Granted to me by netgalley.com I’ve been given a sneak peek (well, really the whole book) at this unique perspective of Tituba, enslaved girl in Puritan-ville Salem in the 1690’s. Sure we know the speculation that the hysteria was possibly caused by fungal induced hallucinations ingested via wheat, and other theories include encephalitis, cold weather, etc. etc.

But what if… What if the enslaved and mistreated Tituba, (wronged by her master, a holy minister of God) took advantage of the hysteria and gullibility of the Puritans and exacted her vengeance on them. With nothing left to lose, she conspires to take the whole town down with her. After all, they’re going to hang her and she knows it. The enslaved make for perfect scapegoats.

But as the judicial proceedings and continued accusations of witchcraft spin out of her control, Tituba steps back a moment and reevaluates her cause. 

I highly enjoyed this book, its writing and story were easy to follow, especially for a fan of The Crucible (book and movie), as well as the three seasons of Salem on TV or Streaming networks. I appreciate the tale of Tituba and seeing things from her perspective, although I wonder why she does not exact more vengeance towards her cruel master the Reverend Parrish.

First of all, I am a Salem enthusiast, and I mean in a major way.  I go there often, I have collected many books about Salem and have studied the history.  But I admit I also love to read some fiction books on Salem, including Tituba.  This book was so good! I love the premise of a retelling! Great story & great characters. So much fun!

Dave Tamanini blends fiction and facts as well as a little dash of fantasy in this  telling of the Salom Witch Trials. all through the eyes of the slave woman Tituba. 

The story unfolds at a slow and steady pace, allowing for tension to build and motives to develope between characters.

Tamanini does an incredible job of mixing his story with historical fact. and does well with the constraints this places upon him. 

The only flaw I can see is the fantasy element, which when added to the gritty, realistic world, feels kind of jarring at first but works within book as a whole.

Overall this is a good book and was enjoyable to read from start to finish. Tamanini does well working within the parameters of the facts,  but really shines when he has the freedom to write outside them.