4 out of 4 stars
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The Saga of Bridget and Amanda- New Generations by Carole Love Forbes is the third book in The Saga of Bridget and Amanda series. It continues the story of both women and traces their generations starting from the second half of the 1600s.
Rachel, Bridget’s daughter, is married to Tepho, a man from the Wampanoag native tribe. They travel from New York to Pokanoket to live with the tribe and life there is peaceful until war breaks out between the English settlers and the Wampanoag. Later in the book, Alice- Rachel’s daughter, leaves for Boston where she begins to perform midwifery duties despite the resistance from the authorities. Lindy, Amanda’s daughter, is involved in the growth of Lord Baltimore’s colony and her work is later taken up by her daughter, Manda.
I liked that as the third in the series, the book continues to reveal and highlight the crucial work carried out by women and their dedication in the formation and development of their country. Rachel and Lindy face many obstacles but through their wisdom, they hold their families together and are involved in the growth of their communities. They face gender prejudice, threats of imprisonment and the devastation of war and looming revolutions with courage and they do not lose sight of their work. The women in the book also pass on their calling to their daughters who continue their legacy.
I also liked that the book sheds light on important events and topics during the era. The story touches on the slave trade during the period and its cruelty through Manda’s daughter. Another important topic that is brought to light is racial discrimination and the heart-breaking experiences of Native Americans as they fought for their land. This is explored through Tepho and Rachel’s life events. Gender inequality is another topic that is well explored in the book. The event of the witch trials in Salem is also incorporated.
I also liked that the characters were relatable through their painful experiences. They suffered loss through the death of their parents, children, friends and even mentors over and above the challenges the country was facing at the time. It is also professionally edited and I did not identify any errors.
However, it took me time to understand the plot at the beginning of Bridget and Amanda’s accounts. I would have preferred an easily comprehensible transition between book two and the third book. Still, The Saga of Bridget and Amanda- New Generations by Carole Love Forbes has a lot to offer readers who love historical works especially those focused on women. Readers who do not love history books may not enjoy it. I rate it 4 out of 4 stars.
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'The Saga of Bridget and Amanda'
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