Tangled Roots
Tangled Roots tells the story of three young people in rural 1750s Pennsylvania. Mary Brandon, the daughter of a well-to-do farmer, rebels against societal expectations of women. Matthew Locke, her stepbrother, develops a deep affection for her. Originally from Ireland, Alex Turrentine is an indentured servant who works for the Brandon-Locke family. He awakens something new in Mary, something she never knew existed. Things become complicated when the fates of Mary, Matthew, and Alex become intertwined. Little do they know that their family histories, too, are tangled together.
To say that this book is a historical gem is an understatement. It is apparent from the beginning that the author conducted a great deal of historical research. Early on, she provides an antiquated map of Pennsylvania. Not only is the historical accuracy on point, but Kemp Sterling provides extensive background detail in genealogical maps and a fascinating author’s note. In short, this book felt very real to me. The characters are all extremely well-written, likeable, and came across as very human. The family back stories are equally as compelling. When reading this, I felt like I was standing in mid-18th century America along with the characters. While it does have its slow moments, the plot is steady. This is a fantastic book.
