⇒ [PDF] Gratis My Enemy Tears The Witch of Northampton Karen Vorbeck Williams 9781604946284 Books

My Enemy Tears The Witch of Northampton Karen Vorbeck Williams 9781604946284 Books

Download As PDF : My Enemy Tears The Witch of Northampton Karen Vorbeck Williams 9781604946284 Books

My Enemy Tears The Witch of Northampton Karen Vorbeck Williams 9781604946284 Books

The historical record is clear, if skeletal: Mary Bliss and Joseph Parsons, as children, were among the earliest English immigrants to Massachusetts. Their families trekked westward with Thomas Hooker to found Hartford in 1637. Joseph and Mary, married in Hartford, were prominent early settlers of Springfield and then Northampton, farther up the Connecticut River.

Joseph was a community leader, while Mary suffered barbs of envy from less wealthy, less fortunate “goodwives,” and was even accused of witchcraft—twice. She was eventually exonerated, but the physical and emotional toll on Mary, her accusers, and the whole community fabric was extensive.

Accusations of witchcraft in 17th Century New England (think Salem) were not unusual. Mrs. Williams has added valuably to our country’s understanding of its colonial past. Like me, she is a direct Parsons descendant, and has upholstered the record with throbbing, colorful narrative, hewing as closely to facts as possible but supplying dialogue and bursts of passion. (I blushed when reading of a snowbound bedroom romp, especially when I realized that it was MY ancestor, Joseph Jr. that they were conceiving!)


Tags : My Enemy's Tears: The Witch of Northampton [Karen Vorbeck Williams] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. She was real. She was rich and beautiful. She was tried as a witch in 1675--and survived.</em> <em></em> Based on the lives of Mary Bliss Parsons and Sarah Lyman Bridgeman,Karen Vorbeck Williams,My Enemy's Tears: The Witch of Northampton,Wheatmark,1604946288,FICTION Historical General,Fiction - Historical,Fiction Historical,Historical - General,Historical fiction

My Enemy Tears The Witch of Northampton Karen Vorbeck Williams 9781604946284 Books Reviews

My Enemy's Tears The Witch of Northampton, by Karen Vorbeck Williams was an interesting and informative novel. Based on a true story, there was much insight into the ways of live and popular notions in the colonies during the 1600s. Having lived my whole life in the area in which the story takes place, and being a history buff, I was thrilled to learn so much early history of my birthplace.
Turns out Mary Parsons in this book is also my ancestor. Like the author, I knew stories of Mary and Joseph and have always been intrigued by their story in early America. I was excited to learn of this book and it didn't disappoint. The plot followed the story that I knew, but added depth and character to names that I only knew from the genealogy book. Can't wait to read Karen's second book.
This is a terrific story especially for the reader that enjoys good historical fiction. It's hard to truly understand the difficultly the early pioneers experienced settling a new land without the conveniences that we are so familiar with. I can't imagine that worry of been accused of slander from a simple comment or being a witch because you enjoy the quiet solitude of the forest. The author's description of the daily life helps the reader to understand how difficult living and raising children in the 1600's was.
This book is centered on my 9 great grandmother Mary Bliss Parsons who was accused of witchcraft early in Northampton. Well researched, wonderful detail. Very readable. Excellent book.
This was a wonderful story - it helped to visualize what it might have been like for my ancestors as they came to the America from England. The struggles, the religious conflicts and the growth were well articulated and held me captive until the very end!
I highly recommend this book for the genealogical history buff. It was enlightening to share in the times and events of some of my own ancestors; Robert and Ann Bartlett, John Strong, and distant cousins to the Messenger family. Being a direct descendant of Robert and Ann Bartlett, I am saddened they became involved in what I feel was a jealous witch hunt and the resulting hardships bestowed upon Joseph and Mary Parsons.I think the book is well-written and has an interesting, steady pace that keeps you wanting more.
I was moved by this work of historical fiction that very nicely portrays the motivations to leave the comfortable but troublesome life in England for an uncertain future in New England. Then the settlement problems and successes involving the native indians and the conflicts among the settlers themselves. Mary Bliss Parsons was alleged to be a witch both in Springfield and Northampton, accused by a woman whose family fortunes declined and had difficulties with childbirth and proceeded to blame her problems on the strange behavior of Mary, who walked at night in sleep or just aware outside. She also kept a herb garden. Keep in mind that Mary suffered these accusations long before the Salem witch trials. After many years under a charge her case was dismissed in Boston. This is an excellent book that helps to understand early colonial life in New England.

Disclaimer Mary Bliss Parsons is my 8th great aunt in the Bliss line and so the author is a distant cousin mainly in the Parsons line.
The historical record is clear, if skeletal Mary Bliss and Joseph Parsons, as children, were among the earliest English immigrants to Massachusetts. Their families trekked westward with Thomas Hooker to found Hartford in 1637. Joseph and Mary, married in Hartford, were prominent early settlers of Springfield and then Northampton, farther up the Connecticut River.

Joseph was a community leader, while Mary suffered barbs of envy from less wealthy, less fortunate “goodwives,” and was even accused of witchcraft—twice. She was eventually exonerated, but the physical and emotional toll on Mary, her accusers, and the whole community fabric was extensive.

Accusations of witchcraft in 17th Century New England (think Salem) were not unusual. Mrs. Williams has added valuably to our country’s understanding of its colonial past. Like me, she is a direct Parsons descendant, and has upholstered the record with throbbing, colorful narrative, hewing as closely to facts as possible but supplying dialogue and bursts of passion. (I blushed when reading of a snowbound bedroom romp, especially when I realized that it was MY ancestor, Joseph Jr. that they were conceiving!)