4/27/20 THE WHEELWRIGHT'S DAUGHTER BY ELEANOR PORTER tHANK YOU RACHEL'S RANDOM RESOURCES

Print Length: 310 pages
Publisher: Boldwood Books (April 21, 2020)
Publication Date: April 21, 2020

Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC

SYNOPSIS:

Can she save herself from a witch's fate?

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.

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.

THOUGHTS/REVIEW:

The Wheelwright's Daughter is Eleanor Porter's debut novel.


Book friends - THIS was a fantastic read and I am so excited to share this book with all of you.
This historical fiction novel was set in the mid to late 1500’s Elizabethan period. Our protagonist is Martha, raised by her father, the village wheelwright –in Herefordshire Village. Martha is a brilliant character and a strong woman - she runs the household, helps in the school, is well educated and able to read. This gives her knowledge on the basics of herbal remedies and what a tenlented and kind hearted person she is. It’s so unfortunate and a shame that her small village, the town folks are more interested in religious bigotry, suspicions, gossips and superstitious beliefs.


It's not long that Martha craves for independence and to live a life where women are respected and allowed to pursue the love of literature and learning. Instead, an unfortunate incident in the village points fingers to Martha, blaming her and suspecting her of being a witch. Oh boy!!



The Wheelwright’s Daughter was exceptionally written Historical Fiction read that transported me to 1500 Elizabethan period. The beautiful language used was appropriate for the time set in this story and made my reading experience even that more delightful and kept my interest piqued. The research was impeccable and found this adds to make this book an even more powerful, and a captivating read that I really enjoyed from the very first page. I loved the characters and most especially Martha our heroine who was so ahead of her time. What a spellbinding read I thoroughly enjoyed!!


I cannot recommend this book enough for those looking for a great literary read, historical fiction, and stories with amazing characters. Read this!!



AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT:

Eleanor Porter has lectured at Universities in England and Hong Kong and her poetry and short fiction has been published in magazines. The Wheelwrights Daughter – her historical fiction debut set in Elizabethan England – will be published by Boldwood in May 2020.