We Hear the Dead

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Description

It started out as a harmless prank. But soon enough, spiritualism was the fastest growing movement of the 19th century, and Maggie Fox was trapped in a life of deciet. Meticulously researched, this book reveals the secret of how the Fox sisters faked rapping sounds and their motives for inventing the seance 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 write to me: "Weary, weary is the life by cold deceit oppressed." Kate: My sister used the word 'deception.' I obkect to her use of that word, for i do not believe that i have ever intentionally decieved 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.

Reviews

""The research is excellent, and the author displays a facility for fluid prose even as she writes in a modified archaic style that lends credence to the first-person conceit of the novel. Although the book's length may discourage some readers, those caught in the story will enjoy it. A promising debut."" - Kirkus Reviews
""Inherently fascinating"" - Booklist
""Maggie is a bright, interesting, and down to earth character who believes that she is offering a service by giving comfort to grieving families... Those who like historical fiction will find this an entertaining romance."" - VOYA

Author Bio

Dianne K. Salerni is an elementary school teacher, author, and online book reviewer. She has previously published educational materials for teachers, as well as short stories. We Hear the Dead is her first full length novel. Salerni lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and her two daughters, where she is at work on her second novel.