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A review by headingnorth
Beheld by Amy Engel
3.0
3.5 This book felt a lot shorter than it is. I liked that it switches perspective between some of the more elite Puritan inhabitants of Plymouth and some former indentured servants who are still looked down upon and treated unfairly. In Alice Bradford's opinion, the Billingtons are trouble and can't be trusted; in the opinion of Eleanor and John Billington, the Bradfords and others like them are dishonest hypocrites who mistreat those they find inferior, from the Billingtons to their Indian neighbors.
Questions arose about the death of William Bradford's first wife, formerly a dear friend of Alice. During much of the novel, Alice spends time thinking about Dorothy: their friendship, Dorothy's marriage to William, and of course her death. We even get some chapters from Dorothy's perspective.
At the heart of the novel is a crime, one which is forewarned numerous (I might say too many) times in the first part of the book. I wonder if we are meant to feel conflicted about this crime, as it further highlights the factions in the community, but I did not feel conflicted.
All in all, a fairly light novel - serious themes, but a quick and easy read.
Questions arose about the death of William Bradford's first wife, formerly a dear friend of Alice. During much of the novel, Alice spends time thinking about Dorothy: their friendship, Dorothy's marriage to William, and of course her death. We even get some chapters from Dorothy's perspective.
At the heart of the novel is a crime, one which is forewarned numerous (I might say too many) times in the first part of the book. I wonder if we are meant to feel conflicted about this crime, as it further highlights the factions in the community, but I did not feel conflicted.
All in all, a fairly light novel - serious themes, but a quick and easy read.