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The Heretic's Daughter: A Novel

by Kathleen Kent

Published: 2009-10-12
Paperback : 332 pages

82 members reading this now
57 clubs reading this now
38 members have read this book

Recommended to book clubs by 19 of 20 members

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Introduction

A woman condemned by the truth. Her daughter saved by a lie.
Salem, 1752. Sarah Carrier Chapman, weak with infirmity, writes a letter to her granddaughter that reveals the secret she has closely guarded for six decades: how she survived the Salem Witch Trials when her mother did not.

Sarah's story begins more than a year before the trials, when she and her family arrive in a New England community already gripped by superstition and fear. As they witness neighbor pitted against neighbor, friend against friend, the hysteria escalates--until more than two hundred men, women, and children have been swept into prison. Among them is Sarah's mother, Martha Carrier. In an attempt to protect her children, Martha asks Sarah to commit an act of heresy--a lie that will most surely condemn Martha even as it will save her daughter.

This is the story of Martha's courageous defiance and ultimate death, as told by the daughter who survived.

Editorial Review

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Excerpt

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Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

Although this happened years ago, do we still experience this kind of fear today?

by rnr3856 (see profile) 11/18/15

Some persons have suggested that the actions of the young girls involved in the accusations were due to a medical problem of the time. What do you think about the claim that a toxic fungus grown on the rye (ergot) may have led to the problems?

by hollidaypark (see profile) 08/02/12

Discuss the current definition of a "witch hunt." How have more modern trials taken on the characteristics of the Salem witch trials?

Sarah compares the power of a needle to stitch together sales to move ships to the power of the rumor to move communities. How have you experienced this in your lifetime?

Sarah asks how many would barter their souls to save what they "can hold in [their] hands." Would you admit to something you didn't do to save your own life?

by RockinRenee (see profile) 11/18/11

Mother-Daughter Relationship: Do you think the relationship and struggle between Sarah and her mother was typical? Were Sarah’s feelings towards her mother justified in the beginning? How did the mother-daughter relationship change and why?

Do you believe Sarah’s Uncle killed himself? Did he kill himself right after Thomas visited so Thomas would be blamed?

Throughout history people have died because of the religious beliefs of others. How did religious beliefs enter into the accusations of witchcraft? Are any religious beliefs dangerous today?

by chocolatewriter (see profile) 04/26/11

What caused Martha to change in her relationship toward Sarah?

Was Sarah's cousin Margaret a normal child with an active imagination, or was she a little off-balance?

by aperrigo (see profile) 03/03/10

The mother daughter relationship, how it changes through the course of the book.

by cencalgal22 (see profile) 02/16/10

Weblinks

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Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

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Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 19 of 20 members.

We had a good discussion about this book. Make sure someone brings a copy of the book to the meeting to clarify misunderstandings, if there are any.

by hollidaypark (see profile) 08/02/12

Member Reviews

Overall rating:

by Maureen W. (see profile) 06/07/19

by Mary S. (see profile) 10/10/18

Not my usual genre, but it was very interesting, and enlightening. I can't imagine living in a world like that - where people could be condemned, and killed, based off of ridiculous and/or unsubstantiated... (read more)

"The Heretics Daughter"by Ruthann G. (see profile) 11/18/17

we had a very good discussion about this book but agreed that this was a very dark time in our country's history that we don't like to hear bout.

"The Heritic's Daughter"by rebecca n. (see profile) 11/18/15

Kent leads the reader into a dark time in American history. She skillfully weave's family stories and history together to give insight into this dar4k period of American history. I couldn't put this... (read more)

"The Heretic's Daughter"by Veronica P. (see profile) 04/26/13

"The Heretic's Daughter"by Evelyn N. (see profile) 08/02/12

Although this book is about one person named in the Salem Witch Trials, the book begins with a family overview which provides background for the problems that will arise. Because the book is written by... (read more)

"An Insightful Look at a Fascinating and Tragic Historical Event"by Nicole A. (see profile) 11/18/11

I have always been very interested in the Salem Witch Trials and was excited to see a novel of historical fiction written by one of the direct descendents of a woman accused. I would say the strongest... (read more)

"The Heretic's Daughter"by Jennifer A. (see profile) 05/16/11

Tragic that innocent women were victimized!

"Worth a Read"by Dee L. (see profile) 04/26/11

The book had great insight into the daily life of the time period. The writing is rich in figurative language. Experiencing the Salem witch trials towards the end of the book through the eyes of a child... (read more)

"great read"by Jane B. (see profile) 11/27/10

A great read. It was especially interesting because we have been to Salem and toured all of the locations.

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