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A Break With Charity: A Story of the Salem Witch Trials
"Mistress Bishop, " said Magistrate Corwin, "you are accused of being a witch. How say you to this charge?""I do not know what a witch is."Immediately the girls in the circle, who were sitting up front in the room, went into fits. They threw themselves on the floor and shrieked and wailed.... They twitched their bodies and howled like forest creatures at the time of the full moon. The howling was a terrible thing to hear. It hit through one's bones with its primitive sound.
297 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
211 people are currently reading
5964 people want to read
About the author
Ann Rinaldi
71 books990 followersAnn Rinaldi (b. August 27, 1934, in New York City) is a young adult fiction author. She is best known for her historical fiction, including In My Father's House, The Last Silk Dress, An Acquaintance with Darkness, A Break with Charity, and Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons. She has written a total of forty novels, eight of which were listed as notable by the ALA. In 2000, Wolf by the Ears was listed as one the best novels of the preceding twenty-five years, and later of the last one hundred years. She is the most prolific writer for the Great Episode series, a series of historical fiction novels set during the American Colonial era. She also writes for the Dear America series.
Rinaldi currently lives in Somerville, New Jersey, with her husband, Ron, whom she married in 1960. Her career, prior to being an author, was a newspaper columnist. She continued the column, called The Trentonian, through much of her writing career. Her first published novel, Term Paper, was written in 1979. Prior to this, she wrote four unpublished books, which she has called "terrible." She became a grandmother in 1991.
Rinaldi says she got her love of history from her eldest son, who brought her to reenactments. She says that she writes young adult books "because I like to write them."
Rinaldi currently lives in Somerville, New Jersey, with her husband, Ron, whom she married in 1960. Her career, prior to being an author, was a newspaper columnist. She continued the column, called The Trentonian, through much of her writing career. Her first published novel, Term Paper, was written in 1979. Prior to this, she wrote four unpublished books, which she has called "terrible." She became a grandmother in 1991.
Rinaldi says she got her love of history from her eldest son, who brought her to reenactments. She says that she writes young adult books "because I like to write them."
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April 17, 2024
“I will stand by you. You must not be afraid. This is a brave land, Susanna, founded by brave people who never shrank from their duty or their vision of freedom. But this land has a future only if each of us stands up for what is right when it is given us to do so.”
― Ann Rinaldi, A Break with Charity: A Story about the Salem Witch Trials
review to follow soon.
This is a great example of historical fiction, at its atmospheric finest.
I really enjoyed this haunting book about the Salem Witch Trials. I found it a very interesting read.
The author combines real events with fiction to produce an achingly sad and beautifully written tale of evil. I loved the book.
Susanna has always wanted to be part of the clique of girls. She covets hanging out with them. She's a bit self-contained, a bit lonely.
However this particular group soon start making horrible accusations toward some of the townspeople. Susanna knows they're not true. She KNOWS it. So she faces a daunting choice -- keeping her head down and saying nothing -- or "breaking charity" with the girls and telling all, even though that runs the risk of herself and the people she loves being accused of being witches.
I loved this book. I should say it started slow. But it gathered in momentum and I could not tear my eyes from the pages. I really couldn't.
But this is a book that is a slow burn. And that's my favorite kind of book! There are a lot of characters and many have the same name which made it rather confusing but you get used to it and once you get past that, one has quite an interesting read in front of them.
Every character in this book is non fiction. Some of their actions have been reimagined by the author and at the end there is additional information from the author explaining what is true and what is imagined. That added to the story greatly.
My favorite book on the Salem witch trials will always be "The Witch of blackbird pond" which is one of my favorite books in general but A Break with Charity is beautifully written with deeply involving and descriptive prose.
You almost feel like you are there. It helped that I was in Massachusetts at the time I read this at an inn with the ocean right behind me. So I read this with the sounds of the sea behind me and the smell of New England all around me.
The experience was a great one and I would encourage anyone at all interested in the subject matter to read this book.
― Ann Rinaldi, A Break with Charity: A Story about the Salem Witch Trials
review to follow soon.
This is a great example of historical fiction, at its atmospheric finest.
I really enjoyed this haunting book about the Salem Witch Trials. I found it a very interesting read.
The author combines real events with fiction to produce an achingly sad and beautifully written tale of evil. I loved the book.
Susanna has always wanted to be part of the clique of girls. She covets hanging out with them. She's a bit self-contained, a bit lonely.
However this particular group soon start making horrible accusations toward some of the townspeople. Susanna knows they're not true. She KNOWS it. So she faces a daunting choice -- keeping her head down and saying nothing -- or "breaking charity" with the girls and telling all, even though that runs the risk of herself and the people she loves being accused of being witches.
I loved this book. I should say it started slow. But it gathered in momentum and I could not tear my eyes from the pages. I really couldn't.
But this is a book that is a slow burn. And that's my favorite kind of book! There are a lot of characters and many have the same name which made it rather confusing but you get used to it and once you get past that, one has quite an interesting read in front of them.
Every character in this book is non fiction. Some of their actions have been reimagined by the author and at the end there is additional information from the author explaining what is true and what is imagined. That added to the story greatly.
My favorite book on the Salem witch trials will always be "The Witch of blackbird pond" which is one of my favorite books in general but A Break with Charity is beautifully written with deeply involving and descriptive prose.
You almost feel like you are there. It helped that I was in Massachusetts at the time I read this at an inn with the ocean right behind me. So I read this with the sounds of the sea behind me and the smell of New England all around me.
The experience was a great one and I would encourage anyone at all interested in the subject matter to read this book.
March 13, 2008
I didn't like this book at first because the way she portrayed the setting was too informational for me. Too many names and facts. I kept reading though and started getting interested in the story. I also didn't like the main character very much. I thought she seemed very weak and full of lame excuses, not really realistic. I did like that the book was based on real people though. I wish I'd known that before I finished the book. If I was in middle-school I think I would have loved this book, and I'd recommend it highly for that age group. If you want a great witch-trial book, try The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Fantastic.
October 18, 2010
Historical fiction can be more fiction and less history and more history and less fiction, but this book is strong in both the story while keeping the history correct.
The language reads so authentic, not too old-fashioned, but highly readable while remaining true to the times.
I was pulled into the story from the first pages. What young girl doesn't ache to be a part of the group, particularly when it seems that they are having fun in a society where fun isn't readily available? Three hundred and some years later, the feelings and fears of a teeange girl still ring true. It was easy to see how Susanna was put in the situation she was and wasn't able to think of a way to change things.
I felt her fear and frustration when her friends and neighbors began being arrested, but the threats to her family kept her silent. It felt very honest and possible.
This book helped me to understand something of the witch trials and how good people could have stood by and done nothing while people were convicted and executed.
A great and informative read.
The language reads so authentic, not too old-fashioned, but highly readable while remaining true to the times.
I was pulled into the story from the first pages. What young girl doesn't ache to be a part of the group, particularly when it seems that they are having fun in a society where fun isn't readily available? Three hundred and some years later, the feelings and fears of a teeange girl still ring true. It was easy to see how Susanna was put in the situation she was and wasn't able to think of a way to change things.
I felt her fear and frustration when her friends and neighbors began being arrested, but the threats to her family kept her silent. It felt very honest and possible.
This book helped me to understand something of the witch trials and how good people could have stood by and done nothing while people were convicted and executed.
A great and informative read.
Read
April 2, 2024"... existen otros males aquí más temibles que los lobos. Es la gente. Se comerían los unos a los otros vivos si pudieran."
Me ha gustado mucho esta historia. No es trepidante, ni mantiene en tensión.
Es simplemente una historia basada en un momento histórico, dónde se utilizan muchos recursos reales y reconocibles, tanto hechos, lugares, sucesos, personas etc. de la historia como la conocemos.
La autora modificó datos, y detalles para exponer y desarrollar desde cierto punto de vista la novela. No es una historia novedosa, por el contrario es muy básica si nos referimos a lo que nos muestra, pero me parece buena, tiene investigación detrás y se basa en datos reales y hace un muy buen equilibrio entre lo real y la ficción.
Nos muestra hasta donde pudo(y puede) llegar el puritanismo, la hipocresía, lo que hace la ignorancia, el miedo y el fanatismo en las personas.
Me ha gustado mucho esta historia. No es trepidante, ni mantiene en tensión.
Es simplemente una historia basada en un momento histórico, dónde se utilizan muchos recursos reales y reconocibles, tanto hechos, lugares, sucesos, personas etc. de la historia como la conocemos.
La autora modificó datos, y detalles para exponer y desarrollar desde cierto punto de vista la novela. No es una historia novedosa, por el contrario es muy básica si nos referimos a lo que nos muestra, pero me parece buena, tiene investigación detrás y se basa en datos reales y hace un muy buen equilibrio entre lo real y la ficción.
Nos muestra hasta donde pudo(y puede) llegar el puritanismo, la hipocresía, lo que hace la ignorancia, el miedo y el fanatismo en las personas.
August 6, 2013
AudioBook Review
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 4 Story 5
I’ve long held the belief that an Ann Rinaldi book opens the door to a younger reader, teaching them that they can connect and enjoy history. My daughter loved her books, and it fed her ability and willingness to explore more history, and not fear the research. What holds true with every book that I can name from this author, the characters are easy to understand and get to know, particularly for younger readers who are not as concerned with a rigid conformance to historical accuracy. While she takes liberties in speech and behavior, each story has a solid grounding in the event, and then uses modern conventions to explain the errors of behavior then and now.
In this story, set in 1692, and dealing with the circumstances of the Salem Witch Trials, we meet Susanna, a 15 year old girl who is desperate to be included in the popular girls meetings. Nothing new or different, people all want to belong, unfortunately the girls in this group are highly imaginative and vengeful, and are the genesis of several false accusations of witchcraft in the town. What emerges is a story about standing up for what is right and truth, and whether or not Susanna can actually face the adults and her new friends and speak the truth as she knows it.
While there is a great deal of dither in Susanna, the whole ‘what would / could’ you do in that situation is really the great play in the story. While providing a sense to young readers that history and the adults of the time may just have gotten everything wrong, for a variety of reasons.
Narrated by Laura Hicks, her clearly enunciated delivery and careful pacing feel comfortable and confident, delivering the story without excess embellishment or overly dramatic changes in pitch, tone or delivery to specifically delineate different characters.
All of the characters introduced are actual people, lived during the time and can be found in documents of the time, including information about the trials and the accusers. In an addendum to the story Rinaldi explains her use of Susanna in the story, the inclusion and use of simple elements, and her own liberties with the facts. This actually provides some interesting facts that many may not be aware of, and as an introduction to the time, and a less difficult read than The Crucible, which is all based on the trials themselves, this was an enjoyable story and perfect for readers 12 and up.
I received an MP3 download from AudioGo via AudioBook Jukebox for purpose of honest review for the Heard Word. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 4 Story 5
I’ve long held the belief that an Ann Rinaldi book opens the door to a younger reader, teaching them that they can connect and enjoy history. My daughter loved her books, and it fed her ability and willingness to explore more history, and not fear the research. What holds true with every book that I can name from this author, the characters are easy to understand and get to know, particularly for younger readers who are not as concerned with a rigid conformance to historical accuracy. While she takes liberties in speech and behavior, each story has a solid grounding in the event, and then uses modern conventions to explain the errors of behavior then and now.
In this story, set in 1692, and dealing with the circumstances of the Salem Witch Trials, we meet Susanna, a 15 year old girl who is desperate to be included in the popular girls meetings. Nothing new or different, people all want to belong, unfortunately the girls in this group are highly imaginative and vengeful, and are the genesis of several false accusations of witchcraft in the town. What emerges is a story about standing up for what is right and truth, and whether or not Susanna can actually face the adults and her new friends and speak the truth as she knows it.
While there is a great deal of dither in Susanna, the whole ‘what would / could’ you do in that situation is really the great play in the story. While providing a sense to young readers that history and the adults of the time may just have gotten everything wrong, for a variety of reasons.
Narrated by Laura Hicks, her clearly enunciated delivery and careful pacing feel comfortable and confident, delivering the story without excess embellishment or overly dramatic changes in pitch, tone or delivery to specifically delineate different characters.
All of the characters introduced are actual people, lived during the time and can be found in documents of the time, including information about the trials and the accusers. In an addendum to the story Rinaldi explains her use of Susanna in the story, the inclusion and use of simple elements, and her own liberties with the facts. This actually provides some interesting facts that many may not be aware of, and as an introduction to the time, and a less difficult read than The Crucible, which is all based on the trials themselves, this was an enjoyable story and perfect for readers 12 and up.
I received an MP3 download from AudioGo via AudioBook Jukebox for purpose of honest review for the Heard Word. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
December 23, 2015
This is book 4 for the read-a-thon challenge I am a part of. I had read another book by Ann Rinaldi so I decided to give this one a try. I don't read many witch stories but this was a great choice for the challenge of reading a book outside of my comfort Zone.
This book covers the Salem Witch trials in the late 1600's that starts with a circle of girls who want to cause trouble for the town of Salem just for sport. One girls discovers the secrets of the circle but struggles to reveal such secrets due to threats made against her family to also be called out as witches.
I thought this book was fairly engaging for a historical fiction. I am not sure how much is true to the actual Salem witch trials, but is was interesting to say the least. I found it to be pretty fast paced, although parts of the story were not very believable to me and that was a somewhat annoying. The ending also was horrible in my opinion, not what I expected to happen, and wished for something very different than what it was. I found it be quite disappointing. I feel there was really no closure at all.
The characters, well I did not like any of them. Our lead Character Susanna was very annoying to me. She had some decisions to make that she chose not to. I found her to be weak minded and weak willed as well. Most of the characters appeared to be weak except for the trouble makers which was the circle of girls who started everything. I mean come on, they are just young girls and they are allowed to walk all over everyone and be feared because they told so many lies? I guess I was looking for a hero and I don't feel like I got that at all with this story.
Overall it was an interesting read, but not sure who to recommend it too because I feel like a lot of people would be disappointed in the story and the cast of characters. I am giving this book a 2.5 star rating. I just think it could have been so much more.
This book covers the Salem Witch trials in the late 1600's that starts with a circle of girls who want to cause trouble for the town of Salem just for sport. One girls discovers the secrets of the circle but struggles to reveal such secrets due to threats made against her family to also be called out as witches.
I thought this book was fairly engaging for a historical fiction. I am not sure how much is true to the actual Salem witch trials, but is was interesting to say the least. I found it to be pretty fast paced, although parts of the story were not very believable to me and that was a somewhat annoying. The ending also was horrible in my opinion, not what I expected to happen, and wished for something very different than what it was. I found it be quite disappointing. I feel there was really no closure at all.
The characters, well I did not like any of them. Our lead Character Susanna was very annoying to me. She had some decisions to make that she chose not to. I found her to be weak minded and weak willed as well. Most of the characters appeared to be weak except for the trouble makers which was the circle of girls who started everything. I mean come on, they are just young girls and they are allowed to walk all over everyone and be feared because they told so many lies? I guess I was looking for a hero and I don't feel like I got that at all with this story.
Overall it was an interesting read, but not sure who to recommend it too because I feel like a lot of people would be disappointed in the story and the cast of characters. I am giving this book a 2.5 star rating. I just think it could have been so much more.
April 13, 2008
Rinaldi's books are always hit or miss with me. Some of them are fascinating and I can't put them down. Others get so bogged down in history that character development seems lost at times. Fortunately, "A Break with Charity" is one of the former. I picked up this book from the school library on a Friday afternoon and read a few chapters before falling asleep that evening. Saturday morning, I refused to do anything else until I finished. I won't give away much of the plot, except to say that Rinaldi's attention to careful historical research is once again clearly evident, as she effortlessly weaves "what could have happened" in with the facts.
January 29, 2021
Loved reading this telling of the Salem Witch Trials. I suppose I had always thought of the girls as either believing what they were saying or thinking that no one was actually getting hurt. Obviously, this was a fictional telling of the events, but it has made me rethink their intentions. Here, they came off as intentionally malicious. They picked out people who threatened their act or were just cruel to anyone who didn't fit in.
It must have been a terrifying time as anyone could have been named. I'm not sure if Susanna was real, but the loss of her parents to their game was horrible as was the torture scenes described. I'm not sure how these girls could go on, seeing what was inflicted on their victims.
*Notes in Updates.
It must have been a terrifying time as anyone could have been named. I'm not sure if Susanna was real, but the loss of her parents to their game was horrible as was the torture scenes described. I'm not sure how these girls could go on, seeing what was inflicted on their victims.
*Notes in Updates.
November 7, 2008
I've always had a fascination with "the witch trials" that occured in Salem so when I found this book and found that it was fiction based on historical fact I was intrigued. Ms. Rinaldi's description throughout the novel was precise and makes the reader feel a part of the story, The reader can sympathize with the heroine and other characters of the story. The age old battle of good vs evil and what starts out as "sport" due to boredom that soon encompasses an entire town and indeed goes down in history places the reader in the crossfire of a time before the revolution and as the author points out in her notes at the end of the book can be likened unto today when most people can get down right petty if they don't feel accepted. I didnt find this book amazing but it certainly kept me captivated.
June 5, 2009
I love what is written on the back of this book. It says, " WARNING: This is a historical novel. Read at your own risk. The writer feels it necessary to alert you to the fact that you might enjoy it."
I did enjoy it, very much. I knew generally what happened during the salem witch trials, but never any deals. This book did a very good job of teaching and entertaining at the same time. A very good read. I think that student of American history should read this.
Note to parents: There are hangings, but it isn't graphic. It doesn't dwell on the horror of the event as much as the reasons why it happened. No main characters are killed.
I did enjoy it, very much. I knew generally what happened during the salem witch trials, but never any deals. This book did a very good job of teaching and entertaining at the same time. A very good read. I think that student of American history should read this.
Note to parents: There are hangings, but it isn't graphic. It doesn't dwell on the horror of the event as much as the reasons why it happened. No main characters are killed.
November 13, 2024
This most recent book of historical fiction took me back to the year 1706 where we meet Susanna as she is about to share her experience through a flashback to the town of Salem, Massachusetts in the year 1692. This was when she was a young teen living with her family in a Puritan community. It was here that others of her age gathered to create mischief and stories to entertain and amuse each other at the home of the parson and his slave, Tituba. In order to keep themselves amused, Tituba performed sorceries and fortune telling with the girls. Susanna, wanting to be a part of that mix introduced herself to the slave and became a friend of sorts, but was left out of the group. Because of her connection with Tituba, Susanna was privy to much of what was happening there. Due to the behaviors occurring throughout the group and fits of hysteria, the ministers from the Puritan community suggested witchcraft was being practiced. The author Ann Rinaldi, after doing much research for this book, took the liberty to use the real names of many of the population in Salem at that time to tell her story. Some characters she created to use in backstories related to the main character, Susanna. It was well done, as it played a significant part in how Susanna eventually responded to the threats passed on to her from the girls in the group. They later became accused of being witches, leading to the eventual imprisonment, trials, and hangings. For various reasons of jealousy, fear, honesty and loyalty all play a part in Susanna’s role in closing out this time period in history of the Salem Witch Trials. This is something the reader can discover on his own, the why and how she brought the events of that period to a pleasing finish.
January 7, 2013
A Break with Charity
by: Ann Rinaldi
1. The setting of this book is Salem Village in 1692. The book demonstrates the Witch Trials and all the events that took place during this time.
2. This book follows a young girl, Susanna English through her experience with the Witch Trials. Before the trials began she knew the girls were faking, but she promised she wouldn't tell anybody. When the trials got worse she had trouble keeping the secret. Her family life changed a lot as more people got accused. Eveuntally, she felt as if she had to tell somebody. She didnt think it was fair that innocent people were dying even though she could possibly stop it. Through her parents going to Boston, living with the Putnams, waiting for William to return, and her relationship with Johnathan, she was bound to get fed up with the Wicth Trials eventually.
3. I dont think this book is a very good choice for a middle school student. In my opinion, this book was very confusing and boring. However, the teenage romance and the group of dramaqueens were somewhat interesting. I think that if you wanted to find a book to entertain middle school students this would not be the book to do so. Most of the time I was just confused about all of the names being so alike. Most of the time I had to force myself to read the book because I was so bored with it.
a. No, this book does not appeal to most middle school students. I know some people may have liked it but I dont know anybody who did. My friends and I talked about how much we dissliked this book and abouth how confusing the names were. We also thought that the "old English" was annoying and hard to understand.
b. This book would be considered "good writing" to someone who was much older then middle school students. Some of the book was interesting. I did enjoy the romance between Johanathan and Susanna and the constent fear of people getting accused of Witchcraft.
c. This book can mean different things to different people. To me, it meant that you need to follow what you believe because it could create a chain reaction. If you are brave enough to speak out and say what you think is right it could have a very postive influence on the community.
d. No, I did not enjoy this book because I thought the names were very confusing and the plot line was very uninteresting. Other people may have enjoyed this book, but Historical Fiction is one of my least favorite genres ever. I did however, enjoy the romance between Johnathan and Susana because it was really cute.
by: Ann Rinaldi
1. The setting of this book is Salem Village in 1692. The book demonstrates the Witch Trials and all the events that took place during this time.
2. This book follows a young girl, Susanna English through her experience with the Witch Trials. Before the trials began she knew the girls were faking, but she promised she wouldn't tell anybody. When the trials got worse she had trouble keeping the secret. Her family life changed a lot as more people got accused. Eveuntally, she felt as if she had to tell somebody. She didnt think it was fair that innocent people were dying even though she could possibly stop it. Through her parents going to Boston, living with the Putnams, waiting for William to return, and her relationship with Johnathan, she was bound to get fed up with the Wicth Trials eventually.
3. I dont think this book is a very good choice for a middle school student. In my opinion, this book was very confusing and boring. However, the teenage romance and the group of dramaqueens were somewhat interesting. I think that if you wanted to find a book to entertain middle school students this would not be the book to do so. Most of the time I was just confused about all of the names being so alike. Most of the time I had to force myself to read the book because I was so bored with it.
a. No, this book does not appeal to most middle school students. I know some people may have liked it but I dont know anybody who did. My friends and I talked about how much we dissliked this book and abouth how confusing the names were. We also thought that the "old English" was annoying and hard to understand.
b. This book would be considered "good writing" to someone who was much older then middle school students. Some of the book was interesting. I did enjoy the romance between Johanathan and Susanna and the constent fear of people getting accused of Witchcraft.
c. This book can mean different things to different people. To me, it meant that you need to follow what you believe because it could create a chain reaction. If you are brave enough to speak out and say what you think is right it could have a very postive influence on the community.
d. No, I did not enjoy this book because I thought the names were very confusing and the plot line was very uninteresting. Other people may have enjoyed this book, but Historical Fiction is one of my least favorite genres ever. I did however, enjoy the romance between Johnathan and Susana because it was really cute.
November 2, 2013
Susanna wants to the join the circle of girls who meet at parsonage every day in Salem Village. But not being from the village herself, they refuse to invite her.
Susanna learns what the girls do at these meetings, but doesn't doesn't realize what these girls will do to Salem and those who live there.
I've read a lot about the Salem Witch Trials, fiction and non-fiction. I even visited Salem when I was 17. Learning about Salem, the witch trials and its history has always interested me. That is one of the reasons I read this book and another is that Ann Rinaldi writes really great historical fiction.
I find the character of Susanna easy to relate to and likeable. She has some really difficult decisions to make. She wants to protect her family, but also bring an end to the witch madness in Salem. Watching the events unfold through the eyes of Susanna just made me sad and even angry. The Salem Witch Trials was just a horrifying event in history and it happened for what reason? Taking land? Boredom? Condemning those you feel do not follow the rules? Those you feel that don't belong? The reason for such a horrible event is probably a combination of all those.
While we will never truly know what it was like to live in Salem during the Witch Trials, I think this historical fiction does a good job of giving an idea of what it might be like. Susanna's view is, of course, that of a person who isn't directly involved. She does know what is going on, but since she was never allowed to join the girls, she was never involved with naming witches.
Seeing through Susanna's eyes, the witch trials are not right in her opinion. She and her family believe there are no witches and therefore, do not hold with the Puritans belief in witches.
Susanna is a good character, but she is not without her own flaws and eventually doubts, as it is seen later in the book.
At the end is an author's note explaining some of the history of Salem and the characters in the book. She does a good job of explaining the history, but I will correct a mistake the author made. Tituba, the slave who was blamed for bringing witchcraft to the girls attention, is not African as Rinaldi and many other state. Tituba was actually Indian. Except for that historical mistake, the book was a very good read. Well-written and definitely one of my favorite historical fiction books about Salem. I'd give it 4 and a half stars.
Susanna learns what the girls do at these meetings, but doesn't doesn't realize what these girls will do to Salem and those who live there.
I've read a lot about the Salem Witch Trials, fiction and non-fiction. I even visited Salem when I was 17. Learning about Salem, the witch trials and its history has always interested me. That is one of the reasons I read this book and another is that Ann Rinaldi writes really great historical fiction.
I find the character of Susanna easy to relate to and likeable. She has some really difficult decisions to make. She wants to protect her family, but also bring an end to the witch madness in Salem. Watching the events unfold through the eyes of Susanna just made me sad and even angry. The Salem Witch Trials was just a horrifying event in history and it happened for what reason? Taking land? Boredom? Condemning those you feel do not follow the rules? Those you feel that don't belong? The reason for such a horrible event is probably a combination of all those.
While we will never truly know what it was like to live in Salem during the Witch Trials, I think this historical fiction does a good job of giving an idea of what it might be like. Susanna's view is, of course, that of a person who isn't directly involved. She does know what is going on, but since she was never allowed to join the girls, she was never involved with naming witches.
Seeing through Susanna's eyes, the witch trials are not right in her opinion. She and her family believe there are no witches and therefore, do not hold with the Puritans belief in witches.
Susanna is a good character, but she is not without her own flaws and eventually doubts, as it is seen later in the book.
At the end is an author's note explaining some of the history of Salem and the characters in the book. She does a good job of explaining the history, but I will correct a mistake the author made. Tituba, the slave who was blamed for bringing witchcraft to the girls attention, is not African as Rinaldi and many other state. Tituba was actually Indian. Except for that historical mistake, the book was a very good read. Well-written and definitely one of my favorite historical fiction books about Salem. I'd give it 4 and a half stars.
May 3, 2020
Truly an excellent rendering of the trouble leading up to and through the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, a dark year indeed in the history of these United States. The story is told from the fictionalized viewpoint of a historical figure: Susanna English, daughter of a wealthy merchant, and an outsider of sorts in Salem. She and her family were intimately connected to the trials and their outcomes.
Although a fictionalized account, the narrative captures the flavor of the Puritan town and the harsh strictures under which its citizens were intended to live. It also captures the undeniable evidence that human nature has remained unchanged since Eve ate the apple. Evil, while it certainly can be found in the very real work of the devil, can also be found at the depraved root of the human heart.
While written for a younger audience - indeed, the copious notes and highlights inside my secondhand copy declared it to have been well-used in a high school English class - it was well suited for an adult reader as well. The King's English (Edward's, to be specific) was beautifully rendered in the fashion of the time, formal without being stuffy or stiff. I could hear the lyrical island lilt in Tituba's speech and the gentrified precision of the Boston Brahmin in the words of the gentry.
Characters were primarily based on historical accounts and she did much research for this book. A brief bibliography is included at the end.
Rinaldi has written several other fictionalized histories, and I look forward to reading them.
Although a fictionalized account, the narrative captures the flavor of the Puritan town and the harsh strictures under which its citizens were intended to live. It also captures the undeniable evidence that human nature has remained unchanged since Eve ate the apple. Evil, while it certainly can be found in the very real work of the devil, can also be found at the depraved root of the human heart.
While written for a younger audience - indeed, the copious notes and highlights inside my secondhand copy declared it to have been well-used in a high school English class - it was well suited for an adult reader as well. The King's English (Edward's, to be specific) was beautifully rendered in the fashion of the time, formal without being stuffy or stiff. I could hear the lyrical island lilt in Tituba's speech and the gentrified precision of the Boston Brahmin in the words of the gentry.
Characters were primarily based on historical accounts and she did much research for this book. A brief bibliography is included at the end.
Rinaldi has written several other fictionalized histories, and I look forward to reading them.
July 8, 2017
Ann Rinaldi strikes again. I probably read this book a half dozen times as a preteen and it’s still, as an adult, an immersive read populated with well-drawn characters (including an interesting choice of narrator: Susanna English) and a gripping sense of unease.
Onwards in our journey through Salem witch-lit. Next up, interestingly enough, are some novels written by a descendant of our very own Susanna English here: Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Onwards in our journey through Salem witch-lit. Next up, interestingly enough, are some novels written by a descendant of our very own Susanna English here: Nathaniel Hawthorne.
February 18, 2009
I've had an interest in this subject for quite some time, heightened by the fact that I recently learned I have an ancestor who was accused of witchcraft in the days of Salem. This was a believable story that drew me in and made me want to read more.
July 2, 2021
*listened to audio book*
I enjoyed the author's note at the end the most 😅
Found the book rather hard to relate to. Even boring at times, bizarre considering the setting. Maybe just not my style of book.
Had some quotable parts, though!
I enjoyed the author's note at the end the most 😅
Found the book rather hard to relate to. Even boring at times, bizarre considering the setting. Maybe just not my style of book.
Had some quotable parts, though!
December 28, 2024
Interesting and emotional take on the Salem Witch Trials.
March 17, 2013
A Break with Charity is a great book that takes place in 1692 Salem, New England. In this book the main character Susanna English faces a big bump in the road regarding witchcraft. Witchcraft was not a subject taken lightly in that time period; witchcraft would be dealt with by either trial, jail, or in a lot of cases death. Susanna starts off as an innocent teen who always longs to fit in, but when fitting in means being incorporated with witchcraft what price will she pay? Breaking Charity means telling tales or lies usually with the church. So when young sly Ann Putnam starts naming people for witchcraft Susanna is forced to keep a secret that if told could sacrifice not only her life and safety but her family’s as well.
“Your mother went willingly with the marshals this morning. She way saying something about paying gladly for her sins and would accept this penance rather than lose your brother. I would not interfere, were I you. Or others in your family will be named”.
I found this book always kept me at the edge of my seat but at times could skip around. I would recommend this book for any middle student or well comprehended elementary student. The book is considered historical fiction and tries to be as accurate with the time period as possible; however, this then also means the way of speech might vary making it more difficult to understand. Often times throughout the book they would use phrases/sayings from back then that I would have to look up before moving forward or maybe I would just have to re-read the passage slower to really let it sink in.
“Your mother went willingly with the marshals this morning. She way saying something about paying gladly for her sins and would accept this penance rather than lose your brother. I would not interfere, were I you. Or others in your family will be named”.
I found this book always kept me at the edge of my seat but at times could skip around. I would recommend this book for any middle student or well comprehended elementary student. The book is considered historical fiction and tries to be as accurate with the time period as possible; however, this then also means the way of speech might vary making it more difficult to understand. Often times throughout the book they would use phrases/sayings from back then that I would have to look up before moving forward or maybe I would just have to re-read the passage slower to really let it sink in.
April 18, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. The historical/witches is amazing at times i didn't think I was reading a young adult book. I highly recommend this book. Like I said before doesn't feel like young adult. This being my first time reading anything from this author. I was disappointed at all reading this. I have always wanted to read about the Salem witch trials but never knew where to start. Now I want to read more.
About Book: Taken place 1662-1702 in Salem. Young Susanna English wants to be apart of a circle with a group of girls her age and older. They visit this young slave girl who has just moved in town with town Reverend and his family. When one his daughters get sick. They and the town worry and don't know what is happening. That's when the girls from the circle start trouble against the town. Young Susanna has to try and figure out how to save her town and the people. This amazing read. Very glad that I pick this book up.
About Book: Taken place 1662-1702 in Salem. Young Susanna English wants to be apart of a circle with a group of girls her age and older. They visit this young slave girl who has just moved in town with town Reverend and his family. When one his daughters get sick. They and the town worry and don't know what is happening. That's when the girls from the circle start trouble against the town. Young Susanna has to try and figure out how to save her town and the people. This amazing read. Very glad that I pick this book up.
March 14, 2009
I found this book in the "young adult" section of the library, so I already knew that the novel is most likely directed towards a more adolescent population. The vocabulary and style was nothing too difficult, and most of the points that were being made were fairly straightforward and easy to derive even from just a breezy reading. That being said, I think the best aspect of this little book is the fact that it's mostly based on what the author has found in her historical research. Almost all the names and characters once belonged to a living person, and the executions noted were, according to record, actually carried out.
January 20, 2013
An easy-to-follow take on the Salem Witch Trials. Author spends considerable time in the epilogue distinguishing fact from fiction, which I can appreciate. Rinaldi also chose a unique perspective for this work, which was that of a young, conscience-ridden girl relatively isolated from the trials for most of the book. She based the book off of considerable primary source documents, and I appreciated how close Rinaldi stayed to fact. It was a fast read and move about effortlessly. I remember thinking how well this would have fit in a high school lit/history class.
February 23, 2009
Comments I wrote in my 8th-grade reading log:
"This book took place during the Salem Witch trials. It was from the point of view of a girl living in Salem at that time. She wished she ahd stepped in and said something, anything, to stop that madness. It made me think of the quote 'If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem' "
"This book took place during the Salem Witch trials. It was from the point of view of a girl living in Salem at that time. She wished she ahd stepped in and said something, anything, to stop that madness. It made me think of the quote 'If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem' "
January 18, 2020
Very mediocre. The historical research shows through much too plainly. The author's note tells of her sources and her decisions on how to incorporate fact with fiction, but the storytelling itself is not compelling. Too often instead of characters we get names dropped with factual details added as an afterthought. The story is predictable and one never has any feeling of suspense.
December 20, 2009
This is a kind of sad book, with all the hangings and all. But is was still good. It is, however, my least favorite out of all of her books that I've read. That doesn't make it not good though. They were all good, I just liked the others better. :)
March 16, 2009
Girls hated their prospects in life so they allow ovwer 100 people to be accused of witchcraft and to be put to death. All in the name of Puritanism. I love books about the hypocracy of religion. I saw the movie Two Men of Florence this past weekend about Galileo and I loved it.
April 8, 2009
This was an interesting historical Fiction about the Salem witch trials. It will keep a readers interest, easy to read, appeals more to females than to males. Can use as an option in a middle school for a historical fiction novel.
February 25, 2008
I thought this was a really fascinating book about something I didn't know a lot about. I was glad I read it.
December 9, 2008
I really enjoyed this book. it was like part two to the Crucible, but by a different author and a different story, but it's still the same story. awesome.
March 5, 2009
I checked this book from the library, intrigued with USA history. I recommend this book to anyone! It's really good, sad- but good. It's an eye opener and well written.
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