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Beyond the Burning Time (by Kathryn Lasky)

common sense media says

Fascinating, graphic look at Salem witch trials.

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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."

Positive messages: Mary Chase and Sarah Procter envision killing their mothers' persecutors.
Violence: Explicit references to hangings. The lead character threatens her mother's persecutors with a knife and expresses her desire to stab them. Explicit references to witchcraft and a bloodthirsty mob. Children face the imminent hanging of their mother and ar
Sex: A farmhand watches Virginia Chase undress. Brief references to a widower engaging in extramarital sex. Virginia is stripped during an examination by leering magistrates.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
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More on Beyond the Burning Time

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Kathryn Lasky
Publisher: Pointe Pubs
Publication date: January 1, 1994
Number of pages: 272
Paperback price: $4.99
This review was written by Jennifer Docherty
 
 

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jde0503
adult
9
 
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!
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alyssaa767
teen, 18 years old
 
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.
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helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (2)

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