Book Review: The Heretic's Daughter

I was one of the first people to request the book from the library and I am so glad that I did. Coming from eastern Massachusetts, the Salem Witch Trials have always been of interest to me. I have read both fiction and non-fiction and have to say that this book is one of the best! However, it is not because it describes the Salem Witch Trials most accurately. It is also not the scariest book about the trials. Instead, it explores the humanity and inhumanity in a family and its community. The injustices of the trials are iterated as opposed to the hackneyed descriptions of hangings and malevolent witchcraft.

By creating a setting outside of Salem, Kent explores the impact that the trials had on outside communities. Unlike most writers on this topic, she focused more family life during the time and allowed the witch trials to exist in the background. I would have to say that the focus of this book is on family, community, relationships, and how they are impacted by certain events. Though Kent exquisitely described the jail and inquisitions, the issues that were explored could easily have been in any generation with any family. Overall, an excellent read for those interested in the Salem Witch Trials as well as those who enjoy reading novels on family relationships.

-DLP