ePub The Burning of Bridget Cleary: A True Story by Angela Bourke in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Also known as "The Fairy Wife"By Diana S. LongFascinating read. I applaud the author for her efforts in doing such extensive research and presenting the facts and doing so in an unbiased fashion. It would serve no purpose to degrade a specific group of people for beliefs contrary to more enlightened societies and the author takes great care in expounding this clearly. The work reads as a documentary of events as they occurred. I did like the fact the author also added some of the other events occurring around the same time but did not overshadow the topic of this work; being the death of a young woman; Bridget Cleary.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. 'THE FAIRIES MADE ME DO IT!By Joseph R. CalamiaA 113 year old murder mystery equal to the tale of Lizzy Borden and almost every bit as violent as the actions of "Jack the Ripper." The Burning of Bridget Cleary by Angela Bourke becomes a contemporary 19th century postscript of the "Salem Witch Trials."Unlike those cases of notoriety; the main suspects in this case were ..."Irish Fairies!" Irish Fairies that is; with the assistance of poor Bridget Cleary's husband (and several family members).In 1895; Michael Cleary beat; and then set his wife; Bridget on fire in their "salubrious Irish cottage." Michael took it upon himself to "exorcise" the Fairies from her with a good dose of cleansing fire and just for good measure; added an accelerant of paraffin oil from a near by lamp. Surely the Fairies vacated the premisis after that but; unfortunately ... so did the life of Bridget.Superstition; premeditated murder or; lustfull kiling...you be the judge.The reality of a hangman's noose ironically over shadowed the world of demonic fairies and Michael Cleary (and family members) withdrew their plea of "Not Guilty" and opted to plead to the charge of "Manslaughter"( at least; the suffix portion of that word describes the real act).For that plea; Michael Cleary received 5 years and was subsequnetly released early for "Good Behavior."Angela Bourke did a superb job of introducing the reader to the cultural aspects of Irish lore; and superstition (especially in Chapter 2). She weaves this world of Fairies and Celtic superstions throughout the book and it's tragic story. However; much of her information seemed out of order and tended to bogg down the flow of the case story that she was trying to portray. It was as though; the book became a mixture of college text; and historical biography. Despite the interesting information put forth by the author; the book is not necessarily a smooth read. Had Ms. Bourke utilized a different style of writing; the story would have been much more exciting to follow.If; you are a student of turn of the century murder cases; or a collector of Celtic lore; then this book would be a good one to have at least; for reference material.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. You'll burn thru this one!By holly cummingsCouldn't put it down!