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The Trials of Mary Johnsdaughter

The Trials of Mary Johnsdaughter

£7.99

A historical drama capturing one woman's struggle against injustice.

For history lovers and anyone interested in women's resilience.


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About the Ebook

A cold sweat had spread over Mary as she listened. What she was hearing was sounding ever more like a premonition: adultery was nearly as bad as murder.

Shetland, 1773: a land of hand-to-mouth living and tight community ties overshadowed by the ever-watchful eye of the kirk, an institution 'run by auld men, for auld men'. In this fictionalised retelling of historical events, young Waas lass Mary Johnsdaughter stands accused of having sinned in the eyes of the church after the Batchelor, a ship bursting with emigrants seeking new lives in North Carolina, is left stranded upon Shetland's shores.

Will she survive the humiliation? Will she become an outcast? Will one moment cost her everything? A tale of Shetland folk knit out of Shetlandic voices and real parish records, The Trials of Mary Johnsdaughter pits the bonds of friends and family against the grip of the kirk. Only one thing is clear: then as now, 'Hit's no aesy livin in a peerie place.'

Review

A compelling story of resilience and hope that will linger long after the book is closedJENNI DAICHES, historian, poet and novelist


Why You'll Love This Ebook

  • Vivid historical narrative of courage and defiance.
  • Brings forgotten women's stories to life.
  • Published by Luath Press, Scotland's leading independent publisher.
  • A powerful testament to female strength through history.

About the Author

Christine De Luca lives in Edinburgh. She writes in English and Shetlandic, her mother tongue. She was appointed Edinburgh’s Makar (poet laureate) for 2014-2017. Besides several children’s stories and one novel, she has had seven poetry collections and five bi-lingual volumes published (French, Italian, Icelandic, Norwegian and English) – several prize-wining. She has participated in many festivals here and abroad and numerous translation activities. She particularly enjoys collaborating with composers, musicians and visual artists.


Publication Details

Publisher: Luath Press

Publication Date: 15 June 2022

Print Length: 272 pages (Ebook edition)

ISBN (Ebook): 9781804250419

Format: Ebook

Language: English


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