*Charis in the World of Wonders by Marly Youmans

Charis in the World of Wonders is a richly satisfying novel of a young Puritan woman who learns much about the world and herself through hardship and perseverance.

*Charis in the World of Wonders: A Novel Set in Puritan New England by Marly Youmans. Ignatius Press, 2020. 331 pages.

• Reading Level: Teen/Young Adult, ages 16 and up
• Recommended For: Ages 15 and up

Remarkables were ever occurring. Nothing was accident. The smallest act mattered. So our ministers taught, and so I had learned. The world was crammed with signs and messages, if only we had the wit and discernment to see, mark, and read. Wisdom revealed a voice murmuring in the leaves, cursive in the running streams, and sermons compacted in the bright veins of stones. God or Satan could speak out of the mouths of infants. Saving providences stood shining around us as beacons and messages. Yet the ink-black, gleaming magics of the Devil’s wrath were also a script written into the world.

~p. 44

Charis flees with her younger sister, running to the family hideout just as they had practiced. The house was under siege by the Indians, but her mother promised—promised—they’d follow Charis and her sister. Sadly, Charis alone survives; even her younger sister dies in the hideout from an injury incurred during their flight. Suddenly, Charis is alone in a dangerous world. Where should she flee? And how?

Providence provides, and soon Charis is on horseback, fleeing the horrid scenes of massacre, destination unknown. She is first taken in by the kind Saltonstalls of Haverhill before agreeing to serve Goody Holt in Andover. As she leaves the Saltonstalls, they counsel Charis: Be careful. Someday you will marry and start your own family. You are always welcome here. You are part of our family.

Out of the frying pan…

Charis would indeed need to be careful. And she would someday marry. And someday, she would flee again to her adopted home at Haverhill. But to learn the particulars, you’ll have to read her story. Charis narrates her journey, both physical and emotional/spiritual, from its tragic beginnings at her family’s home to the new home she makes with her husband. Along the way, she suffers from undeserved judgement, the legalistic beliefs of some in the Puritan community, and unjust treatment given her birth-station in life. The novel takes place during the witch-fever of the late 1600s. It wasn’t only residents of Salem, MA, who feared the unknown or were superstitious. As an orphan and a young woman with distinct skills (particularly with the needle), Charis comes under scrutiny by some of these fearful, suspicious types. And yet, the Lord consistently provides for her: a minister who proclaims—and lives out—the gospel to her, a kind husband who loves her for who she is, and way of escape when it is needed.

Charis is courageous, but she is not one of those heroines who is a 21st century girl in Puritan clothing. Youmans sticks faithfully to her time period, weaving in a myriad of historical details effortlessly. A glossary helps those of us unused to the vocabulary of the times. Charis perseveres and fiercely loves her people, even when some of them do not love her back. She muses over Providence frequently, and she often weaves in Scripture into her narrative. And yet, this book doesn’t read like a work of “Christian fiction.” Rather, it reads like the account of a Puritan women who has been steeped in Christian training and biblical knowledge, one whose “topography of memory” included much Scripture.

Youmans’s writing is very poetic; not everyone enjoys poetic prose. I wanted the narrative to move a bit faster on occasion, and yet I found myself thinking on this book, dwelling on it long after closing the final pages. It’s a richly satisfying read for mature teens and for adults who enjoy historical fiction with depth. Highly recommended if you’re in that category! An outstanding companion read to this book would be the true narrative of Mary Rowlandson {aff. link}. I thought about it frequently while reading Charis in the World of Wonders.

Considerations:

• Violence: When the book opens, Charis’s home is under attack by Indians. Her family dies in the attack, and her sister dies during their escape. Her sister’s death is particularly poignant and hard to read. Later, Charis witnesses evidence of Indian attacks that are gruesome.
• Sexuality: While in no way graphic or inappropriate, Charis does mention her intimate interactions with her husband.
• Settlers v. Indians: Youmans did careful research on this book, and she does her best to present both the good and bad of both Puritans and Indians. Charis is a Puritan and narrates her fears, but she also demonstrates an awareness of the humanity of the Native Americans.

Overall Rating: 4.75/5

• Literary/Artistic Rating: 4.5
• Worldview Rating: 5

Read more about our ratings here. *indicates a starred review

Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader

• Book Review: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare would make a great read along, particularly for younger teens. It’s set during the same time period.
• Book Review: For Christ’s Crown: Sketches of Puritans and Covenanters by Richard Hannula; a worthwhile companion if you’re studying this time period.
• Reflection: What Makes a GREAT Novel?

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