We Hear the Dead by Dianne K. Salerni

Title: WE HEAR THE DEAD

Author: Dianne K. Salerni
Published: Sourcebooks Fire May 1, 1010
Genre: YA
Special Note: This is an ARC review

Plot:

It started out as a harmless prank. But soon enough, spiritualism was the fastest growing movement of the nineteenth century, and Maggie Fox was trapped in a life of deceit.

Meticulously researched by the author, We Hear the Dead reveals the secret of how the Fox sisters faked their rapping sounds and their motives for inventing the séance and founding spiritualism.

Maggie:

I began the deception when I was too young to know right from wrong. No one suspected us of any trick, because we were such young children. We were led on by my sister purposely and by my mother unintentionally. Only with the passing of time did I come to understand the consequences of my actions. As Doctor wrote to me: "Weary, weary is the life by cold deceit oppressed."

Kate:

My sister has used the word "deception." I object to her use of that word, for I do not believe that I have ever intentionally deceived anyone. Maggie has a different understanding of all the events that have happened since that night in Hydesville forty years ago. To her the spirits were always a game. For my sister Leah, they were a means to an end. For my mother, a miracle. And for me, they were my life's calling. I have no regrets.

My Thoughts:

What is awesome about this YA novel is that it is based on a true story. These are the girls that started seances--how cool is it to learn the history behind that with an entertaining YA mystery? I think this will also appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction, not just YA readers. The story of the two sisters held my interest through the whole book and once I got into the story I had to know if they could pull off their little game of deception. So, if you like historical mysteries, this ones for you.

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