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The Burning of Mary Channing: A fictionalised account of a true story
On the 15th of January, 1704, Mary Brookes was married to Thomas Channing in Dorchester at the age of just 16. Within a year she was on trial for her life, accused of killing her husband.
Was Mary a callous murderer? Or was she just a naive young woman whose life simply spiralled out of control?
This fictionalised account of Mary’s story draws on all the available facts from the time and follows her life from when she was forced to marry a man she didn’t love through to her horrific execution just two years later.
Was Mary a callous murderer? Or was she just a naive young woman whose life simply spiralled out of control?
This fictionalised account of Mary’s story draws on all the available facts from the time and follows her life from when she was forced to marry a man she didn’t love through to her horrific execution just two years later.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2022
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23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 23, 2023
This is a fictional novel based on a true historical event. It kept me riveted all the way through the book.
It was written and had strong, relatable characters. Mary Channing has been a hand full for her parents all her life. The youngest of 7 children she has six brothers and was allowed to run free with them as a child with little in the way of discipline, a very spoiled little girl.
When she reaches the age of 16 her father posted a notice asking for anyone who would like to become her husband to get it touch. Her reputation for being free and loose around town with a group of friends that included young men (not done at that time) had already been well established and only one man came forward.
They were married very quickly, but Mary was already in love with a young man called Gabriel who her father would not even consider. From the onset she refused to sleep with her husband and told him she didn't mind if he took his pleasure elsewhere, which led to the abuse of the 14 year old maid.
Mary had let it be known that she hated her husband and would rather he was dead, even asking Gabriel if he would help to do this, much to his horror. He wasn't a very honorable chap but he would not sink to murder.
However after just 3 months of marriage her husband is found to be really ill during a visit by his father, who called a doctor. He had been poisoned and died a very nasty, painful death.
Mary was arrested and charged with this, and sentenced to burn at the stake, but was she really guilty of this or just a very naive young girl?
There is much more to this book that this as it sets family against family and shows the treatment of a young woman in a time when her virtue should not be questioned. Whilst in prison Mary found she was pregnant and hoped this would stop the burning however it just delayed it until after the birth.
This book has stuck with me, because it was a true story and was such a brutal end to a young girl.
It really is a must read and it I could I would give it 10 stars out of 5
It was written and had strong, relatable characters. Mary Channing has been a hand full for her parents all her life. The youngest of 7 children she has six brothers and was allowed to run free with them as a child with little in the way of discipline, a very spoiled little girl.
When she reaches the age of 16 her father posted a notice asking for anyone who would like to become her husband to get it touch. Her reputation for being free and loose around town with a group of friends that included young men (not done at that time) had already been well established and only one man came forward.
They were married very quickly, but Mary was already in love with a young man called Gabriel who her father would not even consider. From the onset she refused to sleep with her husband and told him she didn't mind if he took his pleasure elsewhere, which led to the abuse of the 14 year old maid.
Mary had let it be known that she hated her husband and would rather he was dead, even asking Gabriel if he would help to do this, much to his horror. He wasn't a very honorable chap but he would not sink to murder.
However after just 3 months of marriage her husband is found to be really ill during a visit by his father, who called a doctor. He had been poisoned and died a very nasty, painful death.
Mary was arrested and charged with this, and sentenced to burn at the stake, but was she really guilty of this or just a very naive young girl?
There is much more to this book that this as it sets family against family and shows the treatment of a young woman in a time when her virtue should not be questioned. Whilst in prison Mary found she was pregnant and hoped this would stop the burning however it just delayed it until after the birth.
This book has stuck with me, because it was a true story and was such a brutal end to a young girl.
It really is a must read and it I could I would give it 10 stars out of 5
October 26, 2023
I saw this while browsing for more Kindle books. I had heard of Mary Channing, but didn’t know the details of the real story. I think Gritton’s fictionalised account did a fine job of showing the humanity of all involved, including their flaws. Mary, as a 16 year old girl, acted as an adolescent would. The dynamic between Thomas and Mary, along with the conspiracy involving servant girl Molly and Thomas’ former lover Eliza, was well written, including all the characters motivations. The lead up to the court case, including how it was reported, betrayals and ultimately Mary’s death highlighted how biased the justice system at the time was against women, and Gritton showed the cruel treatment of pregnant prisoners within the system too through the reverend and the prison ward. Mary’s death itself was detailed and graphic, but the author successfully conveyed the horror of witnesses at the time, so including the gory details was necessary. I liked how her family tried to help, and were rewarded for their efforts after her death, as the book ended with some redemption for them. Well done.
April 30, 2023
This book kept me gripped all the way through! It is based on a true story of a young headstrong 16 year old girl from a respectable family who was married against her will and refused to comply with expected standards. Things spiralled culminating in her husbands death. She was sentenced to death by burning at the stake for poisoning her husband but given a stay of execution due to her pregnancy. Left me wanting to know what happened to those characters left behind. Would recommend
March 29, 2023
Very good book, a fiction novel that was based on true events. How hard life was in those days!! About a well do to young woman who was the youngest child having 6 older brothers and was allowed to get away with too much due to her Father being away from home a lot and the consequences that befell her.
October 17, 2022
worth reading!
Fascinating but very sad story, would’ve loved to have known what happened to both families in the following years. I was a bit disappointed with some of the grammar mistakes throughout the book.
Fascinating but very sad story, would’ve loved to have known what happened to both families in the following years. I was a bit disappointed with some of the grammar mistakes throughout the book.
July 10, 2023
Fast pace, at times funny but ultimately a sad tale of different times.
Certainly a woman I wished I’d met!
Certainly a woman I wished I’d met!
September 2, 2023
This was one of the most unpardonable books I've ever read.. A fictional story based on a true life event. Mary is forced to marry young and doesn't love her husband. A truly touching story
October 9, 2023
meh
Could have used a good editor and grammar check.
I don’t understand the point of this story. I feel like I want my time spent reading it back.
Could have used a good editor and grammar check.
I don’t understand the point of this story. I feel like I want my time spent reading it back.
February 25, 2025
Totally engrossing
I was hooked from the first chapter and didn't stop reading till the end . It never got boring and no page was skimmed....A definite must read....
I was hooked from the first chapter and didn't stop reading till the end . It never got boring and no page was skimmed....A definite must read....
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews