Cheryl Lassiter

Marked
The Witchcraft Persecution of Goodwife Unise Cole
1856 - 1680
By: Cheryl Lassiter
Published By: Blue Pedal Press
Copy Courtesy of Goodreads Giveaway
Reviewed By: tk

A horrific tale of one woman accused of witchery in a time of Puritan superstition and fear of the unknown. The townspeople just couldn’t help themselves, they had to find a reason for a dead animal, or a child born with imperfection, or why the crops were cursed. Although it was never actually proven, Unise Cole “The Witch of Hampton” suffered imprisonment and heart wrenching loss. A haunting account of young woman who eventually dies of old age and alone. You will have to decide reader. Do you side with the people of Hampton, or a wrongly accused woman that never had a chance.

I truly think this is the most researched tale I have ever read. I loved the historical background, although my first impression was that it was going to be a dry read. I was so very wrong. All the accounts are of value in the telling of Unise Cole sad life. Cheryl Lassiter will amaze you, as she did me with situations and circumstance without opinion. You will decide for yourself whether or not Unise was responsible for any or all of the accusers charges. (At times, I really hoped she was the cause of their misfortune.)

An astonishing tale that will leave you wondering just what was Unise all about. Short of being able to talk to her, we may never know. Cheryl Lassiter will give you the background, historical significance, of all the hours of research, and leave you to decide on what you read and feel for this woman. The people of Hampton may have been wrong. I secretly hope Unise had a bit of magic up her sleeve.

5/5… (mehr)

The author has taken a subject surrounded in mystery and has assembled extant documents concerning the life of this woman accused of witchcraft in a 17th century New England town. Ms. Lassiter gives a picture of colonial life and it's people who embellished their superstitions into crimes resulting in torture and imprisonment of what we might today call a "batty" old lady. It is a fun read for those who are interested in early times in America. I thank the author and Goodreads for a complimentary copy.… (mehr)