Leaving a life of privilege to strike out on her own, Lauren Durough breaks with convention and her family's expectations by choosing a state college over Stanford and earning her own income over accepting her ample monthly allowance. She takes a part-time job from 83-year-old librarian Abigail Boyles, who asks Lauren to transcribe the journal entries of her ancestor Mercy Hayworth, a victim of the Salem witch trials.

Almost immediately, Lauren finds herself drawn to this girl who lived and died four centuries ago. As the fervor around the witch accusations increases, Mercy becomes trapped in the worldview of the day, unable to fight the overwhelming influence of snap judgments and superstition, and Lauren realizes that the secrets of Mercy's story extend beyond the pages of her diary, living on in the mysterious, embittered Abigail.

The strength of her affinity with Mercy forces Lauren to take a startling new look at her own life, including her relationships with Abigail, her college roommate, and a young man named Raul. But on the way to the truth, will Lauren find herself playing the helpless defendant or the misguided judge? Can she break free from her own perceptions and see who she really is?

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Customer Reviews for The Shape of Mercy: A Novel (Promo Edition)

Review 1 for The Shape of Mercy: A Novel (Promo Edition)

Overall Rating:

5 out of 5

I was not disappointed

Date:October 3, 2012

Jeannie Donaldson

Top 250 Contributor

Location:Statesboro, GA

Age:55-65

Gender:female

Quality:

5 out of 5

Value:

5 out of 5

Meets Expectations:

5 out of 5

Susan was a new author to me - having read and thoroughly enjoyed "Lady in Waiting", I came to this title with high expectations. The book is very interesting. Plus, there is a story within the story - first, we meet Lauren, who is coming to herself and learning to make it on her own, despite her family's wealth and privilege. Then, there is the diary of a young woman who was accused of being a witch during the Salem witch trials, on which Lauren is working. To me, this is such a unique way to tell a tale. I became completely engrossed in both plots. I felt a kinship with the main characters of both stories, plus Abigail, who owns the diary that is being transcribed, and her maid. Lauren learns a lot about herself, and grows as she works on the diary, into a strong and confident young woman. Her relationship with Abigail begins very formal and businesslike, and grows into a warm and loving friendship. I found it hard to put down.

I recommend this book for teen and/or adult readers.

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