Synopsis
In 1687 in Connecticut, Kit Tyler, feeling out of place in the Puritan household of her aunt, befriends an old woman considered a witch by the community and suddenly finds herself standing trial for witchcraft.
Set in 1687 in the small Connecticut colony of Wethersfield, this is the story of Katherine "Kit" Tyler a 16-year-old orphan who was raised by her wealthy grandfather in Barbados. After his death, Kit books passage on a ship bound for America, where she is taken in by her only living relatives--Puritan Aunt Rachel and her family. Raised in a very open household, the independent Kit tries to adapt to the Puritan lifestyle, but she finds herself unable to completely accept, or even understand, the conventions of her new surroundings. Kit finds some comfort when she befriends Hannah Tupper, an elderly widow who lives alone on the outskirts of town. Hannah, however, is believed by many to be a witch--and Kit's friendship with her ultimately puts both of them in grave danger. This masterpiece of historical fiction elegantly conveys the social conventions of Puritan life in the American colonies. Throughout the course of her captivating story, author Elizabeth George Speare seamlessly weaves in details about life in colonial America, touching on and explaining such subjects as religion, the roles of women, courtship rituals, and even candle making. Winner of the 1959 Newbery Medal.
Set in 1687 in the small Connecticut colony of Wethersfield, this masterpiece of historical fiction elegantly conveys the social conventions of Puritan life in the American colonies. Katherine "Kit" Tyler, a 16-year-old orphan who was raised by her wealthy grandfather in Barbados, books passage on a ship bound for America after his death. There, she is taken in by her only living relatives--Puritan Aunt Rachel and her family. Used to a very open household, the independent Kit tries to adapt to the Puritan lifestyle, but she finds herself unable to completely accept, or even understand, the conventions of her new surroundings. Kit finds some comfort when she befriends Hannah Tupper, an elderly widow who lives alone on the outskirts of town. Hannah, however, is believed by many to be a witch--and Kit's friendship with her ultimately puts both of them in grave danger. Throughout the course of her captivating story, author Elizabeth George Speare seamlessly weaves in details about life in colonial America, touching on and explaining such subjects as religion, the roles of women, courtship rituals, and even candle making. Winner of the 1959 Newbery Medal.
| Details | | Publication Date: | 1958-12-01 |
| Size | | Height: | 8.3 in | | Width: | 5.8 in | | Thickness: | 1.0 in | | Weight: | 15.2 oz |
Publisher's Note
Kit Tyler is marked by suspicion and disapproval from the moment she arrives on the unfamiliar shores of colonial Connecticut in 1867. Alone and desperate, she has been forced to leave her beloved home on the island of Barbados and join a family she has never met. Torn between her quest for belonging and her desire to be true to herself, Kit struggles to survive in a hostile place. Just when it seems she must give up, she finds a kindred spirit. But Kit's friendship with Hannah Tupper, believed by the colonists to be a witch, proves more taboo than she could have imagined and ultimately forces Kit to choose between her heart and her duty.
Elizabeth George Speare's Newbery Award-winning novel portrays a heroine whom readers will admire for her unwavering sense of truth as well as her infinite capacity to love.
Industry Reviews
"This thrilling and well-written historical novel has everything: a strong female protagonist standing up for her rights, suspense, a witch hunt and romance. A must read for the female history fan -- and anyone else as well."
Holly Rivlin
"Strong plot, fully realized characters, and convincing atmosphere distinguish this historical narrative of a girl whose rebellion against bigotry and her Puritan surroundings culminates in a witch hunt and trial."
Speare
| See an error? Submit a change request |
All rights reserved.
