Book Review -The Witch of Blackbird Pond

Hi!!

Today I am writing a book review on The Witch of Blackbird Pond By Elizabeth George Speare. I will do my best to keep the review spoiler free, and will attempt to warn you beforehand if I mention a spoiler.

Orphaned Kit Tyler knows, as she gazes for the first time at the cold, bleak shores of Connecticut Colony, that her new home will never be like the shimmering Caribbean island she left behind. In her relatives’ stern Puritan community, she feels like a tropical bird that has flown to the wrong part of the world, a bird that is now caged and lonely. The only place where Kit feels completely free is in the meadows, where she enjoys the company of the old Quaker woman known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond, and on occasion, her young sailor friend Nat. But when Kit’s friendship with the “witch” is discovered, Kit is faced with suspicion, fear, and anger. She herself is accused of witchcraft!

Synopsis from Goodreads .

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

Length: My copy is 222 pages long. It is not the longest book, but I think it is a good length.

Age: According to Plugged In the age range is 9-12, but not necessarily content wise.

Religious Content: The characters go to Meeting House (Church), someone prays, a child reads from the Bible, witchcraft is part of the story, one character is a Quaker

Cursing: A character uses a curse word once, God’s name may be used in vain

Other Content: Keep in mind that this book does talk about witchcraft, although there is no actual witchcraft.
People in the story are greatly prejudiced against the Quaker Woman.
The main character is rebellious at times.

My Thoughts:

The Witch of Blackbird Pond caught my attention right away. I found the story very interesting, although there were views in the story that I did not agree with. Overall, I enjoyed reading it. I liked how the story had suspense that kept me reading, and how the author wrote a romance without all the “romantic stuff” (I think you get what I mean). Throughout the story there is a bit of prejudice and some anger that I didn’t like, but those elements were required to make the story. At one point in the story, a character is put into stocks, which is not a pleasure to read, but it is historically accurate.

STOP HERE FOR ABSOLUTELY NO SPOILERS. KEEP READING IF YOU DON’T MIND MINOR SPOILERS.

The Characters:

Most of the characters are well defined and easy to read.

Katherine (Kit) Tyler:
The author really developed Kit (the protagonist) in a human way. Kit is relatable, which makes her a great character.

Hannah Tupper:
Hannah shows kindness to Kit, which makes her a lovable character.

Mercy Wood:
One of Kit’s cousins. She is sweet and kind.

Judith Wood:
The other of Kit’s cousin. She is dramatic, slightly vain, and romantic. At first she is a bit mean to Kit.

Nathaniel Eaton:
A headstrong boy. I found him somewhat confusing to read about. Yet he ends up (CAUTION: contains spoiler. Highlight to read) being Kit’s true love and her eventual husband.

So, those are the main characters (the ones that stuck out to me at least), and I don’t want to spoiler all the characters for you.

SPOILERS OVER!!!

More Reviews:

I recommend you read other reviews on this book because I am no expert. disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with any of the places I have linked.

If you are still unsure about the content in The Witch of Blackbird Pond read this review from Plugged In.

Also read this review from Squeaky Clean Reviews.

Both of the above links are to Christian Resources.

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Thank you guys for reading! Have you ever read The Witch of Blackbird Pond? What are your thoughts on this book? Do you like reading book reviews? I would love to hear from you in the comments!

-Haley