Eleanor Porter

The Wheelwright's Daughter

Barbara Williford

Interesting historical fiction set in Elizabethan England in the 1500s where superstitions were strong, the fear of witches and neighbors turning on each other out of jealousy or hatred.

Martha is a young women growing up in such a village that is strong in superstition, unnatural fears, jealousy, hatred and biases. Her own mother was sent to the gallows and her father is the town drunk. Martha in her young foolishness did not help matters with her free speech and her thought processes that were far more advanced than this backwoods village. Add in a cruel and wicked priest and her life is in the balance.

It was an interesting read with all the historical superstitions and beliefs. I was a little frustrated with the ending until I saw there was a sequel.

Trigger warnings: some language, child abuse, pediophilia and violence.

The Wheelwright's Daughter

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