 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Beyond the Burning Time
- By Kathryn Lasky
- Genre: Historical Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Fascinating, graphic look at Salem witch trials.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that complex characters and a spine-tingling plot will have many readers racing through the novel to find out what happens next. Still, some parents won't feel comfortable when Mary tells her brother, "I will scratch. I will cut. I will stab. I will kill to find out where Mother is and save her."
What's the story?
In an age of superstition, the hysterical ravings of young women whip a town into a frenzy that will not end until twenty-four people have lost their lives. By turns exciting and horrifying, Kathryn Lasky's novel tells the story of Mary and Caleb Chase's race to save their mother, who must escape from Salem or be hanged as a witch.
Is it any good?
BEYOND THE BURNING TIME is a fascinating look at the Salem witch trials. Lasky excerpts much of her material from sermons, trial testimonies, and contemporary histories, cleverly blending fact and fiction. Her fictional characters are skillfully conceived and believable. Many readers will identify with Mary Chase, someone apart from the hysteria who struggles to understand the motivations of the young women and the townspeople supporting them.
The novel is packed with scenes of searing emotional intensity. When Mary views a hanging for the first time or when Virginia Chase tells her children to abandon her and save themselves, the scenes draw the reader in as a witness to these painful events. Ultimately, Mary becomes immersed in this culture of violence and tells her brother, "I will scratch. I will cut. I will stab. I will kill to find out where Mother is and save her." Though her response is certainly believable, parents may still find it somewhat objectionable and may therefore wish to use caution in recommending this book to younger readers. This point aside, Lasky's novel is a riveting read that even many reluctant readers will find hard to put down.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the witch trials. Do you think the women who were believed to be witches really had special powers that they used for evil means? Was the public justified in wanting to eliminate these women?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Perfect for all!!!!!!!!!!
For those that were throwing a fit in their reviews of this book for sexual behavior, violence, and bad messages I have the following things to say:
1. The world sucks and this book properly reflects that, children are entitled to these scenes of reality and obviously your children have a very sheltered life; I feel sorry for them.
2. Um, guess what! The Salem Witch Crisis was violent and showing that cruel violence is part of the point in this book!
3. This book was not condoning the condemning of women to death by accusing them of witchcraft; it was elaborating and expanding on a historical event.
Obviously, you complainers are out of touch w/ reality!
This book was great, eye opening, and extremely educational showing the ignorant and savage traits in man. One of the best I've read!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
A must for ANY american
This book is amazing and powerful. I have read it twice! Once by myself and once for school. Powerful, descriptive, and a great thinker.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Author: | Kathryn Lasky |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Historical Fiction |
| Publisher: | Pointe Pubs |
| Publication date: | January 1, 1994 |
| Number of pages: | 272 |
| Paperback price: | $4.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 14 |
Review It
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already read it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
