Father of LiesAnn Turner
256 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: February 8th, 2011
Source: Finished copy for review
Lidda knew, with a clarity that was like a candle in a dark room, that all had changed; something was loosed in the village—Devil or not—and they would pay for it, every last man, woman, and child.
Fourteen-year-old Lidda has always known she was different. She longs to escape Salem Village and its stifling rules—to be free to dance, to sing, to live as she chooses. But when a plague of accusations descends on the village and witch fever erupts, L idda begins to realize that she feels and sees things that others can't, or won't. But how will she expose the truth without being hung as a witch herself?
Gripping and emotional, Ann Turner's retelling of the Salem witch trials captures one girl's brave soul-searching amidst a backdrop of fear and blame.
I was drawn to Father of Lies like bees to honey. It boasts an irresistable cover, a gripping summary, and a cute size. The first few pages were interesting enough, but from there on...
I'm one of those people who doesn't prefer a certain genre over another. I read whatever sparks my interest. And I have never, and I mean never, marked a book as DNF - Did Not Finish. Sure, there are times when I want to stop reading some books, but I always continue till the end.
So what happened to Father of Lies, you ask? I'm really not sure, but here are a couple of points:
- Lidda's family members referred to each other in ways like, "Yes, wife", "No, husband", "What think you, sister?". I'm pretty sure it's the style of that era, but I just couldn't take it.
- Nothing substantial enough was occurring through the book. Besides the voice in Lidda's head, I kept getting distracted and drawn away from the story.
- I felt like I couldn't relate to the characters and the setting either. There just wasn't enough description for me.
There you have it. I read about 100 of the 256 pages, until I just couldn't take it anymore. I think it was more disappointing because I expected a lot out of it. But the lack of action and substantial events just ruined it for me!
This is my first time giving a 2 out of 5 rating. I would like to give it otherwise, but this is how I feel about it!
So glad I read your review! This was one of the books that was on my list!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I like authenticity in a book but that kind of repetative dialogue would drive me insane!
I'd love for you to come by and see me!
Kristi-The Book Faery's Blog
I think you did a great job of being honest without being completely negative.
ReplyDeleteI actually want to read the book now just to see if the dialogue bothers me like it bothered you.