Monday, March 28, 2011

The Betrayal of Maggie Blair by Elizabeth Laird

It's seventeenth century Scotland and Maggie finds herself accused of being a witch.  Her grandmother is a bit odd and she curses people, but she's no witch.  When they are both tried, convicted and sentenced to death, Maggie can't believe it...


Houghton Mifflin Harcourt will be publishing this book in mid-April in hardcover.  I got my copy for review from Net Galley (thank you both).  


With help from a friend, Maggie escapes.  She's never lived anywhere except the small island she's on now and has never even visited all the villages there.  Now, she must leave the island and start a new life.


Ms. Laird does an excellent job of making you feel her fear and insecurity on the trip.  And she makes Maggie a strong person who will do what it takes to survive.


The worst part of the story is that Maggie gets betrayed TWICE.  Once would be enough to break the spirit of most people, but not Maggie.


This book provides an excellent look at the historical events of that time period.  Witch trials, religious trials, and hardship were common then.  Reading about this makes you want to search out more about that historical time period.


There's plenty of action, danger, and adventure in the story.  Why not pick up a copy at your local bookstore and take a trip back in time?


Happy reading!

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