhunts after all. What else should I read?
The Book of Maggie Bradstreet was released on Mar 29 2012 by Glenmere Press. This book was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Can we talk for a minute about how freaking glad I am that I wasn't born a Puritan? That time was 1) scary, 2) horrible and depressing. I mean, they didn't even get to wear pretty clothes! Which I know is one of the points of Puritanism, but whatever. If I'm gonna live in another time period, I'm gonna wear a big fluffy dress. Anyway, the Salem Witch Trials are completely terrifying to me. To see the vindictiveness that can lead to someone being declared a witch...horrible. Look at someone funny, and you could be thrown in a dirty prison for months and then hung. Geez.
Now, about Maggie Bradstreet. First of all, the book is written in the form of a thirteen-year-old's diary. And in that respect it's pretty well done, I could see a girl of that age writing/thinking these things. But on the other hand, it's...written by a thirteen-year-old girl. The wording is very straight forward, not poetic, not flowery, not particularly pretty. So...I can't decide whether that bugs me or not.
Maggie's just a normal colonial girl, blah blah cooking and cleaning and playing with her friends (and I absolutely love reading about daily life in other eras, so yay!), until people start being arrested as witches. It's scary to see things in the town get worse and worse, and to see Maggie get more and more scared. People close to her are being arrested left and right, for ridiculous reasons, and it just escalates from there. You know what, everyone should just read this book, it's worth it.
Some quotes from Maggie:
"I wish Annie had lived, so that she could be the youngest child and have to pound the corn [instead of me]."
"I have never seen a man weep before, except Dudley, when he was twelve and I broke his finger with a mallet, after he tormented me wickedly."
Unless I wasn't clear, I really, really liked this book. A lot. And then as an added bonus, all the historical references that I had to look up threw me into a Wikipedia loop again, so I feel like I'm learning things too! Did you know that Cotton Mather (the rotten witch hunter guy who actually does show up in the book) was the person to insist on inoculation against smallpox, effectively stopping the Boston smallpox epidemic of 1721?
So apparently I do like books about witchhunts after all. What else should I read?
The Book of Maggie Bradstreet was released on Mar 29 2012 by Glenmere Press. This book was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2012
I won a free copy of “The Book of Maggie Bradstreet” as a first-reads giveaway.
Maggie Bradstreet is a 13 year old girl living in Andover, Massachusetts during the time of the witchcraft hysteria in the early 1690s. She bears witness to her community falling apart over the perceived evil in their midst. They blame the poor harvest, drought, illnesses and other misfortunes on the presence of witches. And once events in Andover start to resemble the events in Salem, and more neighbors and friends are arrested, Maggie and her family must make some difficult decisions.
I greatly admire Maggie for her loyalty to her friends and her unwillingness to let go of what she knows to be right even though it goes against popular opinion, her church, and her father. I was saddened as I read her story because it reminded me of the senseless loss of life and the cruel suffering endured by so many innocent people while the real villains like Reverend Barnard and Martha Sprague and their counterparts in Salem (Cotton Mather, Ann Putnam, and her friends) were never held accountable for their crimes.
I think this story is more historical fiction than true historical narrative. Although I know the author used facts whenever she could and it was clearly very well researched. I thought the period details were accurate and the characters believable. The reason I didn’t give this book 5 stars is that the ending left a little to be desired and I found some of the passages pertaining to Maggie’s perceived wickedness to be overly repetitive.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be a well written, fast paced, and entertaining read and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Maggie Bradstreet is a 13 year old girl living in Andover, Massachusetts during the time of the witchcraft hysteria in the early 1690s. She bears witness to her community falling apart over the perceived evil in their midst. They blame the poor harvest, drought, illnesses and other misfortunes on the presence of witches. And once events in Andover start to resemble the events in Salem, and more neighbors and friends are arrested, Maggie and her family must make some difficult decisions.
I greatly admire Maggie for her loyalty to her friends and her unwillingness to let go of what she knows to be right even though it goes against popular opinion, her church, and her father. I was saddened as I read her story because it reminded me of the senseless loss of life and the cruel suffering endured by so many innocent people while the real villains like Reverend Barnard and Martha Sprague and their counterparts in Salem (Cotton Mather, Ann Putnam, and her friends) were never held accountable for their crimes.
I think this story is more historical fiction than true historical narrative. Although I know the author used facts whenever she could and it was clearly very well researched. I thought the period details were accurate and the characters believable. The reason I didn’t give this book 5 stars is that the ending left a little to be desired and I found some of the passages pertaining to Maggie’s perceived wickedness to be overly repetitive.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be a well written, fast paced, and entertaining read and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
February 5, 2014
The Book of Maggie Bradstreet
Gretchen Gibbs
Copyright 2012
It's 1692 and Maggie is trying to make sense of all the trials of witches, she does not know what to believe at first, but when her best friend and her family are accused of being witches, Maggie decides to run away with Polly, and keep her safe, but soon Maggie's Father finds her, and is angry, because they were all worried, and Polly is forced into a jail full of accused witches. Some have confessed because they fear the consequences of not doing so and it does not take long for Maggie to realize that not all of these people can be witches.
It does not take long for Maggie's Father to be drawn into this mess and accused themselves, but they flee, trying hard to get away from the accusers. They are not used to life on the road, in such hard conditions, because they are used to the luxuries they have at home but they make do. They want to avoid being burned as witches, or drowned.
When Maggie's Uncle finds them to tell them the news, she cannot make sense of why they had to hang her dog. A lot of thing was making no sense to her, and she wishes she had never been so curious about the witches, the trials and all of that.
When they finally are able to return home Maggie discovers that though they are out of danger things have greatly changed, and somehow she must learn to accept those changes as hard as it is.
The Book of Maggie Bradstreet is a Historical fiction read, that I feel older children and young adults would enjoy if they are into historical fiction. Five stars...
Gretchen Gibbs
Copyright 2012
It's 1692 and Maggie is trying to make sense of all the trials of witches, she does not know what to believe at first, but when her best friend and her family are accused of being witches, Maggie decides to run away with Polly, and keep her safe, but soon Maggie's Father finds her, and is angry, because they were all worried, and Polly is forced into a jail full of accused witches. Some have confessed because they fear the consequences of not doing so and it does not take long for Maggie to realize that not all of these people can be witches.
It does not take long for Maggie's Father to be drawn into this mess and accused themselves, but they flee, trying hard to get away from the accusers. They are not used to life on the road, in such hard conditions, because they are used to the luxuries they have at home but they make do. They want to avoid being burned as witches, or drowned.
When Maggie's Uncle finds them to tell them the news, she cannot make sense of why they had to hang her dog. A lot of thing was making no sense to her, and she wishes she had never been so curious about the witches, the trials and all of that.
When they finally are able to return home Maggie discovers that though they are out of danger things have greatly changed, and somehow she must learn to accept those changes as hard as it is.
The Book of Maggie Bradstreet is a Historical fiction read, that I feel older children and young adults would enjoy if they are into historical fiction. Five stars...
March 22, 2014
This is a diary-style book recounting the events of the Massachusetts witch hunts through the eyes of 13 year old Maggie Bradstreet. Maggie deals with the witch hunts through fresh eyes. She asks important questions such as: If someone is different, does that mean they are a witch? How do we know the accusers are telling the truth? When people close to Maggie and her family are accused of witchcraft, Maggie and her family must make some difficult decisions. As Andover's Justice of the Peace, Maggie's father tries to see the truth in the accusations while still fulfilling his job.
I know I loved reading diary-style books when I was younger, so this is sure to be a winner with the Middle-School age group. The writing is appropriate for younger readers as well as enjoyable. Maggie's thoughts and actions surrounding the witch trials are sure to resonate with readers. Maggie's diary will tell of other events in the daily life of a teenager in the New World in the 1690's. Also, the characters and some of their roles within the trials are based on the author's ancestors and factual people of the town of Andover at the time; this was a bonus for me.
This book was provided for free in return for an honest review.
I know I loved reading diary-style books when I was younger, so this is sure to be a winner with the Middle-School age group. The writing is appropriate for younger readers as well as enjoyable. Maggie's thoughts and actions surrounding the witch trials are sure to resonate with readers. Maggie's diary will tell of other events in the daily life of a teenager in the New World in the 1690's. Also, the characters and some of their roles within the trials are based on the author's ancestors and factual people of the town of Andover at the time; this was a bonus for me.
This book was provided for free in return for an honest review.
October 12, 2012
After looking at the reviews for this book, it's apparent that someone needs to step up and take "Maggie" off the high horse that the few raters have put it on.
The book is dece. The story is, of course, pretty engaging. How could it not be? It's about Puritans and witches. But the writing has no art to it. It's just a list of events. There are hardly any beautiful descriptions or creative ways of taking the reader into the described moments of the characters' lives.
Perhaps the author knows that she can use the convenient excuse that the book is written from the perspective of a 13 year old girl. But, hopefully, any adult with a decent amount of sentience will realize that a 13 year old's perspective is dull (at least in this case).
The book is dece. The story is, of course, pretty engaging. How could it not be? It's about Puritans and witches. But the writing has no art to it. It's just a list of events. There are hardly any beautiful descriptions or creative ways of taking the reader into the described moments of the characters' lives.
Perhaps the author knows that she can use the convenient excuse that the book is written from the perspective of a 13 year old girl. But, hopefully, any adult with a decent amount of sentience will realize that a 13 year old's perspective is dull (at least in this case).
January 3, 2016
In this book the author takes real, ordinary people from history and builds an incredibly believable and realistic story around the available facts. Rather than dealing directly with a character who accuses others or is accused of witchcraft, it tells the story of a girl who moves from the edge of the situation to become more and more involved. Maggie starts out completely believing in the authority figures and the threats of witches in her community. Over the course of the story she observes, learns, and develops her own opinions. Through her eyes we experience the structure of Puritan living and many of the ways in which the fear of witches could tear apart a community.
* I received an electronic copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
* I received an electronic copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
February 6, 2014
This is the diary of young Maggie Bradstreet. It starts in the late 1600's in Andover, MA during the Salem Witch debacle.
Maggie's father is the Magistrate and therefore responsible for writing the warrants. Slowly the town's people are taken away one by one.
The story is the true story of the author's relatives.
I loved this book. Every time I read a book about the Salem Witch Trials, if they can be called that, it makes me ill. It's a wonderful book and tells of a horrible time in our history.
I would definitely recommend this book to about anyone, young or old. Also if you are interested in history, it is a must read. Great book.
Maggie's father is the Magistrate and therefore responsible for writing the warrants. Slowly the town's people are taken away one by one.
The story is the true story of the author's relatives.
I loved this book. Every time I read a book about the Salem Witch Trials, if they can be called that, it makes me ill. It's a wonderful book and tells of a horrible time in our history.
I would definitely recommend this book to about anyone, young or old. Also if you are interested in history, it is a must read. Great book.
December 13, 2015
I do like witch trial books, and while this one isn't one of the best I've read, it was fresh and informative and filled with just enough peril to keep it interesting. However there was a horrific retelling of the hanging of Maggie's pet dog, whom they had to leave behind when they fled, which was mentioned too often and described in WAY too much detail. I found such an event to be wholly unnecessary to the story. I know this was based on true events but I definitely think such a disturbing tale could have been left out, or at least not described in such distressing detail!
March 20, 2014
I LOVED this book. I have always been interested in the Salem Witch Trials, but it was not until recently that I realized that other towns were affected too. This story is told via the "diary" of Maggie, daughter of the town of Andover's magistrate. We see the town and its members through her eyes. Maggie and her friends think it is great fun to go and see the witch arrested, but when the arrests start coming closer to home, it is not so much a game as a fight for life.
December 6, 2012
The voice in this moving, beautifully written book is so authentic that it's difficult to believe it wasn't written by a young Puritan girl in 17th century Massachusetts. Maggie Bradstreet is an appealing character whose concerns we share as the witch trials threaten friends and neighbors, and ultimately Maggie's own family.
April 24, 2014
This is a well written historical novel set near Salem during the witch trials. Based on truth, this fiction story tells the tale of 13 year old Maggie Bradstreet, who tells her story of her life during the infamous witch trials. The story is riveting and I could not put it down. I received this book free to review from Netgalley.
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January 12, 2015Competantly written
The story of the storm of witchcraft accusation that occurred at Andover during the Salem witch trials is insightfully told here by a descendant of the Bradstreets, a respected Massachusetts family whose solid standing in the community was not enough to protect them from a theocracy built upon fear.
The story of the storm of witchcraft accusation that occurred at Andover during the Salem witch trials is insightfully told here by a descendant of the Bradstreets, a respected Massachusetts family whose solid standing in the community was not enough to protect them from a theocracy built upon fear.
February 20, 2014
an excellent book, definitely keeps you captivated all the way through. What's even more remarkable, is that the characters are real and the story is based on the author's own ancestors.
A great view into the paranoia and fear brought on by the witch hunt.
A great view into the paranoia and fear brought on by the witch hunt.
April 10, 2014
I wasn't sure how I would feel about reading a book written from the viewpoint of a 13 year old girl but I found it to be quite interesting. I've always been interested in the Salem Witch Trials but never thought about what it must have been like in nearby towns. This is a good tale.
July 2, 2012
I loved this book!
July 4, 2012
Great book! I loved the characters, the insight into that time and place, and the story, which kept me turning the pages. I highly recommend it!
July 4, 2012
I really enjoyed this! Maggie was so real and compelling a character that I found myself thinking of her long after I'd finished the book. What an adventure--it was great!
February 8, 2014
Wonderful!
Couldn't put it down! I have not read much on the history of the Salem witch trials and this was a great introduction.
Couldn't put it down! I have not read much on the history of the Salem witch trials and this was a great introduction.
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