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The Shape of Mercy Posted on February 19, 2009 12:00 AM MST by Sara Richardson
The diary was written by Mercy Hayworth, Abigail’s distant relative who lived in the 1600s and was accused of being a witch during the Salem Witch Trials. As Lauren works through the transcription, she sees the events unfold through Mercy’s eyes and is confronted with social intolerance and prejudice that ultimately leads to Mercy’s untimely death. Though she is angered by what she reads, Lauren starts to recognize a certain level of prejudice in her own attitudes and thoughts—especially when she meets Raul, a friend of her cousin, who she mistakenly identifies as part of the kitchen staff at a party. In the midst of struggling through her own relationships, Lauren starts to learn about Abigail’s past and is determined to uncover the significance of the diary. As she discovers the answers, she better understands the importance of Mercy’s story and how it is interwoven with Abigail’s life and her own life. Though each of these women has had different experiences in different times, they are united in their quest to form their own identities and to understand the depth and magnitude of true love. Throughout the novel, Meissner touches on themes of grace, forgiveness, truth, and sacrificial love. The writing is exceptional—not only are the characters fully and wonderfully developed, their stories are woven together seamlessly. The historical aspect of the journal adds another dimension to the story, giving readers a fascinating look at the Salem Witch Trials. It is obvious she did her research. I read this book in two days and found it difficult to put it down. When I did, I couldn’t stop thinking about Lauren, Mercy, and Abigail. This book offers the reader everything—mystery, romance, and a new perspective on a difficult part of our country’s history. |
 
Blog Roll 101 Cookbooks ACFW Blog Amber Stockton, Author Angela Hunt, Author Athol Dickson, Author Books & Such Literary Camy Tang, Author/Editor Carla Stewart, Author Chip MacGregor, Literary Agent Chris Richards, Writer Christianity Today Movie Blog Christianity Today Political Blog Craft Cinema Girls Write Out Hearts at Home Hero Arts Blog Jan Parrish, Bold and Free Ministries Jody Hedlund, Author Kasey Heinly, Writer Lisa McKay, Author Megan DiMaria, Author Michael Hyatt, Leading with Purpose Nancy Rue, Author Nathan Bransford, Literary Agent Nichole Baart, Author Patti Lacy, Author Paula Moldenhauer, Writer Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent Red Hot Read, Denise Holmes Robbie Iobst, Writer/Speaker The Pioneer Woman Tina Ann Forkner, Author Yummy Treats |
In her latest novel, Susan Meissner tells the story of three women who are brought together by one extraordinary story. Lauren Durough is a college sophomore who is trying to make her own way. Instead of relying on her family’s wealth, she sets out to earn her own money by accepting a job transcribing a 400-year-old diary for Abigail Boyles, a mysterious elderly woman who had posted the job opening on the college bulletin board.