Captivity by Deborah Noyes

It's 1848 and Maggie and Kate Fox hear a rapping from within the walls of their small cottage.  No one is sleeping tonight as the rapping keeps them awake.  The girls ask questions of the spirit within the walls and it raps an answer.  Soon, their mother is entranced yet horrified and gets the neighbors to see this phenomenon, who in turn, get their neighbors, friends, and family.

When the girls sleep, the rapping desists.  When the family moves, the spirit no longer "speaks", but wherever the girls are, there are spirits knocking, rapping, and always about.  The girls are mediums and soon have a following.  Known for their medium capabilities, the Fox sisters are believed to be able to communicate with the dead, and this story is based somewhat on their historical facts.

Clara is a spinster woman in her forties who just wants to be alone. She is a recluse, living with her father.  But when her father starts to see a widow woman, her life changes.  Clara wants nothing to do with the woman or how the woman's thoughts and concerns may affect her.  When Maggie comes into the household as help, Clara becomes friends somewhat with her and finds herself re-examining her own life and that is when we hear about Clara's tragic story and how she came to be a recluse.

Fascinating, captivating, and page-turning, Captivity is a memorable book that will stay with you for a long time.  It took me awhile to get into the story, unused to the prose and words, but once I did, I found myself immersed and unable to let go.  I had sympathy for Clara and the actions of the Fox Sisters were compelling and thought-provoking.  Quite enjoyable!