So I went to a YA fan event sponsored by a bookstore in our area. It was a great time. We got to meet so many authors - including Katherine Howe. She is well, just amazing to talk to.
Her book was really terrific. If there is a time period that has always intrigued me, it would be the late 1600s or early 1700s. Either Scotland in that time when there were clans and the issues surrounding that or the area surrounding the Salem Witch trials.
So I read this story that told two stories at the same time. One was regarding the trials and the young ladies that were in 2012. I was amazed to read this was based upon a group of girls who actually had this in NY in 2012. My scientific side wants to inquire as to what really was going on.
The thought that all these girls had this conversion disorder - all manifesting in different ways, was new to me. I am a nurse by profession but honestly, my passion is not in the psychiatric area. All things associated with that fascinates me. And that this actually occurred is even more fascinating.
I love the correlation between the two stories. That was a highlight for me. I felt that they truly did have many similar aspects to the stories.
The characters in the 2012 story were "normal" girls that one could easily see either themselves or their friends in. I saw many aspects of the personalities in my own at that age and my friends.
Overall a truly amazing book by a very gifted and talented writer. I cannot wait to read more by her!