Book description
It's 1692, and the people of Salem, Massachusetts, are on edge. Amid squabbles over religion and land and fears of hostile natives lurks the ever-present terror of the devil's influence. When young girls suddenly begin to claim they are being tormented by local "witches," a chilling hysteria grips the town.…
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Why read it?
1 author picked The Putnams of Salem as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Houle views the Salem witchcraft frenzy through the eyes of Thomas Putnam Jr. and his daughter Ann Putnam Jr.
Thomas is a family man and community leader vexed by life’s disappointments on a personal level. His brother displaced his position in the family. His wife slips into mental unease. And his daughter Ann is afflicted by mysterious visions and fits.
Through Ann’s eyes, the reader sees specters of village women urging her to sign the devil’s book, and the image of a “Black Man” Ann thinks is the devil.
The book’s ending is chilling in its possibility.
From Sandra's list on The best books on 17th-century persecution & witchcraft in Salem.
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