The winter of 1692 was a dire time in Salem, Massachusetts. There was a lot of fear and distrust. People heard from the pulpit that they were Sinners in the hands of a very angry God. A bloody raid by Indigenous People in what is now Maine had them terrified of suffering a similar fate. There were many feuds and rivalries between townspeople. And it was a brutally cold, dark season.
Suddenly a small group of tween and teenage girls started exhibiting bizarre symptoms, seemingly being tormented by unseen beings. When asked to reveal the identities of the witches hurting them they began naming them. The ranks of the accusers and accused grew quickly. Jails were packed. Before the hysteria had run its course twenty
innocent people had been hanged.
In Outbreak of Witchcraft Deborah Noyes' words and M. Duffy's illustrations introduce YA readers to that perilous year. An unusually grim palette adds to the ambiance of terror and helplessness and darkness.
On a purrrsonal note, today was a special election day. I made it to the town office even though I had to take the long way around thanks to the snow. I have no right to talk to undergrads about civic engagement unless I practice what I preach. Yesterday and today temps have been warmish. Today actually smelled a little like spring. Sadly well probably get a lot more ❄️ before that glorious season arrives in Maine.
Jules Hathaway
Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone
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