Jennifer Ehle Books

"Witch Child" is written in a diary format. Mary is a young girl living in the 17th century, during a time where religious fervor reigned and witch-hunts were a frequent. As a young girl, Mary witnesses her grandmother's demise when the town's people accuse her of being a witch and burn her at the stake. Mary is rescued by a mysterious noble woman, who sends her to the New World so she does not suffer the same fate.

Mary takes on her new "pilgrim" life and tries to conform to society's expectations, but she finds it difficult to suppress her true nature. Mary falls under suspicion when she begins to explore the "dark woods," makes friends with the native Indians, and is accused by her rivals of being a witch.

Overall, I think this is a good book. I think teens will enjoy it. I found the historical details in the story to be accurate. Many of the diary entries were realistic and sometimes shocking when you realize these things actually happened. However, the ending left me a bit unresolved. I felt it ended abruptly. I would have liked the author to expand a little bit more on the events that take place in the last chapter.

I loved this book. There are some writers who have such an amazing way
with words, and Celia Rees is one of them. She is a gifted writer and
wonderful story teller.

The story begins with the torture and ultimate hanging of Mary's grandmother in England for being a witch. Mary is then ubducted
by a mysterious woman who sends Mary to America by ship in hopes
that she will escape the same fate as her grandmother. The rest of
the story chronicles Mary's new life in a very new land with the
puritains.

I loved this character. Although, she is only fourteen, she already
speaks as a wisewoman which is why I recommend this book to both
adult and young adult alike. I'm forty one and could not put it down.
Celia Rees also did a lot of research, so I felt like I got a history
lesson too.

The sequel to "Witch Child" is "Sorceress" which you'll definately want
because "Witch Child" leaves you hanging.

The only negative thing I have to say is that I thought that both
of these books deserved better book jackets and perhaps even titles.
This is a beautiful story told about a strong and courageous young woman,
and I think that the cover should some how reflect that better.

Other than that, it's a terrific read.

I love a good reference to the Salem times as much as anyone, so I have nothing against the sly horror of lies and rebellion and betrayal. And Ms. Rees is certainly if nothing a pretty writer.

Still, it seemed more attempt to make an exciting plot than truly create characterization and terror. A little fluffy while trying to be serious.

Still, it's a worthy read and should be best appreciated by teenagers looking for something with a darker spark.

One of the reasons I enjoyed this book was the simplicity of the story while offering young readers the chance to have a history lesson of life in 1600's. The young main character, Mary, is set on a course of life where she is offered opportunities to change or stay true to her spiritual path as a witch. I think the word "witch" alone sets up a red flag for the reader. Assumptions and prejudices are foremost in the readers' minds but as the story unfolds we learn being a witch is a choice for living spiritually as is any person who choices a spiritual path. Mary must make choices and is supported by those who understand her and I think that is what the young reader wishes to experience in her or his life, understanding. I will and have, recommended this book for younger and older people interested in understanding witches. Easy read.

The story starts off in the 1600s during the witch-hunt times, where young Mary Newbury has to begin a new life after the death of her grandmother. She travels to America with a lady named Martha who takes her in. It isn't expressed in great detail, but hinted when Mary and Martha met that Martha knows more about what Mary is going though than she lets on. It is obvious that anyone deemed 'different' back in those times had to be very careful, especially if they practiced with herbal remedies, etc.
The book is written diary format, since the story is 'based' on a diary that was found stitched in a quilt. Martha had found Mary's diary one night, and knew that if the wrong person read it Mary would be in grave danger. Mary, not wanting to burn her diary, took to folding each piece of paper and then stitching it in her quilt.
Honestly, if I had not read the fine print stating that this book was a work of fiction, I would've believed every single word.
It was amazingly put together with the note at the beginning from Alison Ellman and the afterword left by her as well. Most definatly one would think that it was indeed a real-life story!
I am sure likely happened similar to this story took place in the 1600's, it was definatly a troubled time period.
This book takes you back to the time period where everyone was severely and wrongfully judged. To me it is a history lesson, and a lesson on how people can be so quick to judge, especially when they fear differences.