Avery’s Knot

by Mary Cable

In May 1832, in Newport, Rhode Island, a Methodist minister named Ephraim K. Avery was tried for the murder of a twenty-nine-year-old mill worker, Sarah Marie Cornell. It was the first time a clergyman had ever been tried for murder in the United States and the first time an American murder trial became headline news. From this factual base, Mary Cable weaves a chilling novel of gothic desires and conflicting classes. She creates a rich atmosphere to show New England as it was then - simple, puritanical, superstitious, and unsentimental - on the brink of emerging from the eighteenth century into an industrial and far-more-complicated age. This dramatic, compelling story is as much about a time and place as it is about a notorious murder trial. A work of poetic intensity, Avery’s Knot is finally a classic, tragic tale of a woman caught between passion and puritanism.

Genres: Historical Fiction, True Crime

190 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 1981

Reviews

[Barbara D. Mason · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although the writing style was good, this was a painful read! I can't believe I stuck with it. Avery was a despicable character--nothing to like about him at all. He charmed his way through life, but he could flip out on a moment's notice and be cruel, mean and ultimately violent. Because this society was so religiously fundamental, he was revered, while Sarah was forced to run from town to town in an attempt to evade a false reputation. How frustrating to read about life at this time for a young female (who had no rights and was forced to live by strict religious rules), and the court system that was allowed to defile her without evidence. An unsettling read.

[Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable historical {fiction / non-fiction}. Based on true events and characters, and according to the author, true to all that is known with gaps filled in with the most likely events.

I read it for the historical part. Learned a bit about life in the mid 19th century, so enjoyed from that perspective. And the story moves along fairly well, and doesn't get too hung up in romance. So OK, but not more than that, from this guy's point of view.

[Roger Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable 19th Century English mystery involving a Methodist clergyman and a young vulnerable mill girl. Interesting build up to the trial and a somewhat surprising verdict.

[Kay Sagers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

Interesting the customs of the day are explored very well not a book to be read for entertainment but history

[The Jajh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Underwhelming

Interesting plot, but for me, too long and plodding. Not sorry I read it, but was left with a sort of depressed feeling. No one comes out well.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting story based upon true events. The author did a very good job of bringing these people to life.