Customer Reviews

The Burning Time (Laurel-Leaf Books)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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Carol Matas, best known for the "Of Two Minds" novels and her various Holocaust fictions, has created a shocking novella about two women who find themselves trapped in a witch hunt in Renaissance France.

Suzanne Rives, a beautiful and fiercely independent widow and skilled midwife, refuses advances from two men to live with her daughter, the main character Rose. People have already been suspicious of her herbal treatments, but when a witch hunter spreads terror in the town comes, Suzanne's fate is sealed.

However, Rose still has some allies: Sylvie, a plucky castle maid whose motives are revealed later, and Raymond, a young man. Suzanne is subjected to horrifying torture by the cruel witch hunters and fanatics.

The violence is bloody and shocking, but never goes over the top. This book is well written, taut and poignant, about a mother-daughter relationship that must overcome the cruelties of the day.

When a death in the family occurs, Rose's life is turned around. First life without her father, then her mother is accused of witchcraft! If it weren't for spiteful family members or jealous practitians, Rose's simple life might have carried on, with a few women being tortured and burned. But fate has willed that Rose's mother should be tortured, and probably killed. A few(very few!) friends help Rose and attempt to save her mother, but that means getting out of the village; most of her childhood friends have turned against her and will never be the same again.

This book is excellent, and very historical. The characters are well-conceived, as is the plot. It is so realistic, that if I hadn't seen 'A Novel by Carol Matas' on the front, I would have believed that this really happened! And in a sense, it did. Many women were killed in this manner.

In the 106 pages of THE BURNING TIME, Carol Matas is able to take you through tremendous tragedy. And hope.

Rose's mother is a midwife who is known for her great gift of healing, and Rose oftentimes helps her mother. Rose's father dies unexpectedly, leaving just she and her mother to take care of themselves and the land he left them in his will.

Her father's relatives are not happy that they did not receive the land upon Rose's father's death. One uncle in particular feels it should be his and is willing to do about anything to get the land for himself. This is where the historical travesty against women during that time period becomes so real--Rose's mother is accused of being a witch. If you think you know what happened to women accused of being witches during that time, you will still be moved by what happens in this book.

Carol Matas has taken such a historical event and put such closeness to it with her characters. No longer is France in the 16th century something read about in a history book, but rather real people let us into their lives and we experience a different kind of world. A different kind of society.

As a teacher I recommend this book often and every student of mine who has read it absolutely loves it. It is a quick read with a powerful punch.

Reviewed by: Dianna Geers

on a winter day my teacher thought about reading us a book so she picked this one, the burning time; when she started off it seemed like a very interesting book but later when it got to the to tourture I thought that that like come on ok thats enough! but then again at a point I was interested in what they were doing to the women back then . overall its a very good book i reccommend it for girls and boys 12 and over.

I found this book extremely well protrayed, vived,and a good Canadian book. The French witch trials were told in an easy way and ,I think, very intresting. Rose was an easy charactor to like and sympathize with. Suzanne was a very brave women and I envy her courage!!

I enjoyed reading about something that most teachers don't teach. and something that you don't hear about as often as other historic events.Great job!!!! loved this book!!!!!!!!!

A thrilling book about a girl named Rose, whose mother is taken away because she is accused of witchcraft. Soon after, Rose is also accused. She must find a way to flee her village and find the courage to fullfill her mother's last wish. This is a very suspenseful book, full of emotion

[Quote]very interesting book but later when it got to the to tourture I thought that that like come on ok thats enough! but then again at a point I was interested in what they were doing to the women back then . overall its a very good book i reccommend it for girls and boys 12 and over[/Quote]

I dont understand what you mean by torture since there isnt alot in this book. Two quick segments and the rest of the book is child free. Your a noob.

A touching, sad, suspenseful and truth-filled story of a teenager named Rose, and her mother who helps to heal people. And an angry group of people against them. And a terrible, powerfull man who comes to their town.
This is story involves risk, love, betrayal, you name it... This book has it all. I highly reccomend it.
However, only for teenagers and very mature children. It is based on the horrid witch hunts and does include some disturbing things.
If you have a chance to read it, do! I could hardly put it down. The suspence will catch you and hold you. A great tale.
It also brings truth to what really happened in the witch hunts so long ago... A must-read.
Enjoy!

Great boooooook! It was so sad! It made me cry! WHA WHA !