A Review of Witch Child by Celia Rees

I have  been reading Witch Child be Celia Rees, a book set in the time of persecution of witches, and strict Puritans. The plot opens with Mary, a young woman, watching her grandmother being murdered for witchcraft. She is then swept away by a glamorous woman, who turns out to be her mother. She is getting out of the country, as her husband is a wanted man, however, before she leaves she gives Mary to a Puritan community setting sail for America. The journey there is rough, but setting up a new life in a wild country is even harder. Mary makes friends with some local native Americans, however tensions are running high in the isolated community, and before long accusations are rife.

At the beginning of the book we are told that these are all diary entries that have been found in an old quilt, which makes the story seem even more exciting. I found this book really interesting, and somehow really connected with the characters (even the mean ones). This plot is really engaging and manages to mantain the sense of reality of a historic novel, while also having the drama of a fantasy/ adventure.

What made the book so easy to relate was the descriptions of characters and their personalties. One of my favourite characters from this perspective was Elias Cornwell. When he is first introduced to him we are told he is "young, but stands with his shoulders hunched like an old man". Also, his " pale hands fluttered over the Bible pages like spiders". To me, these short extracts create a very detailed image of this man, and what his personality is like. I did not find much I didn't like in this book, however it does end very abruptly, and left me wanting a sequel so badly! However, this did add to the drama of the book, and was one of the elements that made it so exciting.

 On the first read, some of the language was slightly confusing, as it is set in the mid- 17th century, however you soon pick it up. What I think was most successful in this book was the atmosphere created. The witch trials in the book are based on Salem, and I really think a tense, isolated and later frantic atmosphere is developed. It pulls you in, and even the I started to feel anxious as more and more people were accused. This book was brilliant, and definitely worth more than one read!

Age Rating: 11+
Star Rating: 5/5 stars
Author's Website: http://www.celiarees.com
Witch Child mini site: http://www.witchchild.com