My thoughts: The author ventures into the stories of the Quaker movement and from the Amish stories for which she is so well known and writing with such excellence. In Phoebe's Light we get a taste of what life was like in the 1660s and 1770s in the Massachusetts area and specifically on the island of Nantucket which lies offshore of Massachusetts.
While the Quakers had come to America's shores from Brittany to escape persecution and the freedom to seek faith as they believed, they soon found that persecution was in the newly formed colony as well.
Life revolved around the boats and what could be gleaned from the ocean leaving the islanders dependent on the shipping industry to provide their support. Whaling soon became their means of livelihood but such a dangerous occupation it was.
Life revolved around the boats and what could be gleaned from the ocean leaving the islanders dependent on the shipping industry to provide their support. Whaling soon became their means of livelihood but such a dangerous occupation it was.
This story follows two interwoven timelines. Reading from a journal written by a Quaker woman in the 1660s, Phoebe as a descendent of this woman, comes to understand much of her own life.
The author's careful research and treatment of historical information is excellent. Characters are well fleshed out and you can really get into what they are thinking and feeling as you read. The descriptions of the sea voyages and life aboard a whaling ship captivate. I believe that Phoebe's light is that inner light that the Quakers believe is in man and comes from God. While our faith might differ from that which these Quakers believed, the book is good reading and a good story for Christians to read.
About the book: Phoebe Starbuck has always adjusted her sails and rudder to the whims of her father. Now, for the first time, she's doing what she wants to do: marrying Captain Phineas Foulger and sailing far away from Nantucket. As she leaves on her grand adventure, her father gives her two gifts, both of which Phoebe sees little need for. The first is an old sheepskin journal from Great Mary, her highly revered great-grandmother. The other is a "minder" on the whaling ship in the form of cooper Matthew Mitchell, a man whom she loathes.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Revell Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are solely my own and are freely given. Winner's copy will be provided by the author and shipped by author or publisher to winner.
About the book: Phoebe Starbuck has always adjusted her sails and rudder to the whims of her father. Now, for the first time, she's doing what she wants to do: marrying Captain Phineas Foulger and sailing far away from Nantucket. As she leaves on her grand adventure, her father gives her two gifts, both of which Phoebe sees little need for. The first is an old sheepskin journal from Great Mary, her highly revered great-grandmother. The other is a "minder" on the whaling ship in the form of cooper Matthew Mitchell, a man whom she loathes.
Soon Phoebe discovers that life at sea is no easier than life on land. Lonely, seasick, and disillusioned, she turns the pages of Great Mary's journal and finds herself drawn into the life of this noble woman. To Phoebe's shock, her great-grandmother has left a secret behind that carries repercussions for everyone aboard the ship, especially her husband the captain and her shadow the cooper. This story within a story catapults Phoebe into seeing her life in an entirely new way--just in time.
In this brand-new series, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher brings her signature twists and turns to bear on a fascinating new faith community: the Quakers of colonial-era Nantucket Island.
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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Revell Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are solely my own and are freely given. Winner's copy will be provided by the author and shipped by author or publisher to winner.
I am not that familiar but I do love history so I'm sure I would love to read about it.
ReplyDeleteI have seen movies and read books that contain Quakers. I don't feel like I know very much at all. I'm not sure how I would react.
ReplyDeleteI am somewhat familiar as I enjoy history and genealogy. In doing such I discovered a Quaker line of mine in the 1700's.
ReplyDeleteMy kids grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, and participated with events at the Shaker Historical Museum. They saw displays of toys and handicrafts from years gone by. The Fall Festival has artisans spinning wool and shearing sheep.
ReplyDeleteI know next to nothing about the Quakers. 2. I would hope I would be brave enough to face persecution, but it would be difficult.
ReplyDeleteI read this one and, for some reason, had a hard time getting into it, but once I did, I enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing it at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com!
ReplyDeleteTina
Thank you, Vera, for reading and reviewing my new book! I appreciated your comment about Quakers and the Inner Light. So fascinating to learn about their theology (especially when the movement first began). After all...think of the first spoken words of God (in Genesis): "Let there be light." Grateful to you, Vera. Warmly, Suzanne
ReplyDeleteLimited knowledge about Quakers. Unsure of how well I would handle the persecution they faced.
ReplyDeleteI'm not very knowledgeable about Quaker history.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to say I'd be very strong & easily persevere, but who really knows how they'd react?
I really don't know too much history of the Quakers. I would trfy many best to deal with the persecution.
ReplyDeleteMerry
I don't know the history of the Quakers, but reading your review it sounds very interesting. I can see my oldest daughter reading this book, she is into learning about different history and cultures.
ReplyDelete