Historical Fiction -- 5 stars
In 1662 Boston, strict adherence to Biblical law is unquestioned. Married women are expected to obey their husbands in all things. Mary Deerfield has tried, but her husband is a drunk and a pathological bully who can quote a Bible verse for every example of corporal punishment he metes out. When Mary's wealthy businessman father imports three-tined forks, much of Boston's church hierarchy views them as instruments of the Devil. Mary's husband sees a weapon. Mary petitions for a divorce while her family worries that she could be freed only to end up burned at the stake for witchcraft. ----- The conservative, patrimonial attitudes that smother Mary's Boston are so clearly depicted in this novel, that they become a breathing, bigoted character all their own. As fast-paced and tension packed as any modern day thriller, this is a another example of Mr. Bohjalian's remarkable gift for bringing history to life. The overall flavor of the book curves in the last third, leading to an ending that stretches credulity even while it surprises and satisfies. I could not put this book down.
No comments:
Post a Comment