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mybooksarenovel's review against another edition
5.0
Kit Tyler is sailing from her home in Barbados, after the death of her grandfather, to live with her mother's sister in New England. She grew up hearing from her mother of Aunt Rachel's radiant beauty and has idealized for herself what living with her will be like. Far from it however, is her aunt who lives in the Puritan village of Wethersfield, Connecticut. Though Aunt Rachel is kind, the Puritans are pious and strict in their work, religion, and politics. Kit finds herself strongly at odds with their ways and struggles to fit in. Especially when befriending a Quaker woman who was branded and exiled from Massachusetts as a witch. But how can befriending someone who is lonely be wrong, or against what the Bible teaches about loving your neighbor?
I just recently read this book aloud to my children, and remembered very little of it from when I read it as a middle schooler. The only thing I really remembered was loving it then, which I can honestly say hasn't changed now that I've reread it as an adult.
The thing I loved most about it were the opposing beliefs displayed. The differing views were communicated without the author coming out and clearly taking a bias. It mostly served as a commentary on how people, from the best to the worst have biases, and that they see the world through that bias. For example Kit grew up with slaves and had no problem with them as servants, while Uncle Matthew and Aunt Rachel believed slavery to be wrong. The minister was an English loyalist, while Kit's aunt and uncle were patriots if the colonies. Some were superstitious about and held prejudices toward others as witches, or didn't keep company with others of a different faith, both withholding hospitality, friendship, and kindness, but Kit held with the philosophy of loving your neighbor. Such a depth of commentary in such a small and simple book.
A true classic.
I just recently read this book aloud to my children, and remembered very little of it from when I read it as a middle schooler. The only thing I really remembered was loving it then, which I can honestly say hasn't changed now that I've reread it as an adult.
The thing I loved most about it were the opposing beliefs displayed. The differing views were communicated without the author coming out and clearly taking a bias. It mostly served as a commentary on how people, from the best to the worst have biases, and that they see the world through that bias. For example Kit grew up with slaves and had no problem with them as servants, while Uncle Matthew and Aunt Rachel believed slavery to be wrong. The minister was an English loyalist, while Kit's aunt and uncle were patriots if the colonies. Some were superstitious about and held prejudices toward others as witches, or didn't keep company with others of a different faith, both withholding hospitality, friendship, and kindness, but Kit held with the philosophy of loving your neighbor. Such a depth of commentary in such a small and simple book.
A true classic.
mozbolt's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this on audiobook. Such a good, quick American historical fic
dinogirl2000's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kk1311's review against another edition
5.0
This was actually really good! An interesting story that wasn’t predictable, with intriguing characters.
tiffanynoel's review against another edition
5.0
I just reread this book and I love it even more than I did when I read it in 4-5th grade. I wish some of the characters had been developed a bit more.. but the story is fun and I love the love!
jessica_readsalot's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
laura1980458's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rea1997's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book is a real page-turner! The chapters flow so well, and I love the character designs. I'm not usually into love stories, but this one is an exception. The ending is so satisfying; I was super happy about how things turned out for the characters. It's definitely a young adult novel, but I think you'd enjoy it.