Elizabeth Fones, protagonist of The Winthrop Woman, was a real person, the niece of Massachusetts Bay Colony leader John Winthrop. Events and other characters in the book are also factual.
Winthrop brings Elizabeth, the pregnant widow of his second son, to Massachusetts from England. Elizabeth marries again and tries to fit within the Puritans' rigid system, but her integrity compels her to such brave acts as defending the "heretic" Anne Hutchinson; befriending a Native American accused of witchcraft; challenging an Army captain; attempting to divorce the mentally ill husband who deserted her; and, when the divorce isn't granted, marrying the man she loves anyhow.
Elizabeth's story vividly displays the challenges of living in 17th-century Massachusetts. A free-spirited woman like Elizabeth could not conform to the Puritans' strict social code. Difficulties also arose from the harsh weather, soil that was difficult to farm, hunger, and ever-present threats from Native American tribes.
Anya Seton was respected for how thoroughly she researched the historical facts for her novels, which numbered more than 20. She lived in Greenwich, Connecticut, which was founded by Elizabeth Fones and her second husband.
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