What do you think?
Rate this book
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
It is 1769 and Hannah and Verity are Puritan daughters of New England. Their involvement in a serious crime has rendered them ‘Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God’. The village of Buxton is scandalised, and family reputations are threatened. Hannah and Verity are torn between what they were brought up to believe and the possibility of forgiveness for their sins.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2020
7 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 6, 2021
A fascinating historical period explored through the lives of those living in it. The author based the book (very loosely) on a true story (explained at the end) and fleshes it out to give a snapshot of what it might have been like living in a time where America was on the brink of war and the tension between puritans and those with slightly looser morals was strained.
April 23, 2022
I wanted to read this because I have an academic interest in habitus and discourse as they relate to the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism/Calvinism, ie. how the respective religions instill different ways of living, thinking and social relationships, as well as explore notions around predestination. (See Max Weber’s the Protestant Ethic & the Spirit of Capitalism).
While the novel did explore or illustrate these to some extent, and draw out some possible fallacies about “the chosen”, I think it could have done more in this, or be something to be taken up in a sequel of sorts. Perhaps the hermit, Methuselah, could have been better as a conduit for antagonism, as also could Rev. Paxton. But this antagonism was only occasionally voiced by a few relatively uneducated and young people, who only queried in passing some of the contradictions of Calvinism, but nevertheless shows how power linked to or based in religion works/ed to impose conformity and control (ie. power), and the hypocrisy of Calvinism in that it imposed as much if not more conformity than Catholicism against which Protestants protested.
One point that reoccurred was that of being preordained: then why subscribe to goodness and God, with Rev. Milne responding that one had to prepare for God’s coming of one’s soul. But if pre-destination was unconditional, then…. See p59-62+. This is not to say that Catholicism (or indeed other religions) do not have inherent contradictions, such that one could go on a killing spree but confess on one’s death bed and be redeemed….
But, as a novel, it was sufficiently developed to hold the reader’s attention, wondering what would occur next, and illuminating somewhat how people behaved, what they believed, and how the colonial social and judicial system worked based on the situation in 1700s. Some good details and description also of domestic/culinary attributes.
I was a little wary of accepting this as gospel, as the town/s seemed a little too industrially developed and wealthy (there didn’t appear to be any real poor people---was this because they were Protestants and thereby thrifty?) and lacked harshness in survival. Perhaps some historical background to the specific town/s and Boston needed.
Another problem that made the storyline difficult to follow at times was the expansive cast of characters and their kindred/household relationship to one another. I know there was a list of characters at the start, but I couldn’t keep going back to that to discern who was who etc. (Incidentally, page 277 Dr Morse is giving evidence, then he suddenly becomes Dr Wilkinson !)
Some smaller issues are: the “trade” needed better explanation of what it actually was; some finer editing needed (spelling, grammar, punctuation etc), and not sure an epilogue was needed.
Overall, a light pleasant read, that was not too demanding. The small chapters were useful, perhaps they could be given Headings to encapsulate the salient theme of each.
While the novel did explore or illustrate these to some extent, and draw out some possible fallacies about “the chosen”, I think it could have done more in this, or be something to be taken up in a sequel of sorts. Perhaps the hermit, Methuselah, could have been better as a conduit for antagonism, as also could Rev. Paxton. But this antagonism was only occasionally voiced by a few relatively uneducated and young people, who only queried in passing some of the contradictions of Calvinism, but nevertheless shows how power linked to or based in religion works/ed to impose conformity and control (ie. power), and the hypocrisy of Calvinism in that it imposed as much if not more conformity than Catholicism against which Protestants protested.
One point that reoccurred was that of being preordained: then why subscribe to goodness and God, with Rev. Milne responding that one had to prepare for God’s coming of one’s soul. But if pre-destination was unconditional, then…. See p59-62+. This is not to say that Catholicism (or indeed other religions) do not have inherent contradictions, such that one could go on a killing spree but confess on one’s death bed and be redeemed….
But, as a novel, it was sufficiently developed to hold the reader’s attention, wondering what would occur next, and illuminating somewhat how people behaved, what they believed, and how the colonial social and judicial system worked based on the situation in 1700s. Some good details and description also of domestic/culinary attributes.
I was a little wary of accepting this as gospel, as the town/s seemed a little too industrially developed and wealthy (there didn’t appear to be any real poor people---was this because they were Protestants and thereby thrifty?) and lacked harshness in survival. Perhaps some historical background to the specific town/s and Boston needed.
Another problem that made the storyline difficult to follow at times was the expansive cast of characters and their kindred/household relationship to one another. I know there was a list of characters at the start, but I couldn’t keep going back to that to discern who was who etc. (Incidentally, page 277 Dr Morse is giving evidence, then he suddenly becomes Dr Wilkinson !)
Some smaller issues are: the “trade” needed better explanation of what it actually was; some finer editing needed (spelling, grammar, punctuation etc), and not sure an epilogue was needed.
Overall, a light pleasant read, that was not too demanding. The small chapters were useful, perhaps they could be given Headings to encapsulate the salient theme of each.
Read
January 28, 2024Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, takes the reader back in time and focuses on what life was like in Pre-Revolutionary America for people who break the rules of their community. Or even question the status quo. But it is still modern in outlook. If something similar were to happen today the women would still be the ones blamed and the men would avoid punishment. The professional would still be respectable and the women seen to be the cause of the problem.
The story begins slowly but this gives the reader time to be introduced to the complexities of village life and to get a flavor of the times. Such as the theological differences between two evangelical protestant viewpoints. I could not help wonder where this would lead as the differences were contrasted to the appeal of atheism. Then some Catholic opinion was introduced but had to be kept secret. This helps to set the backdrop to the theological opinions which were important to people at the time.
However, I couldn't but try and second guess the author. Was she going to attack the Christian religion per se? What side of the theological divide would she declare for?
The reader looks on as the story progresses from a place where they can be like God and judge the characters and the events. As they unfold the reader, like God, could become angry at the injustices done and at the eventual outcome. As I was.
Ultimately the story is one about redemption. Matthew, a young man who agreed to marry the young woman he impregnated, even when there was reasonable circumstances to doubt he was the father, is the first to be redeemed. Although he struggled with Calvinism and the harsh religion on offer he recognized that the love that his wife and child gave him was the best thing that had happened to him. He stands by and supports the women in his life and is the first to be repulsed by what is done to female deviants.
The second redemption is the young man whose actions had caused the main event to occur. Having escaped the legal punishment that he deserved , returns to the village in the epilogue. He returns as a reformed character and a married man.
At last we have it. For Judie Mitchell's story, women should be the one's who are angry and it is through a woman that this bad character eventually finds redemption. Calvinists take note.
The story begins slowly but this gives the reader time to be introduced to the complexities of village life and to get a flavor of the times. Such as the theological differences between two evangelical protestant viewpoints. I could not help wonder where this would lead as the differences were contrasted to the appeal of atheism. Then some Catholic opinion was introduced but had to be kept secret. This helps to set the backdrop to the theological opinions which were important to people at the time.
However, I couldn't but try and second guess the author. Was she going to attack the Christian religion per se? What side of the theological divide would she declare for?
The reader looks on as the story progresses from a place where they can be like God and judge the characters and the events. As they unfold the reader, like God, could become angry at the injustices done and at the eventual outcome. As I was.
Ultimately the story is one about redemption. Matthew, a young man who agreed to marry the young woman he impregnated, even when there was reasonable circumstances to doubt he was the father, is the first to be redeemed. Although he struggled with Calvinism and the harsh religion on offer he recognized that the love that his wife and child gave him was the best thing that had happened to him. He stands by and supports the women in his life and is the first to be repulsed by what is done to female deviants.
The second redemption is the young man whose actions had caused the main event to occur. Having escaped the legal punishment that he deserved , returns to the village in the epilogue. He returns as a reformed character and a married man.
At last we have it. For Judie Mitchell's story, women should be the one's who are angry and it is through a woman that this bad character eventually finds redemption. Calvinists take note.
December 11, 2025
This is a story set in the 1700s and explores the issues faced by the people (especially women) of a small town in America during the British rule. The core element of the story is the rules that are set based on religious beliefs and how they often tend to favour the perpetrator if they are male, and more so if they are from affluent families. Since I don't follow the religion, I'm gonna refrain from talking about that and only draw parallels with what I generally know and believe.
The beginning of the book was pretty slow, and the story takes its own sweet time to evolve. This is because there are numerous characters and complex relationships being established, and scenes being set in an attempt to give the readers a true experience of that time period. It goes on to show the kind of research that has gone into this story.
The characters were built up well to show the moral dilemmas regarding what they were told to believe was right and what their inner conscience told them.
However, I felt like there were way too many characters than necessary, and some of them were not explored even when there was a bit of potential.
But the author does a great job in showing the contrasts between the two males in the story (Mathew and Josiah)—how one chooses the path of redemption and the other simply chooses to tend to his narcissistic beliefs and convince himself that everyone is wrong but him.
As I was reading this story, I kind of had an inkling that this might be based on true events, and I was right, lol. I don't know if I can call this a spoiler, but the fact that the world would blame women without flinching and let the men involved walk free is not something to be surprised of. This has been happening since forever. That is exactly what happens here as well.
This is a story that makes one wonder who the real sinners are, and what God is actually angry about.
Overall, this was a 3.5/5 read.
The beginning of the book was pretty slow, and the story takes its own sweet time to evolve. This is because there are numerous characters and complex relationships being established, and scenes being set in an attempt to give the readers a true experience of that time period. It goes on to show the kind of research that has gone into this story.
The characters were built up well to show the moral dilemmas regarding what they were told to believe was right and what their inner conscience told them.
However, I felt like there were way too many characters than necessary, and some of them were not explored even when there was a bit of potential.
But the author does a great job in showing the contrasts between the two males in the story (Mathew and Josiah)—how one chooses the path of redemption and the other simply chooses to tend to his narcissistic beliefs and convince himself that everyone is wrong but him.
As I was reading this story, I kind of had an inkling that this might be based on true events, and I was right, lol. I don't know if I can call this a spoiler, but the fact that the world would blame women without flinching and let the men involved walk free is not something to be surprised of. This has been happening since forever. That is exactly what happens here as well.
This is a story that makes one wonder who the real sinners are, and what God is actually angry about.
Overall, this was a 3.5/5 read.
October 26, 2021
The names used are truly historically authentic, which I love. The inclusion of the family groups and their ages listed after the table of contents is cause for both intrigue and perplexity. Before diving into the tale, it creates questions about who is at the center and who might remain in the background.
Blunt in a mature manner. The words 'vulva' and 'rape' are found in the first chapter alone. Suitable for the heavy topic. A difficult but necessary read.
Diving into the midst of historical culture is fascinating. As an American, Tories are often villainized against the Patriots. It's interesting to peek into the mindsets of a people and time so vastly unlike anyone we know or anything we've experienced. Yet, there is a common humanity that keeps it relatable enough to connect to the characters even still.
"But did God do anything about this? No, wicked rich men continued to thrive and innocent poor people to die."
Women attempt to navigate a time, culture, and world that simply wasn't intended for them to thrive in. People in general question and drop religion in an era when people just didn't, lest they become an outcast.
These characters feel real and you will get attached.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this work from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
Blunt in a mature manner. The words 'vulva' and 'rape' are found in the first chapter alone. Suitable for the heavy topic. A difficult but necessary read.
Diving into the midst of historical culture is fascinating. As an American, Tories are often villainized against the Patriots. It's interesting to peek into the mindsets of a people and time so vastly unlike anyone we know or anything we've experienced. Yet, there is a common humanity that keeps it relatable enough to connect to the characters even still.
"But did God do anything about this? No, wicked rich men continued to thrive and innocent poor people to die."
Women attempt to navigate a time, culture, and world that simply wasn't intended for them to thrive in. People in general question and drop religion in an era when people just didn't, lest they become an outcast.
These characters feel real and you will get attached.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this work from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
January 2, 2022
I received this book through Voracious Readers Only.
A very well researched novel set in America four years before the famous Boston Tea Party. It follows the story of two women both made pregnant but under different circumstances. One of the things I liked about this book was the fact I had to google certain things. I like books that teach me something I didn’t know.
I had never heard of the term “trade” for the inducing a miscarriage. And the doctrine called Arminian was something I had not heard of either.
The story emphasises how women were blamed for becoming pregnant if not married even if raped. They had no rights and were ruled by, in this case the Puritan doctrines of the day. The church ruled their lives in every shape and form.
The first half of the book is atmospheric and is a window into the lives of everyday people in the small town of Buxton in Maine. Judie describes the daily lives of the women in such detail, it almost reads like a diary of a young woman of 1769.
It was an intriguing story full of moral dilemmas, religious tensions and complex family dynamics. The characters are believable and as the reader we can sympathise with them.
What I really like was that “justice” as we know it does not prevail which gave the book even more credence. It did not surprise me to read at the end that it was based on a true story.
A very well researched novel set in America four years before the famous Boston Tea Party. It follows the story of two women both made pregnant but under different circumstances. One of the things I liked about this book was the fact I had to google certain things. I like books that teach me something I didn’t know.
I had never heard of the term “trade” for the inducing a miscarriage. And the doctrine called Arminian was something I had not heard of either.
The story emphasises how women were blamed for becoming pregnant if not married even if raped. They had no rights and were ruled by, in this case the Puritan doctrines of the day. The church ruled their lives in every shape and form.
The first half of the book is atmospheric and is a window into the lives of everyday people in the small town of Buxton in Maine. Judie describes the daily lives of the women in such detail, it almost reads like a diary of a young woman of 1769.
It was an intriguing story full of moral dilemmas, religious tensions and complex family dynamics. The characters are believable and as the reader we can sympathise with them.
What I really like was that “justice” as we know it does not prevail which gave the book even more credence. It did not surprise me to read at the end that it was based on a true story.
September 20, 2023
A very well researched novel set in America four years before the famous Boston Tea Party. It follows the story of two women both made pregnant but under different circumstances. One of the things I liked about this book was the fact I had to google certain things. I like books that teach me something I didn’t know.
I had never heard of the term “trade” for the inducing a miscarriage. And the doctrine called Arminian was something I had not heard of either.
The story emphasizes how women were blamed for becoming pregnant if not married even if raped. They had no rights and were ruled by, in this case the Puritan doctrines of the day. The church ruled their lives in every shape and form.
The first half of the book is atmospheric and is a window into the lives of everyday people in the small town of Buxton in Maine. Judie describes the daily lives of the women in such detail, it almost reads like a diary of a young woman of 1769.
It was an intriguing story full of moral dilemmas, religious tensions and complex family dynamics. The characters are believable and as the reader we can sympathize with them.
What I really like was that “justice” as we know it does not prevail which gave the book even more credence. It did not surprise me to read at the end that it was based on a true story.
I had never heard of the term “trade” for the inducing a miscarriage. And the doctrine called Arminian was something I had not heard of either.
The story emphasizes how women were blamed for becoming pregnant if not married even if raped. They had no rights and were ruled by, in this case the Puritan doctrines of the day. The church ruled their lives in every shape and form.
The first half of the book is atmospheric and is a window into the lives of everyday people in the small town of Buxton in Maine. Judie describes the daily lives of the women in such detail, it almost reads like a diary of a young woman of 1769.
It was an intriguing story full of moral dilemmas, religious tensions and complex family dynamics. The characters are believable and as the reader we can sympathize with them.
What I really like was that “justice” as we know it does not prevail which gave the book even more credence. It did not surprise me to read at the end that it was based on a true story.
June 17, 2024
The book portrays a stark depiction of Puritan rural family life in Massachusetts from 1769 to 1771- their customs and traditions and the standing typical attitude and sentiment towards religion, abortion and pre-marital sex during that particular period. The writer did a thorough job of researching and presenting the minute historical details including reference to the brewing American revolution.
The story was interesting, captivating and engaging. The narrative revolved on the untimely death of young Polly Price due to an abortive miscarriage which implicated Dr. Foster, the physician who prescribed the "trade" and performed the abortion which was considered a crime, Josiah Parson (her sexual partner), Polly's sister Verity and sister-in law, Hannah. It was like going down the corridors of time and participating vicariously and be exposed and be in contact with the 18th century lifestyle.
If you appreciate historical fiction/drama with authentic court battle scenes then this is the novel for you!!!
The story was interesting, captivating and engaging. The narrative revolved on the untimely death of young Polly Price due to an abortive miscarriage which implicated Dr. Foster, the physician who prescribed the "trade" and performed the abortion which was considered a crime, Josiah Parson (her sexual partner), Polly's sister Verity and sister-in law, Hannah. It was like going down the corridors of time and participating vicariously and be exposed and be in contact with the 18th century lifestyle.
If you appreciate historical fiction/drama with authentic court battle scenes then this is the novel for you!!!
April 20, 2023
This is a historical novel set in the later half of colonial Massachusetts over 75 years after the Salem witch trial and immediately prior to the American revolution. The puritan society is still a strong influence in the colony at this time but more liberal religious teachings are making inroads. The story centers primarily on a group of characters dealing with an unplanned pregnancy and the remedies attempted in order to avoid shame and being ostracized by others in the community. When the death of a young woman occurs under suspicious circumstances her closest friends and relatives are torn as to whether or not to keep their secrets or confess what they know so that justice prevails.
In my opinion this was a well written story and although not necessarily an exciting tale, one that sheds light on the people in colonial Massachusetts during this changing time. This book was one I obtained for free from Voracious Readers in exchange for a honest review.
In my opinion this was a well written story and although not necessarily an exciting tale, one that sheds light on the people in colonial Massachusetts during this changing time. This book was one I obtained for free from Voracious Readers in exchange for a honest review.
January 12, 2022
A historical novel based on real events that happened around the 18th century; the young inhabitants of a small town in New England who professed Calvinist beliefs and the consequences of the radicalism with which they lived at that time. The problem of all times: unwanted pregnancies, rapes and abuses that socially have always affected women more than men due to the judgments that are issued on the victims and the harshness of the consequences and sanctions to which they are entitled, sometimes paying even with their owns life. ; coupled with the Calvinist current that issued harsh judgments and demands on the good of living in order to be saved, "only people who were born being previously chosen by God were saved."
In this fight to face adversity, these young women come together, supporting each other and keeping secrets from each other, which do not contain evil but who keep them and remain silent with much guilt. The writer shows a great empathetic quality to be able to understand the anguish and fears that were experienced at that time, to put it on paper. The characters are well defined and the novel is well grounded. 100% recommended, without fear of being wrong; It invites a lot to reflection and questioning about our belief schemes.
In this fight to face adversity, these young women come together, supporting each other and keeping secrets from each other, which do not contain evil but who keep them and remain silent with much guilt. The writer shows a great empathetic quality to be able to understand the anguish and fears that were experienced at that time, to put it on paper. The characters are well defined and the novel is well grounded. 100% recommended, without fear of being wrong; It invites a lot to reflection and questioning about our belief schemes.
November 30, 2021
Well written and well researched, I actually enjoyed the different religious as well as political views (which is not something I ever thought I would be saying) but it definitely helped to build the scene and the atmosphere at the time the novel is set, this story caught nuances which are absent in most novels set in this period and it also outlined how hard the average woman had to work at the time. Very interesting and refreshing, one of the best stories I have been offered by voracious readers and a definite improvement on some of the so called historical novels on offer. While not one of my all time favourite novels I would be happy to recommend this story to anyone wanting to understand the time period a little better.
February 28, 2022
A work of fiction, based on a true story from the 18th century in New England, it tells of the lives of two young women living in the confined society of a small town where religion is a dominating force. The consequences of secret pregnancies, family dynamics and the power imbalance between men and women unfold in this very readable novel. It is evident that it is based on contemporary factual accounts of life in Puritan times when women were considered spiritually and morally inferior to men, and women were held to very different standards than men. For readers who may not be so familiar with the history of Puritans in North America it is a particularly insightful work. The characters are credible, and the storyline moves at a good pace.
November 19, 2022
I began reading this book with hesitation as it appeared to be a dry, harsh topic.
But I continues as I wanted to read historical fiction for self-instruction in this genre.
Ms Mitchell develops the characters slowly and skilfully.
As she presents the context - life and love within their families, the control of religion and the claustrophobic townspeople - they emerge from the page as vibrant, young women struggling with the oppressive 'norms' controlling their lives . We are 'drawn' to have sympathy for their thoughts and situation
My initial trepidation of a 'slow' read was replaced with an increasing wish to find if any just resolution could be found against mounting emotional and evidentiary obstacles.
Ms Mitchell kept the narrative true to its historical period.
But I continues as I wanted to read historical fiction for self-instruction in this genre.
Ms Mitchell develops the characters slowly and skilfully.
As she presents the context - life and love within their families, the control of religion and the claustrophobic townspeople - they emerge from the page as vibrant, young women struggling with the oppressive 'norms' controlling their lives . We are 'drawn' to have sympathy for their thoughts and situation
My initial trepidation of a 'slow' read was replaced with an increasing wish to find if any just resolution could be found against mounting emotional and evidentiary obstacles.
Ms Mitchell kept the narrative true to its historical period.
September 8, 2021
18th century religious and societal suppression of women’s rights. The story follows two young women and the different paths available to them once they find themselves pregnant after either trusting the man who promises marriage or the consequences of an non consensual sexual encounter. The story highlights both the blame and responsibility of pregnancy that a women must shoulder, regardless of whether she wants the baby. Meanwhile the men have the ultimate power to save these women through a marriage offer or condemn them by denying the encounter putting the women’s integrity into question.
I received this free ebook from Voracious Readers only
I received this free ebook from Voracious Readers only
August 28, 2021
Fantastic Historical fiction! I have been fascinated with the influence of early American religion since reading “The Witch of Blackbird Pond” when I was 9. This book really gives you a feel for the struggles woman in the Puritan Society had to deal with. The inner struggles the characters had with predestination and a restrictive religious control over their lives was authentically portrayed throughout the story. I enjoyed reading this book from start to finish.
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only.
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only.
February 7, 2022
This is the first book I received through voracious readers only. Overall a compelling historical piece of fiction and a quick read. I found myself thinking about the storyline while doing other things. It was an easy read but I found the writing style passive. I felt like an observer from afar. Meaning, I did not get involved or feel attached in any way to what the characters were experiencing. Given the challenging subject matter, it felt odd to feel nothing. That said, it did make me think and I learned lots about life, religion and the law from this time period.
May 19, 2022
Every American child learns about the Pilgrims coming to the New World in search of religious freedom and the first Thanksgiving, but that's pretty much it until the American Revolution. There isn't really anything about how they evolved into Americans and integrated their beliefs into their everyday lives. I loved the look into the lives of Americans on the cusp of the Revolution without being directly involved. I was horrified at the treatment of women and how intertwined religion was in their laws. Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God was a great read.
September 4, 2023
A very interesting window into a period where women had no rights & religious fervour is high (not much has changed in America in the last 200+ years).
I loved the descriptions of family life & how families worked together for the greater good in all aspects of life. And the info on Calvinism/Puritanism was also interesting, however I felt the book was a little heavy going in some parts & all the characters that popped in just once or twice made keeping everyone in order a bit difficult.
I received this book via Voracious Readers Only.
I loved the descriptions of family life & how families worked together for the greater good in all aspects of life. And the info on Calvinism/Puritanism was also interesting, however I felt the book was a little heavy going in some parts & all the characters that popped in just once or twice made keeping everyone in order a bit difficult.
I received this book via Voracious Readers Only.
September 18, 2023
A Midwives Tale meets Scarlett Letter! This definitely harkens back to the puritanical ages just before the American Revolution broke out. Hannah stands as the lady condemned by society by having a child before marriage but her and the child’s father survive the worst that society has to offer, including the death of her own sister in law. Hannah must proclaim her innocence in the death but also seek justice for someone she cared for against the staunch revolutionary era morals.
I received a copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
I received a copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
October 25, 2023
Not a huge fan of the title - it feels a bit cheesy? - but then it was what caught my attention so I guess it's not that bad.
The story itself is very easy to read, albeit infuriating and upsetting, and even more so since I found out in the Author's Note at the end that it's partially based on real events. Not surprised though. In a weird way I loved the ending. It's not the poetic justice I hoped for, but a realistic one driving home the point of the (IMO) absurdity of the Puritan culture even more.
The story itself is very easy to read, albeit infuriating and upsetting, and even more so since I found out in the Author's Note at the end that it's partially based on real events. Not surprised though. In a weird way I loved the ending. It's not the poetic justice I hoped for, but a realistic one driving home the point of the (IMO) absurdity of the Puritan culture even more.
February 3, 2024
I was given a copy of this book through voracious readers in lieu of an honest review. I found this novel intriguing. I love historical fiction, and this book was wonderfully written. Through each character’s story, I felt as though I was with them and observing their world. While this book was a work of fiction, I enjoyed the insight it gave to the time period of the US prior to the country finding its freedom. I found the characters to be like able, even the horrible ones. I would love to read more about all the characters if more books were made.
November 16, 2020
What a fascinating period of American history! Set in a puritan community on the cusp of the war of independence, the story follows a group of young women dealing with the aftermath of a secret pregnancy. Double standards are rampant and the women are at the mercy of a judgemental community. We follow them as they find the courage to stand up for what they believe is right.
The setting is beautifully conveyed and ripe with detail. A story with a difference.
The setting is beautifully conveyed and ripe with detail. A story with a difference.
September 15, 2021
I received a copy of this book through voracious readers, and loved every minute of it.
It is very well written, and the feelings of hopelessness and fear the characters endure is felt deeply.
The story has the perfect amount of history, where I thank my lucky stars I’m born in this era not that one, and I’m a sucker for a story where characters question religions.
I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more works written by this author.
It is very well written, and the feelings of hopelessness and fear the characters endure is felt deeply.
The story has the perfect amount of history, where I thank my lucky stars I’m born in this era not that one, and I’m a sucker for a story where characters question religions.
I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more works written by this author.
February 27, 2023
tragedy
Interesting to learn about the way of live, food and customs in village in 1700s. Everybody had their opinion about rights and wrongs of incident. Overshadowing the whole book was the conflict between rigid unloving Calvinist views of election for salvation and the Arminian doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. It profoundly affected the views, decisions and dreams of everyone. A very different book and a thought provoking glimpse into a long ago society.
Interesting to learn about the way of live, food and customs in village in 1700s. Everybody had their opinion about rights and wrongs of incident. Overshadowing the whole book was the conflict between rigid unloving Calvinist views of election for salvation and the Arminian doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. It profoundly affected the views, decisions and dreams of everyone. A very different book and a thought provoking glimpse into a long ago society.
May 4, 2024
This is such an easy read.
From the first few pages I was taken to the late 1700s and instantly became an avid reader of the story of an until then, unknown religion, Calvinists and a community's existence and beliefs built solely around the religion. That is until some dare to challenge that.
As the story unfolds though, who can the young people turn to for help when needed the most. Can you trust your preacher? Will your doctor save you or harm you?
Great story, very, very enjoyable read!
From the first few pages I was taken to the late 1700s and instantly became an avid reader of the story of an until then, unknown religion, Calvinists and a community's existence and beliefs built solely around the religion. That is until some dare to challenge that.
As the story unfolds though, who can the young people turn to for help when needed the most. Can you trust your preacher? Will your doctor save you or harm you?
Great story, very, very enjoyable read!
January 31, 2021
This was an intriguing story with suspense, moral dilemmas, religious tensions and complex family dynamics, all in the context of a by-gone era. The author’s portrayal of life in 18th century New England comes across as authentic and well researched and the knowledge that the story is loosely based on true events makes it even more potent.
December 9, 2022
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
By Judie Mitchell
I received this book in exchange for honest review . Well written and engaging. 2 women in the 1700’s having to make a decision when they become pregnant at a time when if out of wedlock for any reason could result in dire consequences. Not my usual genre but would recommend .
March 14, 2022
This was a great read. Based in the18th century in a very religious town, it follows some young women whose lives don't go according to plan. It has crime, punishment, love, family, and so much more. Brilliantly written and very hard to put down.
May 15, 2022
A free book from Voracious Readers thank you
An enjoyable historically based novel telling the story of inhabitants of a small village.
A harsh patricial society with the religious teachings of the Puritans makes for hard times for young women and the trails and tribulations they face.
An enjoyable historically based novel telling the story of inhabitants of a small village.
A harsh patricial society with the religious teachings of the Puritans makes for hard times for young women and the trails and tribulations they face.
June 16, 2023
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God was an interesting book.
After each chapter I wanted to read more!
It is a fascinating look at life in the early colonial days of America. It was interesting to learn about the Calvinists.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
After each chapter I wanted to read more!
It is a fascinating look at life in the early colonial days of America. It was interesting to learn about the Calvinists.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews