New BC review: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Unbroken: a World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
by Laura Hillenbrand

http://blogcritics.org/books/article/book-review-unbroken-a-world-war/

New LJ review: Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson

Started Early, Took My Dog

by Kate Atkinson

http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/reviewsbook/888385-421/fiction_reviews_january_2011.html.csp

(2nd one down)

Review: The Wolves of Andover

The Wolves of Andover, the prequel to Kathleen Kent's 2008 best seller The Heretic's Daughter, tells the back story of Kent's ancestor Martha Carrier, who was burned as witch during the Salem Witch Trials in the 17th century.

Martha is on her way to becoming an old maid—over 20 and not yet married—when she arrives to help at her cousin Patience's house. Patience is pregnant with her third child and feeling quite ill. There are two men to help with the farm, one of whom, Thomas, is very tall and who grows on Martha. It turns out the Thomas is more than he appears, however, as he is wanted by the King of England, who sends men to the Colonies to find him.

I'm afraid I can't recommend The Wolves of Andover generally. I found it predictable and tiresome, and I was unable to finish. I have not read The Heretic's Daughter, so I have no intrinsic interest in Martha Carrier; perhaps those who want to know more about her would like the book.

For an excellent review of both the book's strengths and weaknesses, I recommend the review by Liz Raftery that appeared in The Boston Globe.