Witchcraft in Salem

Children's Literature - Heather N. Kolich

The intriguing covers of this "HorrorScapes" series title hold a story that flows like a stream. Stern sets the scene and follows the primary accusers, Betty Parris and Abigail Williams, through the year of madness that surrounded the Salem witch trials. He manages to convey the bigger picture of Salem Village and the Puritan culture without losing touch with the girls who instigated and spread the hysteria. Abigail, Betty, and their new conspirator, Ann Putnam point fingers at more and more of their neighbors. At the witch trials, these three girls and several others screamed, fell down and had fits when the accused spoke, looked at them, or if the jury returned a not-guilty verdict. Horror builds throughout the book as the jail fills with accused witches and several are hanged or crushed beneath stones, but there are no graphic descriptions of the executions. Just when it seems the whole village is possessed and all hope is gone, William Phips, the governor of Massachusetts, rides to the rescue—possibly in part because his wife had been accused of witchcraft—and puts an end to trials without physical evidence. The final chapters discuss pardons for the accused witches and possible motives for the widespread accusations. End matter includes an interesting comparison of Salem Village then with Danvers (the new name) now, as well as a glossary, bibliography, sources for more information, an index, and information about the author. Reviewer: Heather N. Kolich