Title: Rekindled
Author: Teresa Irizarry
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 9781504911245
Pages: 490
Genre: Fiction / Historical
Reviewed by: Sam McCullough
Pacific Book Review Star
Awarded to Books of Excellent Merit
Have you ever felt like the fate of the entire world rested solely on your shoulders? That’s how Roger Williams felt. He was a puritan minister who wanted people to be able to freely express their ideas without consequences. He founded the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Considered a radical during his 1600s, Williams was an activist for religious freedom and separation of church and state. Men in power wanted to silence him, to keep his ideas from spreading. But Williams knew if he was silenced, people would continue to lose their lives over their beliefs. So, what did he do?
Rekindled is a fiery piece of historical fiction literature. Based on the work done by Roger Williams, the book tells us how the separation between church and state came to be. Using vivid imagery and complex characters, author Teresa Irizarry crafts together an often forgotten story, ripped straight out of our history books. Writing a book based on true events can be difficult. The author has to stay true to the actual events, while still breathing new life into the story. Irizarry does this effortlessly. To further enhance her credibility, she often cites or makes mention of historical sources, letting the reader know that she knows exactly what she is writing about.
In addition to the tale of Roger Williams, Rekindled also explores the story of Miantonomoh, an Algonquian prince. He came from a long and elite line of rulers that we referred to as the Steward Rulers. He must work hard to prove himself as a prince, both to his own people and to outsiders. If he fails, he disappoints his family and puts his people on a path of hardship.
Both plot lines in Rekindled give us complex and worthy characters. Roger Williams and Miantonomoh both have powerful beliefs, important goals to complete, and people who want to see them fall. They both work hard to support their groups, often getting involved in political crossfire. Readers can root for them to succeed. While reading, you’ll feel emotional. When things are going smoothly, you’ll feel happy, but when times get tough, you’ll feel confused, angry and sad. Due to the highs and lows of the book, you’ll stay up long past your bedtime to finish the novel. The beautiful imagery and writing style that the author has concocted for this novel makes reading feel like a vacation, a nice escape from the real world.
After you finish the book, you’ll be asking yourself – what would I do if I had the fate of the entire world resting solely on my shoulders?
