Married for twenty years to Edward Berry, Lyddie is used to the trials of being a whaler’s wife in the Cape Cod village of Satucket, Massachusetts—running their house herself during her husband’s long absences at sea, living with the daily uncertainty that Edward will simply not return. And when her worst fear is realized, she finds herself doubly cursed. She is overwhelmed by grief, and her … property and rights are now legally in the hands of her nearest male relative: her daughter’s overbearing husband, whom Lyddie cannot abide. Lyddie decides to challenge both law and custom for control of her destiny, but she soon discovers the price of her bold “war” for personal freedom to be heartbreakingly dear.
Includes the fascinating “story behind the story” of The Widow’s War, a map of colonial Brewster, and a driving tour of the village of Satucket.
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Loved this historical fiction set in Cape Cod, Satucket, MA, in the 1760s that examines the limited prospects for a widow, and one particular whaler’s widow, Lyddie. At 39, Lyddie Berry is determined to have some control over the rest of her life, and in so doing, she breaks all standards and expectations for a woman such as herself. She also alienates her daughter and son-in-law, and aggravates the wonderful Mr. Freeman and the intriguing Sam Cowett. But she persists because it is her destiny at stake, and shouldn’t she have some control over that?
The Widow’s War is a fascinating insight into the lives and rights of women during the colonial period, all wrapped up in a gripping story of a young widow who loses all her property and rights. The setting on Cape Cod feels right and true to the details of the novel. One of the best historical novels I’ve ever read!
Sally Cabot Gunning is a marvelous writer, who meticulously researches material for her novels! A must read.
What was the most eye opening wad the fact that the son-in-law could make all of her decisions back in that time period. She was feisty and gave him a run for his money!
I love this author. She brings historical events to life.
This book brought alive what it was like to live as a woman in pre-Revolutionary War America. The details were fascinating but never intrusive on the storyline – just great research laying the groundwork. It is humbling what prior generations of women endured. Great characters and dialogue. Highly recommended.
Interesting history related to women’s rights, or lack thereof.
I love this book. It was not only entertaining, but I did learn a little more about the laws and customs of the time. I’ve read this book three times, and will undoubtedly read it again. A woman standing up for her rights always interests me and makes me want to thank her.
What a fascinating book this is. We hear about the sea, and whaling, but here is the story of the women whose lives depend on those seafaring men. The picture of the colonial world, and the realities the colonist’s faced is shown here with feeling. There is nothing so lovely as getting to live in someone else’s shoes for a while and appreciate how lucky we are to be living.. most of us… in security and comfort.
And.. the heroine is great. You can only admire the path she choses for herself. She is a brave woman, worthy of spending you time reading about… dfk
Nice to read something that you didn’t know the ending at the beginning.
It was interesting to see how society has evolved. Women in the time depicted in this book had no rights as a woman. A woman was only important as a wife or mother. If her husband died, she might as well give up. The book was a little slow. But it was interesting to learn about the life of women in the time period.
Every Anerican needs to read this to gain a greater understanding of Indian and settler relationships in New England where this country started. The truth isn’t what we are taught in school. It is an eye opener also on the lack of rights woman had. A little slow to get into but hard to put down. Hope men read it to see our heritage as it relates to treatment of Indians and women.
Well written story of early America. Detailed enough to hold your attention.
Enjoyed it!
One of my favorite books ever.
I was surprised that I enjoyed this novel as much as I did. The Widow’s constant battle to simply gain her rightful measure in life was truly epic!
Very slow moving story. Could have been written in half the time.
The Widows War was a well written historical novel seen from a woman’s point of view. Social conventions and lifestyle for the time period were accurate. I also read Bound by the same author, Sally Cabot Gunning. Bound is about an child indentured servant growing up. Very engrossing.
This book kept me very interested. It took me to a time when women had no right to their property when a spouse died. The widows character is strong and realistic and supporting characters are strong as well. Very good read and excellent author!
I absolutely love this author! She transports you to her world and you can smell the sea, the black fish, the soil. I love a writer who researched well and then I learn like they wanted me to. I read her books over and over. Just wonderfully engrossing.