Lies in the Dust: A Tale of Remorse from the Salem Witch Trials

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 24, 2015

Review

In 1706, Ann Putnam is an outcast in her community due to her role as a child in accusing innocent people of witchcraft. Even young children spurn her, warned to not let her look at them. She is haunted by memories, recognizing that it was her parents who were possessed by evil, seeking retribution for their own gain. Now, her parents are dead and she cares for her young siblings, who push her to tell them what haunts her so.

Flashbacks to 1692 give us details of some of the individuals charged by Ann, her parents and her friends. Actual testimony is incorporated into the telling.

Pen and ink illustrations are a treat of art within art. Children swinging from a tree foreshadow Ann's tale. A child lying under leaves foretells the crushing of Giles Cory. Paper dolls are cut and crushed as Ann tells of the deaths of so many. In a nod to Edgar Allen Poe, a raven watches from the window as Ann writes her letter to the Church asking for forgiveness.

An author note gives background on the Salem Witch Trials. Ann Putnam was the only one who acknowledged remorse and asked for forgiveness. Pair this with a reading of the Crucible to spark discussion about morality and responsibility. At what age does a child's accusation stand on its own? How susceptible is the testimony of a child to adult influence? Is that different today than in 1692 when children needed to convince an adult to speak for them in court? Recommended for all libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good