When a witch is young: a historical novel

"When a Witch is Young" by Philip Verrill Mighels is a historical novel that paints a portrait of 17th-century Massachusetts in the aftermath of King Philip's War, focusing on the intertwined themes of self-discovery, discord, and budding affections within a colonial setting. The story centers on Adam Rust, a young boy caught between two worlds after being captured by the Puritans, wrestling with the grief over his lost Indian family and the struggle to define his identity. As the townsfolk of Plymouth celebrate a hard-won victory, Adam's internal conflict escalates, highlighted by his burgeoning friendship with William Phipps, a shipbuilder who shows him kindness and offers an escape. This narrative is further complicated by Adam's yearning for Garde Merrill, a Puritan girl, setting the stage for a compelling story of youthful emotions and personal evolution during a time of historical unrest.