Book Recommendation :: Historical Fiction

I'm reading The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent about the witch trials that took place in Salem, MA in the 1600's. It's written by a descendant of a woman, Martha Carrier, who was tried and hung for being a witch.

This small but terror filled part of history makes me shudder. The story is told from the viewpoint of the woman's daughter, Sarah. It begins with Sarah's early childhood and life and proceeds to where the witch trials began and how they affected their community and home life. It's fascinating. All the more so because it's based on true events and real people -- although it's fiction. Equally fascinating to me are the hardships they faced, not only during the trials for those being accused, but also for their families, and during their every day life during this time period. It was such a dark time in history. Real Life horror.

I'm about 3/4 of the way through and it's been a really great read so far.

eta: Sunday, 10.17.10 -- I just finished it. It's so good. I highly recommend this book. A very emotional read. The last quarter of the book or so is the best part. To me, that last part of the book was a page turner and tear inducer. It'll get to your heart, so descriptive are the words that they reach right in and tear at your emotions.