Against the Tide: The Valor of Margaret Wilson

Against the Tide: The Valor of Margaret Wilson is part of the Chosen Daughters Series for young adult readers. I feel this is a great crossover book for adults as well. The story is based on the "Real" Margaret Wilson, who died for her beliefs and rebellion against King Charles II. If you're into historical fiction, then you'll love this book. If you've never read a historical fiction, then I highly recommend this book as your first. Margaret Wilson is a blooming young lady in Seventeenth-century Scotland. The English occupy and rule over the Scotsmen. It's a time of intolerance to faiths outside English beliefs. The Covenanters of Scotland find themselves under cruel laws and demands of King Charles II. Margaret's family is earnest in their desire to uphold their loyalty to their faith and to the King, believing it's the only way to keep their home safe from prosecution. As a young Covenanter, Margaret is torn between her family and her conscious. How can she willing comply to the King's demands for her absolute obedience if it goes against the covenants of her faith? Margaret must choose between defying the authorities, following her father's guidance, and standing alone as a rebel Covenanter. With hopes and fears, Margaret follows her heart in search of a future with happiness. Hope Irvin Marston did a wonderful job bring the reader into the story of Margaret Wilson. I felt I was back in Seventeenth-century Scotland from the very first paragraph. I wept with Margaret and her family. I shuddered when loved ones and friends were lost. I smiled and took joy in the happy moments of Margaret's life and I felt torn between the decisions she had to make. At the beginning and end of the book, Marston shares her journey to learn about Margaret Wilson, whom she spoke with, and what landmarks still stand today as a reminder of her story. Many times I knew I lacked the courage this young woman had and I marveled at the in-depth research Hope Irvin Marston did to retell Margaret's story.

This is the story of Margaret Wilson - one of two Margaret's who were martyred during the time of the Covenanters of Scotland. Her devotion to 'King Jesus' and her harsh struggles and uncompromising spirit in trust in her Holy God was unbelievable. What an encouraging story and great history on the struggles that the Scots went through. I would recommend this book to everyone.

When I saw the title of this book, I knew I needed it. I recognized the heroine as one of the two Margarets martyred together on the Solway Firth. I enjoyed the book very much. The author brought the period to life, and showed the fear and courage of the "killing times", when one's life was not much safer at home than abroad. The book begins when Margaret was very young, and tells of the few years of maturing she had before her betrayal and martyrdom. Knowing the tragic but glorious end makes each part of Margaret's life more poignant. There is a little romance between Margaret and a close neighbor, with three mentions of "innocent kisses." Fergus eventually asks Margaret to marry him and flee to Ireland, but Margaret believed she should stay single, though she loved him very much. I don't know whether this is actual history, but it fits nicely in the book. One thing that did trouble me was the portrayal of Margaret's disobedience to her father, and her arguing with him in front of the family. I do understand that her conscience dictated that she not go to the church meeting with her family, but rather meet secretly with true believers. Also Margaret's father is shown as not being able to choose between his cattle and his Saviour, when he was trying to protect his family. Even though they were not being fed at the state church, he went to protect his family, and he did teach them the Scriptures at home. I'm not saying his decision was the best one or not; it's hard to tell what someone should or should not do when you've never been in their shoes. Also, Margaret's determination to separate from her father's authority caused her two younger siblings to follow her example, which was a good example except in the way she treated her father. And I do realize that this is historically accurate. I just wish Margaret might have been portrayed showing her father more respect. Altogether, I would recommend this book, and will keep it on my shelf and read it again. I really appreciate the author's work, and am happy that a book has been written for young girls about Margaret Wilson.