Have I mentioned that I enjoy reading about different lifestyles/religions? Polygamy, harems, leprechauns, eskimos and the like fascinate me (no disrespect intended). A little closer to home are the Amish.
I grew up in a small town in rural Michigan. With few stoplights, very little ethnic diversity (no edible sushi or falafel), one high-school (except for the “academy” to which you were sent if kicked out of public school or pregnant), but there was uniqueness since we had an Amish population. We would pass them driving in their buggys, or visit nearby Indiana for a pie or the spontaneous quilt purchase (thanks, Mom).
It’s always been a fascinating lifestyle to me (when I visited Lancaster, PA with some new friends from NYC, I was determined to interact with the Amish, hence photograph below), and I’ve been searching for some good fiction on the topic. I tried Mennonite In A Little Black Dress but it wasn’t different enough (the family used a computer!?). I read the Beverly Lewis series, but they were a little too preachy for me. Thanks to a review in People magazine and a friend at Macmillan, I arrived at the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo.
As the rain came down yesterday evening, my shopping plans were swept away in the tsunami-like conditions, so I excitedly pulled the first book in the series, SWORN TO SILENCE, from my overflowing TBR shelf. This novel introduces the reader to Painters Mill, Ohio; a small, idyllic town with an English and Plain community. Kate Burkholder is no Kay Scarpetta (though she is a welcome edition to my fictional female badasses), wielding several advanced degrees as she solves crimes, but the first female Police Chief in the town she grew up in, when she was born Amish.
Me determined to capture the Amish experience while visiting PA
This is an intense thriller in which Castillo successfully weaves several intricate plots without losing the greater thread. Burkholder is a very likable character, facing her own personal demons from a time, lifestyle and family she left behind, while trying to solve graphic and disturbing murders. The supporting characters are well developed without overshadowing the protagonist. The snowy setting and graphic murders remind me of the Finland depicted in James Thompson’s SNOW ANGELS (which I reviewed here), while the tying in of Amish life fascinates me.
I agree with the starred reviews awarded by Kirkus and Booklist when this book was first published, and I’m excited to begin the newly released PRAY FOR SILENCE during the next storm. This thriller really made me appreciate my pretty lamp and air conditioner (aka use of electricity) as I was absorbed in the world of Painters Mill, Ohio. I’m really interested in researching a weekend on an Amish farm to experience the lifestyle firsthand, anyone want to join?
6 comments
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August 17, 2010 at 1:24 pm
le0pard13
Sounds like an intriguing thriller. Thanks for the review, NW (I also enjoyed reading a little of your background).
August 17, 2010 at 4:19 pm
bermudaonion
I love to read about different lifestyles too and have a fascination with polygamy stories in particular. I always admire the Amish and at times have thought their lifestyle sounds appealing – I know that wouldn’t last long, though!! This book sounds good!
August 17, 2010 at 8:05 pm
S. Krishna
I’m so adding this to my TBR list. Thanks for the review!!
August 18, 2010 at 2:19 pm
novelwhore
Le0pard – ah yes, I do have some interesting small town Michigan stories to share once in a great while – thanks for stopping by.
Bermuda – What’s your favorite book on polygamy? I loved/was horrified by THE CHOSEN ONE (YA), and tried to read Krakauer’s BANNER OF HEAVEN but it was a little too intense I had to take a break. I don’t know if I have ever found the Amish lifestyle appealing long term, but I’d love to see what’s it’s like for a weekend!
Swapna – ohhh I hope you like it! Warning: it does have some gory scenes I skimmed over a little bit. Great writing though.
August 22, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Stephanie Suesan Smith
I doubt you will find a weekend Amish experience held by real Amish. You might find one done by someone who left the order during their wilding year and married an English, though. Check with the Chamber of Commerce in areas with high concentrations of Amish and see if any of them run Bed and Breakfasts. They do not travel too far in those buggies too fast, so they must have way stations set up some how.
August 24, 2010 at 5:08 am
The Girl from the Ghetto
I think my boss just read this book, and she really liked it. Or it was a book like this, not 100%.
I’ve got a polygamy book in my stack by Claire Avery, and I can’t wait to read it. I love Big Love, especially since I worked and lived in Vegas and dealt with the “culture” of multiple wives often.