Faith Cook brings to life on the page the incredible life of Anne Bradstreet, America’s first published poet, and one of the early settlers in the New World.

Anyone who is tempted to think he is ‘trapped’ by his circumstances should read this book. Anne was confined aboard ship on the treacherous journey to the shores of Massachusetts. She was constrained by a father who was strict in doctrine and practice. She was restricted by the gender roles of her day. She was confined during her eight pregnancies. She was often laid aside by illness and fever. She was alone as her husband travelled, negotiating the business of the new colonies.

During the many lonely hours that she endured, Anne had a lot of time to think – and to write. This book gives an insight as to the occasions that prompted her poetry and the spirituality of a woman who learned, the hard way, to trust God in all the ups and downs of life.

The book is peppered with extracts from Anne’s poetry which is the outpouring of her heart. Faith Cook has once again proved herself to be an excellent Christian biographer.

Sheila Stephen