The Wheelwright's Daughter by Eleanor Porter

Can she save herself from a witch's fate?


Praise for The Wheelwright's Daughter:

'It's a gripping story and such accomplished writing. I really enjoyed every moment of working on it.' Yvonne Holland, editor of Philippa Gregory and Tracy Chevalier

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Martha is a feisty and articulate young woman, the daughter of a wheelwright, living in a Herefordshire village in Elizabethan England.
With no mother Martha's life is spent running her father's meagre household and helping out at the local school whilst longing to escape the confines and small-mindedness of a community driven by religious bigotry and poverty.

As she is able to read and is well-versed in herbal remedies she is suspected of being a witch.
When a landslip occurs - opening up a huge chasm in the centre of the village - she is blamed for it and pursued remorselessly by the villagers.

But can her own wits and the love of local stablehand Jacob save her from a witch's persecution and death...

A brilliant and accomplished novel that perfectly captures the febrile atmosphere of Elizabethan village life in an age when suspicion and superstition were rife. Perfect for fans of Tracy Chevalier.

WOW!  Atmospheric and enchanting. I was pulled in immediately.
If this is a debut novel, I foresee great things from this author.
Extremely well researched, the lyrical language flows so beautifully.
Even though this is a dark tale, the phrasing sings to the reader.

"Gorrell-bellied striplings ~ their chins were as hairless as a plucked turkey's arse."

Who can resist chuckiling at the imagery?

"They'd never dream higher than a hedge."

 Caught in an age when women had few choices, were seen as property, and superstition ran rampant. Those who had the money had the power.
Even the men of the cloth were seen as evil, although one dared not say it in proper company. That is not to say it wasn't true.

Being educated was a curse upon dark skinned Martha rather than a blessing.
Growing up without a mother made her especially susceptible.
She and her father were favored within the communitybecause of hs skill, when he wasn't drunk. Unfortunately, that was a small percentage of time.
Fans of BBC dramas will not be able to set this book down!

Eleanor Porter