Does anyone know of some good books (fiction or nonfiction, but preferably fiction) concerning the Salem witch trials? I've got The Witch of Blackbird Bond, which I'm about to read, but this subject intrigues me and any other suggestions would be most welcome.Thank you...!
18 comments:
Beyond the Burning Time by Kathryn Lasky is really good.
Well, it's not the witch trials but it is something similar. The Minister's Daughter is a very interesting book with similar ideas. :)
Gallows Hill by Lois Duncan. It's about a girl who has to write a paper on the Salem Witch Trials and soon she starts having nightmares in which she takes part in the Trials. *shivers* Creepy stuff...
Though I can't remember precisely if this was Salem (it's been something like seven or eight years since I read it), I did enjoy Celia Rees's book Witch Child, which is kind of similar, I think. There are Puritans. It is historical-ish fiction, from what I remember. I think the main character might have actually been a witch. But, don't take my word for any of this (except the Puritans)--like I said, it's been awhile. But you might want to look into it.
There's a couple that have come out recently that I've had the chance to read that I've really enjoyed. The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner and The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent. (There are reviews of both of these on my blog.) While I haven't read it, I've heard good things about Celia Rees' Witch Child - a book about an actual witch during the witch trials.
Can't wait to hear your review of The Witch of Blackbird Bond - I've been interested in reading more books about the Salem witch trials since I read the two that I mentioned above. :)
there is a play called 'the crucible' about the Salem Witch trials....
I like this subject, too. You know me -- history with a body count! ;)
A BREAK WITH CHARTIY, by Ann Rinaldi
TITUBA OF SALEM VILLAGE, by Ann Petry
WITCH-HUNT, by Marc Aronson (non-fiction)
THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS, by Yolen & Stemple (non-fiction)
I also second:
CRUCIBLE
BEYOND THE BURNING TIME
WITCH CHILD
MINISTER'S DAUGHTER
The Crucible is good.
I went through a phase of being interested in the Witch Trials after I read Witch of Blackbird Pond when I was in sixth grade. I even got to go to Salem. (I live in New England.)
I have a bunch of books about the topic, but I can't find any of them. I will probably be back when I can locate them.
I adore Blackbird.
The two I was going to suggest were mentioned by Sarah, A Break with Charity and Witch-Hunt, which I've not read but reshelved enough times to pique my interest.
Also, I've been meaning to listen to the CD Puritans vs. Witches: What is the Truth Behind the Salem Witch Trials?, a lecture by Paul Jehle. Sounds interesting.
I'm halfway into Kiki Strike right now, btw. Totally wicked!
Well, there's always Nathaniel Hawthorne. Which one was about the witch trials? The Scarlet Letter, that's the one. Hawthorne had a relative who was a judge during the trials, and he hated his heritage so much that he changed the spelling of his last name. I visited Salem during my honeymoon. In October.
Oh, and you can't go wrong with Arthur Miller's The Crucible either. It's a play, but there's at least one movie that's very good.
I've heard of the Crucible, but haven't read it.
I looooove the Witch of Blackbird Pond.
Oh ... I LOVED that book! That is so funny you ask about this as I was thinking about the Salem witch trials the other day when taking a walk.
The only one I could think of off the top of my head (besides a Dear America, heh) was The Crucible, and I see that's been mentioned. It is not the most historically accurate work, though you certainly get a feel for the general climate/zeitgeist/whatever. So, grain of salt advisory.
I love A Break With Charity by Ann Rinaldi. It is probably one of my favorite books. Enjoy!
I second The Heretic's Daughter. I also reviewed it on my blog.
I love the Witch of Blackbird Pond! It is such a good book! Found your blog through goodreads... Nice blog!
lilyflower94
Try November in Salem : the bargain of witches, by L.C. Russell. This is a great fantasy/adventure that will leave you wanting more. This book plays out like a roller-coaster ride movie in your mind as you read it. You can "search inside the book" at Amazon. or any online book seller.
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