BELLEWETHER by Susanna Kearsley

BELLEWETHER

by

Susanna Kearsley

            Bellewether is quintessential Kearsley, beautifully interweaving the present with the historical. In the present, Charley Van Hoek is the new curator of the Wilde House Museum, the former Long Island home of, inter alia, Benjamin Wilde, a popular privateer. In the historical, we learn about the Wilde family, including Benjamin and his sister, Lydia. This part takes place during the Seven Years’ War (a.k.a. the French and Indian War) when two French officers were placed with the Wilde family after being paroled on their honor. Running through this intertwined plot are ghosts, privateers, war, French, Canadian, British, colonists, slavery, and interesting family dynamics. At the end of the book, in true Kearlsey fashion, is her About the Character section, discussing the characters and the historical basis for the book. As always, this is an interesting and worthwhile addition to the book.

            I have been a long time Kearsley fan, and I think her work keeps improving. The Winter Sea has always been my very favorite Kearsley book, but right now, Bellewether is tied for favorite.

            Bellewether is a rich and wonderful reading experience!