- This book has been on my TBR for years – I wanted to get to it this year!
I recommend:
- The Turquoise by Anya Seton
Summary from GoodReads:
First published in 1958 and set in the early 17th century, this bestselling novel—and follow-up to Katherine—follows Elizabeth Winthrop, a courageous Puritan woman who finds herself at odds with her heritage and surroundings. A real historical figure, Elizabeth married into the family of Governor John Winthrop of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. In those times of hardship, famine, and Indian attacks, many believed that the only way to prosper was through the strong, bigoted, and theocratic government that John Winthrop favored. Defying the government and her family, Elizabeth befriends famous heretic Anne Hutchinson, challenges an army captain, and dares to love as her heart commanded. Through Elizabeth’s three marriages, struggles with her passionate beliefs, and countless rebellions, a powerful tale of fortitude, humiliation, and ultimate triumph shines through.
My Review:
This could, quite possibly, be one of the most depressing books I’ll read this year. Seriously, poor Elizabeth cannot catch a break here.
The first part of this quite hefty novel is set in England – we meet Elizabeth as a child, hopelessly infatuated with her cousin, struggling against the disapproval of her uncle, and trying to contain her strong will. All the while, as I was reading this book, I was reminded that there was a whole lot of research done (and it’s visible in the writing) and that Elizabeth was a real person – not just a character made up and given a hard life. This woman lived through the prejudices, the horrors of poor life – and I do mean poor in a sense that no one today could possibly understand.
I also had been under the impression that the Puritans were unjustly persecuted – but from the portrayal of them in this book… I don’t know if I could have lived as a Puritan. Y’all, they were some whacked folks. Rules, regulations, restrictions – this was the life they led. Elizabeth was handed over and over a really hard portion of life, but she handled it with grace that was admirable.
This was a seriously long book – and I’d only recommend it if you are really interested in learning about Puritan life and the establishment of families in New England. Overall, most of the history in this book was filled with new facts for me, so I consider that a win, but it’s definitely not a book I’d read for pleasure.
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