The Tinker's Daughter: A Story Based on the Life of the Young Mary Bunyan

I'm not sure why we've stopped caring about history, but as evidenced in recent polls, it is clear that many of us are unfamiliar with the people and events that shaped our nation and the world.Along comes Wendy Lawton with books like "The Tinker's Daughter" in her "Daughters of Faith Series." I'm excited about this series and about this book. Most people have probably heard of John Bunyan, author of "Pilgrim's Progress," but how many people know that he had a blind daughter named Mary who brought food to him daily while he was imprisoned in England for "unlawful preaching" during the 17th century? I certainly didn't. As with the other books in this series, Lawton brings history to life in "The Tinker's Daughter" and she gives us a glimpse into what life would have been like in the Bunyan household as John is persecuted for his faith. From struggling to put food on the table, to Mary's struggle to place her faith in Christ, Lawton gives us rich details about John's life through the eyes of his beloved daughter Mary. Pick this book up for the child(ren) in your life. My copy is going to my niece.

Born blind, Mary Bunyan depended on others to paint visual pictures for her mind's eye to see. She felt there was no-one better able to do this than her father, John Bunyan. But when he is arrested for preaching, Mary, at age 10, is left without her picture stories. She is the oldest of the Bunyan children, and she becomes the one to carry supper to her father in jail every evening, but is tormented by a young boy who seems to concentrate all his mean and vicious tricks on Mary.Her favorite Bible quote, and one she chants to herself constantly, is "I can do all things...I can do all things..." but she fails to remember the rest of the passage. She begins to think she can do it all and resents anyone suggesting that she may need help. But she does need help, and through a series of events Mary finally remembers the rest of that Bible verse '...through Christ! who strengthens me." Though little is really known about Mary Bunyan, because she died so young, Wendy Lawton has done a great deal of research into the history of the time and has put together some logical sequences, a masterful blend of fact and fiction without ever losing sight of the character of Mary Bunyan as Wendy sees her.And it is very plausible. That Mary existed there is no doubt. Yes, her father John Bunyan was arrested for preaching and spent close to 14 years in jail. The episode with the gypsies is fiction, though Wendy states that they were quite prevalent in the area during this time period, so it is believable.I loved this book, and Wendy has skillfully blended what known facts are available on Mary Bunyan with other research information about the times and area and has created a very moving story about a young girl thrown into situations no 10-year-old should have to face.Well done!

"I can do all things..." This recurring quote shows the determination of Mary Bunyan, the blind daughter of John Bunyan, in The Tinker's Daughter.At ten years of age, Mary (the oldest child of John Bunyan) thrusts herself into the role of family caretaker when her father is imprisoned for preaching a Gospel that goes against the English church's doctrine. As resources dwindle, she plots and plans to provide for her family and to care for her father in spite of her disability. Her independence, however, causes more problems than ever, and she finds that she CAN'T do all things--at least, not without putting the rest of the scriptural puzzle into place.The 17th-century streets, homes, and slums of England come to life through Mary's senses as we follow her on her journey. The language that she hears is presented skillfully throughout the book, and a glossary is provided in order that the words can be understood. Although the epilogue gives us some detail of the rest of Mary's short life, very little is known. Lawton builds upon the little that IS known to bring together a story that is not only believable, but is also meaningful to those of us today who go about thinking that we "can do all things..." without the benefit of the One Who really can.

Wendy Lawton seizes a story, studies the what-ifs, and crafts an excellent work like "The Tinker's Daughter." Children as well as adults will be mesmerized by this book.Lawton recreates Mary Bunyan, daughter of John Bunyan, through a vivid portrayal of some key events in the family's life. Through Mary's blind eyes, one sees the cruelty of the times, the devastation of her father's imprisonment and the triumph of faith as evidenced by his Pilgrim's Progress. Wendy Lawton guides you swiftly from page to page until there are no more; rather than being disappointed, you want to go to another story, another profile.I have had the pleasure of recommending this book to many young friends and using it as a writing model for those I tutor. History lives through the writing of Wendy Lawton, and our lives are made richer for it.

Wendy Lawton topped herself with this one! After reading Courage to Run, and enjoying it too much, I felt compelled to devour Tinker's Daughter. I think I liked this one even more than Courage to Run because Mary Bunyan was unknown to me before I read Tinker's Daughter. And now, I wish I could read more about this all too real girl!Children with difficulties and handicaps of all sorts will identify with Mary, and those without them will come away with a new understanding and admiration for others whom God made different from themselves. But, this book is not about impairment, it's about life and the struggle to balance self-reliance with knowing when to ask for help--struggles we can all relate to and with which we still wrestle even as adults. Without being preachy, Mary's story leads the reader to the Source of all help and hope.Wonderfully written--full of sights, smells, sounds and tactile imagery. I think I know now why John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress holds such appeal even today. He wrote stories full of detail Mary would appreciate and enjoy, and in the process built stories which still enthrall readers.Tinker's Daughter brings the same timeless appeal to the story of Mary Bunyan, one of John's daughters. It's a great book for home, church and school libraries. An excellent resource for home-school families. And, a nice way to bring faith-based stories into the public schools--either as a gift to the library, or in the form of a book review written by some primary grader who just had to read something and write a dreaded book report on it. The young reader finds the story engaging and engrossing."Reading this one isn't boring, it's fun!" says my niece.Don't forget, this book makes an excellent gift as well as a welcome addition to your personal library.