The Shape of Mercy - Book Review

As soon as I received the book, "The Shape of Mercy" by Susan Meissner, I delved into it with interest. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. This was one of those rare stories that I literally could not put down.

Main character, Lauren Durough, is a rich college girl who wants to find out what it is like to live in the working world. She pursues an education and then also chooses to take a part-time job from interesting 83 yr old Abigail Boyles. Abigail chooses Lauren just as much as Lauren chooses this job - transcribing a diary by Mercy Haworth, a victim of the Massachusetts witch trials. It was gripping to hear about the history of witch trials and how they began.

What starts out as an interesting diary to transcribe, turns into a strong interest in the girl, her life, her story, her hopes and dreams. Somehow Mercy Haworth's diary is a part in the life of Abigail Boyles, and will eventually help 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. ... Can she break free from her own perceptions and see who she really is?"

The realization Lauren had gripped me as I looked at the issue of evaluating others in a whole new way. Very powerful.

"Meissner's prose is exquisite...she is a stunning storyteller." Publishers Weekly

"Author Bio: From early school-day projects to becoming editor of a local newspaper in Minnesota, Susan Meissner’s love for writing has been apparent her entire life. The Shape of Mercy is her latest novel in a string of books that delve into the deeper issues of life. She is the author of nine novels and lives with her family in San Diego. Find out more about her at http://www.susanmeissner.com/. "

I'm so sorry to report that I forgot to rsvp that I wanted give away copies for this book. I certainly would have loved to pass this book on. I will loan it out to anyone in my area, but I really want it back to keep. :-) A great book to own or give as a gift.