All that lives...............

[scarygirl67]

Hey, Andrasta!
All computer problems solved, and I am now able to get to your forum with ease. Thank heavens!

The book that I wanted to talk about is written about the Bell Witch of Tennessee. It was an actual documented case of, at the very least, extreme poltergeist activity in Adams County in the mid 1800's.

I haven't read the book in a while, and my bad, I didn't try to find out the author before I jumped on here. I was so anxious to leave a post, I didn't get all of the information.

The book itself is a fictionalized account of what might have happened, however the names, places, and dates are historically accurate. It basically insinuates that Elizabeth was being sexually molested by her father, and the poltergeist activity was generating through her. The Bell Witch, an older woman that lived in town that had healing abilities and knowledge of herbal medicicnes was thought to be to blame. She certainly enjoyed the terrible things that happened to this family. The Bell Witch cave is a tourist spot now, one of many haunted spots in Tennesee.

I would like to know if anyone else has heard of this book or is interested in the Bell Witch story.

I will find out more information, and post it. Andrasta, you have no idea how glad I am to finally get back on here. All hail Firefox!

[Andrasta]

The author is Melissa Sanders-Self and the complete title is All that Lives: A Novel of the Blair Witch.

I think I shall have to find a copy to send to my friend for her birthday. Thanks for that scarygirl!!!

[scarygirl67]

It really did interest me. The book is written from Elizabeth's perspective, and is done in the dialect relevent to the time and location. So certainly if you are looking for a politically correct book, this wouldn't be the one for you. There are many depictions of slaves being demeaned, the controlling aspect of Elizabeth's father, and the accepted servitude of women, there were times when the feminist in me wanted to hurl the book across the room!
But the story itself is fascinating. It alludes to poltergeist activity and at the same time offers a spiritual reasoning behind it. There's a lot of reading in between the lines of this book, and it offers a dramatic perspective of what may have happened.

[Andrasta]

Allowing a book to be told in the context of the period in which it happened is something historical fiction readers have to accept from the start. I'm sure it will be a fine addition to my friend's paranormal library.

[scarygirl67]

I am feeling 16 shades of idiot right now.........

It is Robertson County, not Adams County. Duly note retraction please.

The name of Elizabeth's father was John Bell, and the afflictions that overtook his family began in 1817. He died of a mysterious illness that many attributed to his acrimonious relationship with the local "witch" Kate Batts. Kate Batts was an old woman in the town that many feared, however her ability to heal with herbs and concoctions could not be disputed. Many rumors were abound as to why they disliked each other so.....and many were convinced that she invoked the darkness that over took his family.

[Andrasta]

My friend got the book on Monday, for her birthday, scarygirl and she asked if it was going to keep her up at night. I said I couldn't say for sure....

[scarygirl67]

Yes, but not so much because of how scary the events are.............it's the psychological twist that it takes. I won't say more as not to ruin it for anyone else who may want to check the book out, but suffice to say, she may want to leave her night-light on!

[Andrasta]

Oh goodie!!!