This Newbery Award winning book is a classic story that is well worth the read. Young Kit has no where to go but to her Aunt's house in the New England Colonies. Her non traditional upbringing on the island of Barbados has ill prepared her fot the harsh reality of the cold Connecticut winter. The harsh weather is nothing compared to the strict Puritan community of Wethersfield.
Kit does not fit into her adoptive family her town. She was raised in love and kindness and quickly comes in contact with stern Puritan beliefs. She finds some solace in the home of Hannah Tupper, a Quaker that lives nearby. Even though Hannah is believed to be a witch, Kit continues to visit the pond and befriend the lonely woman. This little shack in the marsh becomes Kit's sanctuary which she shares with the frightened Prudence. Her staunch support of the widow Tupper comes to a head when Hannah is believed to have cast a spell on the town and many are sick and dying. Kit saves her friends life, but puts her own existence in jeopardy. By her acknowledgment of the friendship with Hannah, Kit is brought up on witch charges, arrested and brought into the lecture hall for arraignment. Nat comes to her rescue and Kit is free to return to her family.
Through this ordeal, Kit comes to a couple of realizations, one William is not the man for her, she knows who she loves and where she wants to live, now is the time to set her future in action.
This is a story about the plight of early American colonists, the inequality of women and how one strong girl stood up for her own future. Even though this is not a true historical fiction, it is a very good read. I would give this book a 3.5 stars out of 5. Even though I enjoyed it, now sure how many young ladies will enjoy the story. Definitely, do not feel that it would be attractive to most young men. It is an interesting read, however, and is well worth a look into early colonial America.
Link
Witch trials in the United States
The Caribbean Trade
Elizabeth George Speare
Colonial Connecticut
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