'All That Lives'
By: Melissa Sanders-Self
(Paperback / 464 Pages / Warner Books / ISBN: 0446526916 / $23.95)
Description:Once again the story of the Bell Witch of Adams, Tennessee, is told in fictional form, here in the words of the person most tormented by it. Betsy Bell, the "darling daughter" of tobacco farmer John and his wife, Lucy, is turning 13 when the disturbances begin. Nighttime noises - of tapping and animal sounds - interrupt the family's sleep, then Betsy becomes the object of slaps, pinpricks, and hair pulling, often losing consciousness. And then the 'fun' begins ...
Verdict:I loved this book from beginning to end and I couldn't put it down. When it was over I wanted to go back and read it again because I didn't want to leave the beautiful countryside or the wonderful lively characters. I had never heard of the Bell Witch but the author creates a spirit that is evil and frightening, yet also wise and good. I found the themes and the story FASCINATING and thought provoking. I want all my friends to read it so we can talk about it. I highly recommend this novel if you like to think about all the things we hear about that can not be explained. Readers will feel the curiosity, bewilderment, anger, anguish, grief and joy that forces them - just as it forced the Bells - to constantly second-guess their understanding of the sometimes benevolent, sometimes malevalent creature. Kudos to the author for her musical and triumphant piece on such a famous and daunting subject.
Reviewed By Sam Butes
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