Rachel Dyer: A North American Story

by John Neal

Rachel A North American Story is a novel written by John Neal. The story revolves around the character of Rachel Dyer, a young woman who is born into a family of Puritan settlers in the early 18th century in North America. Rachel is a strong-willed and independent woman who is determined to live life on her own terms, despite the strict religious and social norms of her time.As the story progresses, Rachel finds herself caught up in a number of adventures and challenges, including a love affair with a Native American man, a dangerous journey through the wilderness, and a struggle to reconcile her own beliefs with those of her community. Along the way, she also confronts issues of race, gender, and identity, as well as the harsh realities of life in a colonial society.Through Rachel's story, Neal explores themes of individualism, freedom, and self-discovery, as well as the complex relationships between different cultures and communities in early North America. The novel is written in a vivid and engaging style, with richly drawn characters and a compelling plot that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.Overall, Rachel A North American Story is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers a unique perspective on the history of North America and the struggles of its early settlers.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: Historical Fiction

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

John Neal was an American writer, critic, editor, lecturer, and activist. Considered both eccentric and influential, he delivered speeches and published essays, novels, poems, and short stories between the 1810s and 1870s in the United States and Great Britain, championing American literary nationalism and regionalism in their earliest stages. Neal advanced the development of American art, fought for women's rights, advocated the end of slavery and racial prejudice, and helped establish the American gymnastics movement.

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great unknown 19th Century novel about the Salem witchcraft episode. John Neal's nervous, vibrating style is unique.

[H Mik · Rating 2 out of 5]

John Neal began by repeatedly informing the reader that his book would a) be the first true American novel and b) his book would be the height of American fiction; I fear he lied. This book was a desperate, wandering, unbound search for voice that ultimately ended up focusing so much on style that the plot became largely incomprehensible, even with a background knowledge of the Salem witch trials.

[Emma Watson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was the biggest drag to finish ever. 2 stars instead of 1 because it at least inspires good conversation

[Sudip Ganguly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel Dyer – A North American Story by John Neal is a difficult and hard read regarding the Salem Witch Trials. Though the novel is name after Rachel Dyer, the fictional granddaughter of Mary Dyer, a historical character who was one of the nineteen victims in the witch trials frenzy that had gripped North American colonies in period between 1692 to 1693; but the novel is actually about George Burroughs a non-ordained puritan preacher who had the distinction of being the only minister of church among the 19 victims during this period.
Throughout the novel, the author’s efforts and desire to free the American literature from the legacy of British Literature is quite apparent. The style of writing is also distinct and unique in using Yankee dialect, which definitely has left an impression on American Literature. The novel tries to show the psyche of people who raised accusation of witchcraft towards the victims, in a rational and understanding way instead of demonizing them. The dark pubic psychology of fear and superstition is led bare to the readers.
Though a difficult and slow read, still I would definitely recommend to all serious literature buffs to have a go at the book.

[Lulu]

1828 salem trials