Rating: 
Summary: Rich and Compelling Writing
Review: Wendy Lawton seizes a story, studies the what-ifs, and crafts an excellent work like "The Tinker's Daughter." Children as well as adults will be mesmerized by this book.Lawton recreates Mary Bunyan, daughter of John Bunyan, through a vivid portrayal of some key events in the family's life. Through Mary's blind eyes, one sees the cruelty of the times, the devastation of her father's imprisonment and the triumph of faith as evidenced by his Pilgrim's Progress. Wendy Lawton guides you swiftly from page to page until there are no more; rather than being disappointed, you want to go to another story, another profile. I have had the pleasure of recommending this book to many young friends and using it as a writing model for those I tutor. History lives through the writing of Wendy Lawton, and our lives are made richer for it.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring drama!
Review: Wendy Lawton topped herself with this one! After reading Courage to Run, and enjoying it too much, I felt compelled to devour Tinker's Daughter. I think I liked this one even more than Courage to Run because Mary Bunyan was unknown to me before I read Tinker's Daughter. And now, I wish I could read more about this all too real girl! Children with difficulties and handicaps of all sorts will identify with Mary, and those without them will come away with a new understanding and admiration for others whom God made different from themselves. But, this book is not about impairment, it's about life and the struggle to balance self-reliance with knowing when to ask for help--struggles we can all relate to and with which we still wrestle even as adults. Without being preachy, Mary's story leads the reader to the Source of all help and hope. Wonderfully written--full of sights, smells, sounds and tactile imagery. I think I know now why John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress holds such appeal even today. He wrote stories full of detail Mary would appreciate and enjoy, and in the process built stories which still enthrall readers. Tinker's Daughter brings the same timeless appeal to the story of Mary Bunyan, one of John's daughters. It's a great book for home, church and school libraries. An excellent resource for home-school families. And, a nice way to bring faith-based stories into the public schools--either as a gift to the library, or in the form of a book review written by some primary grader who just had to read something and write a dreaded book report on it. The young reader finds the story engaging and engrossing."Reading this one isn't boring, it's fun!" says my niece. Don't forget, this book makes an excellent gift as well as a welcome addition to your personal library.
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