274 p. Viking/ Penguin Group (USA) Inc., September, 2013. 9780670786152.
The cover, while striking, promises something contemporary what with the hair and smokey eyes. The story however, is strictly historical, set in a fictional community in definitely Puritanical times.
Judith returns to her village maimed. Her tongue was mutilated. She had been missing for two years. Her best friend was murdered around the time Judith went missing. Instead of being welcomed back into the community, Judith finds herself a pariah. She's barely tolerated by her mother and brother. She slowly reveals her story in an internal monologue to her crush, who is engaged to someone else.
The writing is economical but lyrical. There is not a wasted word. Judith is a compelling character. The villagers and setting are quite vivid. The reader may be embarrassed to realize that she might have made the same assumptions that the villagers made about what might have happened to Judith during her abduction. The mystery unfolds slowly and all the pieces fit together in a satisfying conclusion. No spoilers here.
Don't miss this one. This was unlike anything I've ever read and has stuck with me weeks after finishing it.
