The Shape Of Mercy by Susan Meissner
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (September 16, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400074568
ISBN-13: 978-1400074563

From Amazon.com:

Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Meissner’s newest novel is potentially life-changing, the kind of inspirational fiction that prompts readers to call up old friends, lost loves or fallen-away family members to tell them that all is forgiven and that life is too short for holding grudges. Achingly romantic, the novel features the legacy of Mercy Hayworth—a young woman convicted during the Salem witch trials—whose words reach out from the past to forever transform the lives of two present-day women. These book lovers—Abigail Boyles, elderly, bitter and frail, and Lauren Lars Durough, wealthy, earnest and young—become unlikely friends, drawn together over the untimely death of Mercy, whose precious diary is all that remains of her too short life. And what a diary! Mercy’s words not only beguile but help Abigail and Lars together face life’s hardest struggles about where true meaning is found, which dreams are worth chasing and which only lead to emptiness, and why faith and hope are essential on life’s difficult path. Meissner’s prose is exquisite and she is a stunning storyteller. This is a novel to be shared with friends. (Sept. 16)
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My thoughts? This is, hands down, the best book I’ve read so far in 2009! Run out and purchase your copy now! How many times have you seen me start a review like this??? This book captured me from the first page and wouldn’t let me go – I finished most of this novel in one day.

Lauren Durough wants to start making her own money, no longer wanting to accept an allowance from her wealthy father. She answers an ad for a literary assistant. Once she arrives at her new job, she discovers that Abigail, her elderly new boss, wants her to transcribe a family diary that was written by one of Abigail’s ancestors – Mercy Hayworth. Mercy writes about her experiences during the Salem witch trials and her haunting words affect Lauren, forcing her to take a look at her own life.

Lauren is used to a living a wealthy life, and her money has affected her personal relationships. Meanwhile, Abigail suffers from the affects of unrequited love, and Mercy’s diary forces Abigail to question the mistakes she’s made in her life.

Both Lauren and Abigail form a bond as Lauren transcibes the diary. As the story unfolds a few elements of mystery and intrigue are interwoven into this tale. Lauren’s father wants to know why Abigail wants this ancient diary transcribed? Will Lauren receive credit for her work if Abigail publishes the transcription? Lauren believes she knows how Mercy was killed; however, when she finishes the diary, and speaks to a college professor about the Salem witch trials, Lauren discovers a shocking fact about Mercy Hayworth.

Meissner also addresses the issues of social class in this novel. Lauren is wealthy, and her interactions with others are affected by how she’s been raised. Unknowingly, she judges others in terms of money, and she’s shocked when she discovers this fact about herself. Somewhat bothered by her wealth, she wonders what she can do to form her opinions of others by not basing her conclusions about new acquaintances on money.

There are also a couple of romantic subplots within the story which give this novel an interesting angle.

If you read this novel, well, I can guarantee you’ll remember it for a long time. It’s one of those books that make you stop and think. I think this novel would make a great discussion for a book club.
~Cecelia Dowdy~