©1958, 1986 Elizabeth George Speare; (P)2002 Random House, Inc., Listening Library, An Imprint Of Random House Audio Publishing Group
"Mary Beth Hurt gives an excellent performance" (School Library Journal)
"Speare's classic adapts well to audio, and Hurt gives it life, and hope." (AudioFile)
"Strong plot, fully realized characters, and convincing atmosphere distinguish this historical narrative." (Booklist)
"Great characters - a delightful listen!"
Set in colonial New England, harsh in the physical and social senses, young Katherine arrives in this seeming cruel environment and struggles to fit in. She is changed in the process and she brings about change in this severely prejusticed society. The relationships are well described between all the various characters giving the story a richness. Understanding for people grows past just the outward appearances.The mean uncle and the old Quaker are more than what they seem to be. And true love wins the day. My 11 year-old son loved the story which is still the best proof of this story's worthiness. He's a tough critic. It is a lovely listen.
"Listen with a friend or relative!!"
This book was great on audio. In the beginning it's a wee bit confusing, but stay with it and you will be rewarded with some great characters and a wonderful story. We (mom and 10 yr old daughter) listened to it on a road trip, and we thought it was fantastic! GET IT!
"Loved it!"
I wanted to read this book because my son had to read it for his 4th grade literature class. It was fabulous! I didn't want to stop listening.
I'm a mom. I have drama in my life. I don't want books with the F-bomb, nor graphic violence. I read for fun and to bring my family together. I read for reducing stress levels. We have never had a television in our home and our children are now mid twenties to 19. We listen together and look for belly-wrenching laughter. So what is it like to live without a TV? Awesomely educational and inspirational. Each new book is a marvel.
"Good narration and a classic tale"
The narration really made these characters come alive. The story represents trials of living on colonial New England and the problems with fear ruling the masses. This story is a great moral tale of following the masses to an end that later generations will declare unbelievable.
A fairly short story and quite enjoyable. I expect anyone looking for a slightly romantic, slightly historic, and true to human nature, will greatly enjoy this book.
"GREAT BOOK"
I loved this book. I loved it as a child, and I loved it as an adult.
"Enjoyable Classic"
This is a very enjoyable look into what some of the "witch" activity in our country's early days may have looked like.
The Narrator has a calm soothing voice which made this an especially easy book to listen to.
"Wonderful Young Adult Historical Fiction"
Very nice book for tweenagers (and their moms) set in Puritan New England. Has themes of religeous freedom and outsiders who don't fit into the local community. Great topic for youth, and very well written with engaging characters. Probably wouldn't appeal as much to boys.
"Great book!"
Audio is a convenient way to hear a book with a busy family.
We enjoyed the complexity of each character.
There were many enjoyable scenes.
I would not make a film of this book.
This is a wonderful book that uses fiction to help convey historically significant times.
"Beautifully written, beautifully narrated"
I loved the author's descriptive writing. She had me in tears more than once and agonizing over the characters dilemmas.
She had a wonderfully engaging voice and reading style.
"Still a favorite"
It's one of the best ones I have listened to thus far.
I love the subject matter.
I liked her reading of the characters Mercy and Judith.
When Nat comes back with Prudence to save Kitt from punishment is a great moment. He risked his life to do this because he'd already been punished in this town once before.
I read this book many years ago as a teenager, and it has always been one of my favorite works. I think this books is what first interested me in the Salem witchcraft trials. However, now that I am older, I do realize that the plot is a little over-simplified. It's still a great read for its intended audience.