The Witch of Blackbird Pond, by Elizabeth George Speare

 

     Elizabeth George Speare writes amazing historical fiction. I think the first work of hers I read was The Bronze Bow (my review here), and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It took me a little longer to pick up The Witch of Blackbird Pond. I think I just found the title a little strange. But then I did read it, and I discovered a marvelous story about an orphan girl entering her relatives' strict Puritan world after a life on the tropical island of Barbados.

       Plot Summary: When Kit Tyler's beloved grandfather/guardian dies, she must leave her home of Barbados and go to live with her relatives in New England, even though she's never met them. She desperately makes the sea journey to come to them, and steps into their Puritan world -- a world where bright colors are rarely worn, a world of endless labor, a world where her impulsive heedlessness and incapability are not very welcome. Then she meets Hannah Tupper, an elderly woman who lives by herself, who reassures Kit and gives her courage. But the people of the Connecticut colony fear Hannah, suspecting her to be a witch because of her Quaker beliefs. Can Kit continue to visit her friend? Or will her actions bring trouble, both for herself and her new family?

       Discussions: Don't be put off by the title of this excellent historically based book. It deals gently with the very real situation of the New England witch trial hysteria, and convinces the reader that Hannah isn't the witch she's suspected of being. While it stays true to history, it doesn't frighten or disturb in the manner of, say, Arthur Miller's classic The Crucible. Elizabeth George Speare's telling of the story didn't disturb me or make me uncomfortable.
     Kit (Katherine) knows little to nothing of the New Englanders' superstition, thinks as much of it, and befriends Hannah Tupper out of her longing for friends. Her Aunt Rachel, Uncle Matthew, and cousins Mercy and Judith welcome her warmly enough, but they're all so busy that it's difficult for them to be patient with Kit's heedlessly impulsive ways. Stern Uncle Matthew disapproves of her silk-and-satin, un-conservative clothing. Gentle Aunt Rachel loves Kit, but doesn't really understand her. Crippled Mercy treats Kit with sincere kindness, but wonders at her impetuous manner. Lovely Judith despises Kit's ability to do the simplest home tasks and envies Kit her fancy clothes. So Kit turns to Hannah Tupper for solace and understanding. 
     Another acquaintance, Nat Eaton, whom Kit met on her sea voyage, occasionally stops in at the Colony. Kit enjoys talking with the frank Nat, who's not as shocked by her. Nat's the opposite of wealthy young William Ashby, who hopes to court Kit and is dull, in her opinion. At least the serious young scholar John Holbrook (another acquaintance on the journey), who visits frequently, although not because of Kit, speaks of fairly interesting things and is generally well liked.
     Kit must get used to her strict Puritan surroundings, where elaborate clothing is disapproved of and unnecessary merriment frowned on. She doesn't want to have to conform to this quiet way of life, but what else can she do? And when she clings to her friendship with Hannah Tupper, how many lives might it endanger?

        Overall: I really enjoy this story. Anyone from 10 up probably will. Although, be warned, things don't really get that exciting until the climax, so this may not be the best choice if you prefer suspenseful writing and a plot twist every chapter or so. Still, I highly recommend this book.