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venla_reads's review against another edition
3.0
I doubt I'd rate this book so high, if it wasn't for the nostalgic value. I read this as a kid and I remember loving it, and now, having reread it, I kinda still do. Kit and Nat are still very special to me and their relationship and romance is right up in my alley. This book used to make me yearn for romance and adventure, and those vibes are still there. But obviously the books is far from perfect. The racism towards black people and native americans is disturbing to say the least, and the story is a bit boring at times. It isn't nearly as witchy as the title suggests, which is a shame.
bookly68's review against another edition
5.0
I was introduced to this story through the book Awkward in October by Yea. That book was written with The Witch of Blackbird Pond as the center of the main characters decisions in life. So…I HAD to read this book!!
I am so happy that I decided to read this! I’m not usually a big historical fiction reader. But this book was so good, filled with lots of interesting characters!!
Growing up in New England, Massachusetts specifically, I was taught about the Puritans and the Quakers. The Puritans were very strict people, who lived very hard lives. They wanted to reform the Church of England, and had to leave for the new world (America) to escape persecution. They disliked any who didn’t conform with their religious ideals and considered them followers of the devil. That is where the Salem witch trials came to be. The Quakers, who also left the Church of England, had their own beliefs and didn’t fall in line with the Puritans beliefs, came to be accused of devil worship and witchcraft. That’s where this book comes in.
Katherine, also known as Kit, came from Barbados. She lived in Barbados with her grandfather until he died and she set sail on ‘The Dolphin’ for Connecticut, where her Aunt (a puritan) lived. On board she met the Captain’s son, Nat, who she develops a friendship with. And that’s where I will end this…so as not to give anything away.
I really enjoyed this book, and would definitely reread it. If you enjoy historical fiction, family, friendships, and a little romance, give this book a try!
I am so happy that I decided to read this! I’m not usually a big historical fiction reader. But this book was so good, filled with lots of interesting characters!!
Growing up in New England, Massachusetts specifically, I was taught about the Puritans and the Quakers. The Puritans were very strict people, who lived very hard lives. They wanted to reform the Church of England, and had to leave for the new world (America) to escape persecution. They disliked any who didn’t conform with their religious ideals and considered them followers of the devil. That is where the Salem witch trials came to be. The Quakers, who also left the Church of England, had their own beliefs and didn’t fall in line with the Puritans beliefs, came to be accused of devil worship and witchcraft. That’s where this book comes in.
Katherine, also known as Kit, came from Barbados. She lived in Barbados with her grandfather until he died and she set sail on ‘The Dolphin’ for Connecticut, where her Aunt (a puritan) lived. On board she met the Captain’s son, Nat, who she develops a friendship with. And that’s where I will end this…so as not to give anything away.
I really enjoyed this book, and would definitely reread it. If you enjoy historical fiction, family, friendships, and a little romance, give this book a try!
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!