The Winthrop Woman: A Novel (Rediscovered Classics) [Paperback]

Anya Seton (Author), Philippa Gregory (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2006 | Series: Rediscovered Classics

First published in 1958 and set in the early 17th century, this bestselling novel—and follow-up to Katherine—follows Elizabeth Winthrop, a courageous Puritan woman who finds herself at odds with her heritage and surroundings. A real historical figure, Elizabeth married into the family of Governor John Winthrop of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. In those times of hardship, famine, and Indian attacks, many believed that the only way to prosper was through the strong, bigoted, and theocratic government that John Winthrop favored. Defying the government and her family, Elizabeth befriends famous heretic Anne Hutchinson, challenges an army captain, and dares to love as her heart commanded. Through Elizabeth’s three marriages, struggles with her passionate beliefs, and countless rebellions, a powerful tale of fortitude, humiliation, and ultimate triumph shines through.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Abundant and juicy entertainment."  —The New York Times

"Really good fictionalized history [like this] often gives closer reality to a period than do factual records."  —Chicago Tribune

"[Seton] animates her characters with imaginitive warmth and has written with knowledge and understanding about a difficult period."  —San Francisco Chronicle

"A true page-turner . . . a magnificent book, scrupulously researched, with an unerring instinct for drama and pace."  —Historical Novels Review

About the Author

Anya Seton was the author of 10 bestselling historical romances, including Avalon, Devil Water, Dragonwyck, Foxfire, Green Darkness, The Hearth and Eagle, Katherine, My Theodosia, and The Turquoise.

Product Details

• Paperback: 608 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press (September 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155652644X
• ISBN-13: 978-1556526442
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (60 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #57,584 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

115 of 118 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not your average bodice-ripper..., August 11, 2006

By 

Eustacia Vye - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Winthrop Woman: A Novel (Rediscovered Classics) (Paperback)

Someone gave me an old paperback copy of this book years ago, and my immediate reaction was to roll my eyes. It looked like a cheesy romance novel, the sort that feature Fabio on the cover. However, one day in a fit of boredom, I picked it up and started reading, and didn't put it down until I finished it in the wee hours of the morning. This is a fictionalized account of the life of Elizabeth Fones, who was a niece of John Winthrop (governor of the Mass. Bay Colony) and a bit of an embarrassment to the other, more respectable Winthrops. Elizabeth packed a lot of living into her rather short life -- tumultuous and often scandalous love affairs, widowhood, emigration to seventeenth-century New England, accusations of witchcraft, Indian attacks, abandonment, several marriages, births, deaths, you name it. Seton crafts some memorable turns of phrase, and Elizabeth is an engaging character. It really is a great book and I'm glad to see it back in print.

61 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE PURITAN LEGACY IN AMERICA..., October 10, 2006

By 

Lawyeraau (Balmoral Castle) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Winthrop Woman: A Novel (Rediscovered Classics) (Paperback)

This is a dazzling work of historical fiction that I first read as a young adult. Now, over thirty years after first reading it, I find that time has not diminished the power and passion of this exquisitely written work of historical fiction. At the heart of this fine novel, is Elizabeth Fones, an Englishwoman who would marry her first cousin, Harry Winthrop, and would go on to lead a life of which few of us would dream.

As a member of the austerely Puritan Winthrop family, Elizabeth would chafe under its restrictive influences. When the family fortunes abated in England due to the religious beliefs of the family patriarch, John Winthrop, Elizabeth's uncle and father-in-law, the entire family sets off for the New World to become founding members of the Massachusetts Bay colony, a theocracy under which Elizabeth was to know much heartache.

A passionate and vibrant woman, Elizabeth would have a number of personal situations that would cause her to become notorious amongst the Puritan colonists. She would be both reviled and admired for her actions, which were singular for those times. This is an absorbing, page turner of a book that takes a look at sixteenth century England during the tumultuous time that preceded the civil war that would see an act of regicide and the rise of Puritan Oliver Cromwell. It also relates the turmoil that underlay the government of the nascent Massachusetts Bay colony with all its factionalism, restrictive practices, and bigotry.

The novel, set against a historical backdrop filled with well known personages of the time, both English and Dutch, lovingly chronicles and explores Elizabeth's passage in life as a member of the illustrious Winthrop family, her troubled marriages, her relationship with the Siwanot Indians, and the trials and tribulations that she underwent as a compassionate, independent woman in a time when to be such was to destine oneself to become a pariah within the larger community.

This is a historical novel that is epic in its telling, beautifully written, and one to be savored until the very last page is turned. Bravo!

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Anya Seton is once again superb!, October 11, 2006

By 

Ryner (Chaska, Minnesota, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Winthrop Woman: A Novel (Rediscovered Classics) (Paperback)

Anya Seton has certainly done her homework in researching this story of Elizabeth Fones, a true historical figure in 17th-century Puritan New England. Despite marrying into the powerful Winthrop family of Boston, Elizabeth has difficulty conforming to expectations for a woman, nearly risking her very life in a time of suspicion, violence, religious zeal and political anxiety. Eventually, she is forced to flee from New England entirely with her tormented second husband, although this new life brings her little peace. Although her troubles are by no means over, with her third and final marriage Elizabeth finally has an opportunity to marry for love. Ms. Seton has an amazing way of bringing characters from the past to life. I highly recommend all of her works.