The Stratford Devil

Walker's American History Series for Young People

by Claude Clayton Smith

In the spring of 1651, nearly half a century before the infamous witch trials of Salem, Massachusetts, a woman known as Goody Bassett was hanged for witchcraft in Stratford, Connecticut. Few facts are known about this woman and the events surrounding her persecution. This haunting and moving novel, crafted from those few facts as well as detailed accounts of Stratford's early history, tells the tale of young Ruth Paine -- later Goodwife Basset -- and how her singular experience beyond the confines of her Puritan world ultimately leads to her demise. Rich in historical insight, The Stratford Devil gives a touching look into the painfully isolated world of an independent woman as she struggles to survive in circumstances beyond her control. With its focus on religion and terror, The Stratford Devil is a parable for our times.

192 pages

Published January 10, 2007

Reviews

[Pat]

it was just okay-I expected more than a fictionalized account of what supposedly happened.

[Wayne Woodall]

There are very few actual facts in this book. It is almost entirely fabricated. There's not even a references section in the book. The first major part of this supposes that Ruth Paine was saved by a native american after a wolf attack. Then ensues an endless blab fest about wolves, periods, and nipples and the town's obsession with them.

My wife's family origins are Robert Embree & Mary Bassett. Mary's brother either named Robert or possibly Thomas Bassett married Goody (Mary Ruth Paine) Bassett.

According to A Bassett Book by Wheeler A. Bassett published by the author, Interlaken, NY 1928, Goody Bassett was Mary wife of Robert Bassett son of John Bassett and Margery ____.

The book says Goody married Charles Bassett who supposedly died on their wedding night. This is total fiction.

Records indicate that Robert left the plantation after 1654 for Hempstead, Long Island where he died 1670.
Robert and Mary' son was Sergt. Robert Bassett b.~1640 who married 1687 Elizabeth Riggs dau of Ensign Samuel Riggs. Their children were John, Samuel, Jonadab, Robert, Elizabeth, Ebenezer all born in Stratford, CT.

The book refers to a Governor "John Haynes" sentenced her to death for lycanthropy and murder of her husband.

Records state that since the Bassetts’s arrival, people suffered from sickness, hallucinations, and death. On May 15, 1651, the Colonial Records state that the Governor, Mr. Cullick & Mr. Clarke were to go to Stratford for the trial of Goody Bassett for her life. She was likely blamed for bad circumstances only.

Reading this made me feel as if she was being victimized again. The only factual information in this as I can tell are her name, and the name of the town. The rest is quite strange.

[Joni Aveni]

3.5 stars. Bought this at a local Stratford ice cream shop named after the protagonist of the book. I expected more of a biography but did enjoy the fictionalized account. If Moses wheeler said Good God Gravy one more time tho I swear I was going to scream.

[Adrienne]

This story was surprisingly hard to put down

[Linda]

A decent story, kept my interest. Not my favorite book ever, but not my least favorite either. I give it a big so-so!