Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Trick or Treat! (Halloween 2013)
Saturday, August 4, 2012
A Review of THE AFFLICTED GIRLS (8/2/12)
The Afflicted Girls by Suzy Witten © 2009 Dreamwand (ISBN: 978-0-615-32313-8) Paperback 456 Pages $18.95 (U.S) & Kindle, Nook, iTunes, Google, Kobo eBooks ($6.15 to $7.99)
I had planned to review this book long ago but, due to unforeseen circumstances on several fronts, it fell through the cracks. Having lived in the vicinity of Salem for decades (my last two children really haven't known any other environment) I always look forward to seeing how others see the events of 1692. I came from the Midwest and had studied a bit about the trials as a result of my interest in
The witchcraft trials of Salem, Massachusetts have become both infamous and famous. Their infamy rests on a solid historical basis – hundreds of people were accused of having congress with the Lord of Evil by a small group of youngsters; over a dozen and a half (nineteen to be totally accurate) were executed for this crime; many others spent months in dank confinement (some died as a result, although they tend to be overlooked since they weren't formally executed); families were destroyed – while the fame tends to come from misunderstanding. Salem today is a mecca for members of the current Witchcraft movement. Many of those individuals loudly proclaim that the “witches” executed died for the freedom of their faith when, in reality, they were “good, God-fearing Christians” who refused to admit to a crime they hadn't committed (even though such an admission would have saved their lives, but would have cost them their soul). Those who died at Salem would, doubtlessly, be appalled to hear themselves being held up as martyrs by modern-day Witches and Wiccans.
This book takes a new look at the events of that short period (less than 1 year) of colonial history. And although it makes no pretense of historical accuracy it is the result of research and thus can serve as a reminder that there are multiple sides to every story. While we are used to perceiving Puritans as a dour, joyless group, we must remember that there were rebels among them, and not all inhabitants of
the colonies were Puritans by any means.
Some preachers (Reverend Samuel Parris, for example) would preach hellfire and damnation while others might expound on God's love. Where Parris could see joy and happiness as a sign of lack of commitment to God's expectations, others could see those same attributes as a celebration of God's gifts to humanity. Parris' life had not been an easy one prior to his arrival in Salem Village (now Danvers), but it had not been one of abject poverty either. As a purveyor of God's enlightenment he expected a certain level of deference and preferential treatment, but he was human enough to be
resentful (even spiteful), and to show it, if he did not receive what he perceived was rightfully his.
Through the years the causes of the accusations and trials have been debated without serious resolution. This book continues that debate, while tossing in some ideas which have never been discussed (to the best of my knowledge) in the mainstream debates. It helps to “flesh out” many of the characters who were central to the action by considering them as living, breathing people who had all the feelings and desires of any human being.
The first half of the book is preparation for the introduction of the accusations of witchcraft. And the accusations begin, not as one might expect, but as a reaction to a children's game on a pleasant picnic. The events which precipitated the well-known onset of accusations come about because of a child's attempt to recreate something with an incomplete knowledge of the preparations of the ingredients.
Looking at the events from a fresh perspective opens up new possibilities. There were well understood tensions seething beneath the surface of this small New England village. There was the split within the parish with some wishing to terminate Reverend Parris' contract and others wishing to retain him; there were disputes about land ownership, the interpretation of wills (inheritance and disinheritance), and hurt feelings enough for a major feud.
Ms. Witten has widened the net considerably through the introduction of sexual tensions and frustrations (which many have failed to consider, since we all KNOW that Puritan society wasn't interested in sexual matters), not just among the adults in the community but among the adolescents as well. Bridget Bishop was the object of desire for some men (and the object of jealousy from some women), but she wasn't the only desirable female in the community. Convention, then as now, was ambivalent as regards the sexual behavior of the members of the community.
While the events in Salem Village during the winter of 1692 are a matter of historical record, and thus somewhat limited in HOW they can be interpreted, the underlying motivation(s) and the thoughts of the individuals involved are largely unknown, thus allowing for a greater latitude in interpretation. The causes may be physical (the now largely discredited ergot poisoning), psychological (mass hysteria), a combination of both or something as yet totally unconsidered, and we may never know for sure. Ms Witten has offered another view of why things happened and, if nothing else, it is presented in a far more entertaining way than many such attempts.
Do not confuse this book with a historical account, which it is not. Do not expect great revelations. However, if you enjoy historical fiction, with fully believable characters, with a look at the sometimes dark side of human nature, you will probably enjoy this book. It has been out for a while, so you might have to spend a little extra time looking for it, but it will be worth the effort, I assure you.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Sunday, January 10, 2010
THE AFFLICTED GIRLS Latest
THE AFFLICTED GIRLS is receiving excellent reviews on Amazon from their top reviewers: http://www.amazon.com/Afflicted-Girls-Suzy-Witten/dp/0615323138/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262629825&sr=1-1
- JANUARY 10, 2010 10:41 AM
- The Afflicted Girls said...
5.0 out of 5 stars *A believable retelling of an old story - with a new twist*, December 26, 2009
By Bobbie - "Andromeda's Gramma" (United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER) AMAZON
My first introduction to the Salem Witch Trials was in High School when we read Arthur Miller's The Crucible (Penguin Classics). Even at that time I wondered, what could have made people act in that fashion.
We discussed many theories (including ergot) that could have caused the hysteria and consequent behavior.
In reading through "The Afflicted Girls," I found myself looking at this time in our history in a whole new light. Suzy Witten has done incredible research - not only into the trials but also into the history of that era. As I read the story, I found myself seeing each of the characters in a new light and believing the possibility that Witten proposes through the story.
While the book is historical fiction - based on an actual event - it is also a wonderful story in its own right. From the first page to the last, the story pulls you in, demanding your attention and belief in the characters.
The presentation of facts (and conjecture) in the novel left me with enough questions that I couldn't resist revisiting some of the internet-based information and ended up agreeing that Witten's conclusions concerning the source are well-conceived. Both social and physical events contributed to the hysteria that would blight Salem for more than 300 years.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys colonial history and novels. You will not be disappointed.- JANUARY 10, 2010 10:43 AM
- The Afflicted Girls said...
4.0 out of 5 stars *A new author fortunate to have such a compelling story of which to write.*, December 27, 2009
By Mahlers2nd "Mommy of Many Interests"
(TOP 100 REVIEWER) AMAZON
I've always been fascinated by the Salem Witch Trials so when I was offered the opportunity to read this book, I thought it would be a great read. I must confess that Suzy Witten -- the author provided me with a copy of the book to review which is how I obtained the book.
This appears to be Ms Witten's first novel but she has picked a fascinating subject for it. For the most part, the prose and the writing and dialogue are very well done and not plagued with overly-pretentious wordiness that some authors feel the need to engage in. The language and the voice of the story is readable but sometimes the mixture of more modern colloquialisms combined with the puritanical period were a bit jarring and made it difficult to follow the continuity of the story.
The set up to the "famous events" surrounding the Salem Trials is very extensive in this book -- some might say a bit plodding. At points, I found myself thinking 'get on with it already'. However, overall, the author is excruciatingly thorough in her character development and setting the place and tone. Plus, in order to set up for the main events, I think most of that development is necessary and I would be hard-pressed to give advice as to what to eliminate.
The overwhelming thought was that it was a miracle that our country survived its early days given all the requirements for physical survival combined with the constant political and mind-games that the villagers employed with each other.
There are definitely surprises in the book that will keep you wanting to read more. It isn't just a story of "mean girls gone awry" as Miller and the Crucible would have you believe. As with all good historical fiction -- and this qualifies! -- you are left wanting to learn more about what which parts were historical versus fiction... you wind up learning more about the subject. This is what Ms. Witten has accomplished and therefore, deserves a great deal of praise for bringing her readers to that point!
Overall, I really enjoyed the story despite the flow and organization being a bit distracting. The author does a great job building suspense and developing the "backstory" (how I despise that word) for how the Salem Witch debacle comes together. There is so much more insight into the period of events than you would get from your regulation Arthur Miller "The Crucible". You definitely come away after reading the book feeling like you were much more part of the action rather than just an observer. And you also wind up feeling like you understand what took place much much better.
This is a solid first effort from Ms. Witten and would highly recommend to anyone who has an interest in early American Historical Fiction or the Salem Witch Trials.- JANUARY 10, 2010 10:43 AM
- The Afflicted Girls said...
From HISTORICAL FICTION ROUNDUP:
Nan Hawthorne, Shield-wall Books said...
I want to start the ball rolling by saying that esily the best new book I read in 2009 was Suzy Witten's "The Afflicted Girls". It is destined to go down in literary history as the best novel about the Salem Witch Trials. Wiien captures not only the psychology of the place and time but the very sound of it. I know it is available at Amazon.com and no doubt by special order everywhere.
January 4, 2010 8:24 PM- JANUARY 10, 2010 10:47 AM
BOOKSHARE
Friday, October 23, 2009
THE AFFLICTED GIRLS A Novel of Salem by Suzy Witten
BOOK DESCRIPTION: THE AFFLICTED GIRLS A Novel of Salem by author-researcher Suzy Witten presents a startling new theory of the Salem Village witch-hunts, which is certain to put this 300-year-old unsettled mystery to rest . . . by expertly guiding readers through The Historical Record to revelation. Part parable, part star-crossed romance, and part supernatural venture, this is an intuitive human history—and inhuman—spun with a modern twist. A Controversial debut by a new Historical storyteller . . . a Walt Disney Studios Fellowship Finalist. ISBN: 978-0-615-32313-8
Historical Fiction, 456 pages, A Paperback Original from Dreamwand
(also available as an eBook) www.theafflictedgirls.com (for ages 16 and older)