Historical Fictionistas discussion

This is the discussion board for our October read The Putnams of Salem: A Novel of Power and Betrayal During the Salem Witch Trials by Greg Houle. Please be sure to mark any spoilers.

Who's reading? I already have and really enjoyed this especially the dual narrative style.

As somebody who has always been interested in the Salem witch trials, it was a really great read!

I am currently reading. I remember I had to read The Crucible for school once and I absolutely loved it. This book gives me Crucible vibes in tone and atmosphere.

Another thing I really like is that a lot of Salem Witch books I have come across focus on the point of view of the women/victims. I appreciate this book providing an alternate view point to the events.

It is very captivating and compelling thus far.

Eek! I seem to have totally missed this for this month. My library doesn’t have this but will see if I can get on kindle soon!

I made it about halfway through then started skimming,
I liked the two different perspectives but something about the way it was being told made it feel disconnected to what was happening.
It did leave me wanting to read more about the Salem trials though.

I’m with you, Diana. The narrative is very jerky and I’m irritated by the author’s apparent need to explain each person’s reactions to every line of dialogue. I’m at 25% and struggling to convince myself to go on. I’m put off by the homonyms and misused words, and I’ve always disliked stories told in the present tense.

My library doesn't have this one so I'm skipping this month. I've bought too many books recently and don't want to buy one that I may only partially like.

Well yall, I think I have to put this one down. I was interested in the subject matter, and it seemed perfect vibes for spooky season, but I just can’t get into it. I did buy this on kindle so will be revisiting this either later on this year or next spooky season, but I think I’m calling it quits on this for now.

Unfortunately my library doesn’t have this book. I will have to pass on this one.

Liza wrote: "Well yall, I think I have to put this one down. I was interested in the subject matter, and it seemed perfect vibes for spooky season, but I just can’t get into it. I did buy this on kindle so will..."

Same. I lost interest after reading about 20%.