“We understand what we want to understand.”Leaving a life of privilege to strike out on her own, Lauren Durough breaks with convention and her family’s expectations by choosing a state college over Stanford and earning her own income over accepting her ample monthly allowance. She takes a part-time job from 83-year-old librarian Abigail Boyles, who asks Lauren to transcribe the journal entries … transcribe the journal entries of her ancestor Mercy Hayworth, a victim of the Salem witch trials.
Almost immediately, Lauren finds herself drawn to this girl who lived and died four centuries ago. As the fervor around the witch accusations increases, Mercy becomes trapped in the worldview of the day, unable to fight the overwhelming influence of snap judgments and superstition, and Lauren realizes that the secrets of Mercy’s story extend beyond the pages of her diary, living on in the mysterious, embittered Abigail.
The strength of her affinity with Mercy forces Lauren to take a startling new look at her own life, including her relationships with Abigail, her college roommate, and a young man named Raul. But on the way to the truth, will Lauren find herself playing the helpless defendant or the misguided judge? Can she break free from her own perceptions and see who she really is?
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The “Shape” of Excellence …
I am not typically a women’s fiction reader, but every now and then a novel comes along about which everyone is talking and accolades run high, and I am compelled to read it. Such is the case with Susan Meissner’s The Shape of Mercy, and let me say in this instance—unequivocally—compulsion has served me well.
Seldom do I read a work of fiction that so shakes me at the core that it changes who I am, and yet Ms. Meissner’s poignantly penned novel about the Salem witch trials and its effect on two 21st-century women’s lives has done just that. With haunting prose, flesh-and-blood characters and vivid imagery, Susan Meissner mesmerizes readers with a tale of three women whose hearts and souls are bound—and set free—by a travesty of justice perpetrated in the name of God three centuries ago. So profound was this novel’s effect on me that at one point in my reading, I jolted up in bed at a spiritual truth so cleansing, it brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you, Ms. Meissner, for not only gracing your readers with a story rich in beauty, purpose and indelible love, but for affording me a healing glimpse into the people God sees each of us to be.
Thoroughly enjoyed this quick read. It isn’t time slip, but does incorporate a fictional diary from the Salem witch trial era that provided a parallel plot. Meissner succeeded in addressing a dark period of history without actually getting oppressively dark.
4.5 stars
“People always believe what they want to believe. . . . . the key is to never let someone else tell you what to think.”
When Lauren Durough sheds her upper class mantle long enough to explore employment, she happens upon an eighty three year old former librarian Abigail Boyles. The local heiress has placed an advertisement for a part time employee. The job? . . . transcribing the delicate pages of a primitive diary, penned by a young Puritan ancestor falsely convicted of being a witch during the heinous Salem witch trials that shook the annuls of history in the late 1690’s.
Mercy Hayworth loved nothing more than escaping high into the limbs of a tree and writing fanciful stories within the pages of her beloved journal. Never could she have imagined how woodland fairies and talking birds would banish her from experiencing a promising future with the love of her life. Centuries later, Mercy’s response to erroneous accusation would shape the decisions of yet another young woman, destined to bridge the gap between the past and the present.
“All is remembered. All is forgiven. Live.”
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
5 Stars
Amazing book. One of many favorites by this author.
This was such an interesting story about the Sal witch trials told amidst three generations. The author does a fantastic job telling a story with such depth of insight. The characters of mercy, abigail, Lauren and Raul were particularly memorable to me. The book gave me so much to think about.
Another great book! I always enjoy this authors books and all have a lesson we can learn from. Interesting diary and history centered around the Salem witch trials. I enjoyed the audio book and narration.
Lauren Durough wants to start making her own money, no longer wanting to accept an allowance from her wealthy father. She answers an ad for a literary assistant. Once she arrives at her new job, she discovers that Abigail, her elderly new boss, wants her to transcribe a family diary that was written by one of Abigail’s ancestors – Mercy Hayworth. Mercy writes about her experiences during the Salem witch trials and her haunting words affect Lauren, forcing her to take a look at her own life.
Lauren is used to a living a wealthy life, and her money has affected her personal relationships. Meanwhile, Abigail suffers from the affects of unrequited love, and Mercy’s diary forces Abigail to question the mistakes she’s made in her life.
Both Lauren and Abigail form a bond as Lauren transcibes the diary. As the story unfolds a few elements of mystery and intrigue are interwoven into this tale. Lauren’s father wants to know why Abigail wants this ancient diary transcribed? Will Lauren receive credit for her work if Abigail publishes the transcription? Lauren believes she knows how Mercy was killed; however, when she finishes the diary, and speaks to a college professor about the Salem witch trials, Lauren discovers a shocking fact about Mercy Hayworth.
Meissner also addresses the issues of social class in this novel. Lauren is wealthy, and her interactions with others are affected by how she’s been raised. Unknowingly, she judges others in terms of money, and she’s shocked when she discovers this fact about herself. Somewhat bothered by her wealth, she wonders what she can do to form her opinions of others by not basing her conclusions about new acquaintances on money.
There are also a couple of romantic subplots within the story which give this novel an interesting angle.
If you read this novel, well, I can guarantee you’ll remember it for a long time. It’s one of those books that make you stop and think. I think this novel would make a great discussion for a book club.
Not one of her better books.
Were It Not For Mercy
This is such a wonderful read. Take time to process the influence of the fear and superstition of the Salem trials. I wonder if any of the accusers felt remorse. For Mercy, Abigail and Lauren, it is all about interpretation.
Great story line! I enjoyed the characters!
I really enjoyed it, three stories woven in together really well. Different generations, one was during the Salem witch trials. A journal was handed down through several generations and the elderly woman who owns it now, has her own secrets. She hires a girl from college to transcribe the journal. The journal about the witch trials effects both these women in different ways. There is romance entwined but that’s not really the total focus of the book but plenty there to keep your interest. I needed tissues. Was hard to put down.
This is a great story. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, something new occurred. I truly enjoyed this book.
I loved “Secrets of a Charmed Life,” and having an interest in the Salem witch trials, a story about transcribing the diary of a young woman convicted of being a witch was appealing. Especially since the diary belonged to an elderly descendant. However, not to underestimate the historical value, I was disappointed that I didn’t find this book more engaging.
This is a book you don’t want to put down. Susan meissner is relatively new to me. I want to read every one of her books.