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Lies in the Dust: A Tale of Remorse from the Salem Witch Trials
In Salem’s dark days of 1692 and 1693, young girls pointed fingers and accused others of witchcraft, sentencing them to torture or even death. When the cloud lifted, and accusations were shown to be false, the girls faced little, if any, penalty. Were they sorry? No one knows. Only one girl, Ann Putnam, Jr., felt moved to show remorse publicly. Fourteen years after the trials, Ann wrote a letter of apology. This is her story.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 1, 2025
A haunting look at remorse - makes one wonder how often evil hides behind holiness. A book that is strangely relevant today: what should happen to individuals who lie and cause violence to be perpetrated after bearing false witness? It seems as if everyday we hear about another situation whereby false accusations are brought against someone innocent. This book looks at the consequences of such an event on both individuals and the community.
July 31, 2019
". . . I desire to lie in the dust, and to be humbled for it, in that I was a cause, with others, of so sad a calamity. . ."
A good, well-researched and delicately drawn black and white rendition of the story of one of the girls who managed to create so much hysteria and havoc (and, essentially, murder) in the witchcraft trials of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692-93. English/history/humanities teachers: This would be a good short companion book for your reading of The Crucible, or any study of the Puritans in early American literature.
Of the girls that accused women and men of being witches in that tragic farce, only Ann Putnam ever expressed remorse, which took the form of a letter fourteen years later, in 1706. We trace her testimony in a couple of the trials, explore the pressure placed on her especially by her father, who stood to financially gain by her testimony against some of his neighbors (especially if their farms were seized). The main event is the letter, which is short but worthy of consideration.
A good, well-researched and delicately drawn black and white rendition of the story of one of the girls who managed to create so much hysteria and havoc (and, essentially, murder) in the witchcraft trials of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692-93. English/history/humanities teachers: This would be a good short companion book for your reading of The Crucible, or any study of the Puritans in early American literature.
Of the girls that accused women and men of being witches in that tragic farce, only Ann Putnam ever expressed remorse, which took the form of a letter fourteen years later, in 1706. We trace her testimony in a couple of the trials, explore the pressure placed on her especially by her father, who stood to financially gain by her testimony against some of his neighbors (especially if their farms were seized). The main event is the letter, which is short but worthy of consideration.
October 25, 2017
Art: I'm not crazy about the black and white and yet it came off as being very puritan and like a memory from the past- a very dark memory. So it worked for this.
This is about the Salem Witch Trials. Ann Putnam Jr. was one of the girls making accusations against people in the trials. It was proven that all the people who died were innocent and yet nothing ever happened to the girls at the centered. Of all of them, we know that one, Ann, apologized for her actions.
This story is about Ann after the fact. She is taking care of her brothers and sisters and she is haunted by the people she killed. She is also shunned by the town and they won't even let her in their stores. It's actually a interesting story. It's worth reading. I enjoyed this much more thanI thought I would.
This is about the Salem Witch Trials. Ann Putnam Jr. was one of the girls making accusations against people in the trials. It was proven that all the people who died were innocent and yet nothing ever happened to the girls at the centered. Of all of them, we know that one, Ann, apologized for her actions.
This story is about Ann after the fact. She is taking care of her brothers and sisters and she is haunted by the people she killed. She is also shunned by the town and they won't even let her in their stores. It's actually a interesting story. It's worth reading. I enjoyed this much more thanI thought I would.
September 2, 2014
The illustrations are brilliant. Sharp, almost cutting, they provide the bulk of the story's nuances. The text is less nuanced, not as fully realized. I wish the format was about three times larger so that one could more easily get caught up in the ink-work. What I really loved about the book as a whole is the fresh, poignant angle it came from. I've read a fair bit about that shameful time in the United States' history but never from this slightly canted remove. Very well done, indeed.
December 22, 2014
Add this to the mountain of fiction related to the Salem Witch Trials. This entry in a crowded field distinguishes itself by being a graphic novel and by being from the perspective of one of the afflicted girls, Ann Putnam. Ann is one of the best known of the afflicted girls, because she was involved from the beginning, and because her entire family ended up playing such a prominent part in the entire proceeding. And she's the only one of the afflicted girls who was known to make a public apology.
Much of this book is set in 1706, more than a decade after the Trials and just before Ann Putnam issued her apology. Her guilt and regret are deep and genuine. She's definitely tormented about the part she played. Interestingly, the parts of the book set during the Trials are significantly more dry. Perhaps because it's unclear how Ann Putnam might have felt about what she was doing at the time, Crane doesn't make any real effort to try. Instead, much of that information is delivered in relatively vague terms, so impersonally that it might have been from a textbook.
This is not a book for someone who knows little or nothing about the Trials. The book skims over much of what happened, and only specifically names a small handful of the victims. It's even vague about what, precisely, brought the whole thing to an end. I imagine this would be confusing if this was the first or second book you'd read on the subject. Luckily for me, this was not my first go at the subject, and I knew enough to fill in the blanks. And enough to have limited sympathy for Ann Putnam, however sorry she may have felt later.
Much of this book is set in 1706, more than a decade after the Trials and just before Ann Putnam issued her apology. Her guilt and regret are deep and genuine. She's definitely tormented about the part she played. Interestingly, the parts of the book set during the Trials are significantly more dry. Perhaps because it's unclear how Ann Putnam might have felt about what she was doing at the time, Crane doesn't make any real effort to try. Instead, much of that information is delivered in relatively vague terms, so impersonally that it might have been from a textbook.
This is not a book for someone who knows little or nothing about the Trials. The book skims over much of what happened, and only specifically names a small handful of the victims. It's even vague about what, precisely, brought the whole thing to an end. I imagine this would be confusing if this was the first or second book you'd read on the subject. Luckily for me, this was not my first go at the subject, and I knew enough to fill in the blanks. And enough to have limited sympathy for Ann Putnam, however sorry she may have felt later.
April 14, 2016
Graphic novel historical fiction at its finest. There have been piles and piles of books written about the Salem Witch trials, hoaxes, theories and things alike. This reads like a true tale. It depicts the life after the trials. Ann Putnam Jr. stayed in Salem after she accused a lot of people of witchery. Family of the accused still live and breathe in the area and they banished her from their places of business. This is her private journal.
The art is outstanding and adds more to this tale.
I wish there was more of everything in the book.
The art is outstanding and adds more to this tale.
I wish there was more of everything in the book.
April 17, 2015
Of the girls that accused women and men of being witches in Salem Village in 1692, only Ann Putnam, Jr. ever expressed remorse, which took the form of a letter fourteen years later, in 1706. This graphic novel does a good job of giving a brief overview of that time and through twenty-seven-year-old Ann's reminiscences, those first accused and charged with witchcraft are presented. I do wish that this graphic representation of Ann's apology would have expanded the historical facts a bit to strengthen its background, but the afterword fills in a few holes. What I consider this book's most important function is that it raises the awareness about Ann Putnam's being the only apology from the group of girls and adults who sent innocent people to their deaths and ruined many other lives.
September 13, 2014
A graphic novel about Ann Putnam, one of the Salem witch accusers. Rendered in black and white, with sharp text boxes and almost emotion-less illustrations, I was initially put off by the design, but as I read, I realized that it is actually quite brilliant in capturing the nuances of this historical episode. For sophisticated middle grade readers, this would be perfect to read and discuss within the context of a broader unit on the witch trials.
April 23, 2015
A good coda to The Crucible, fitting to close all those units eleventh grade English teachers have been serving up for years. The art is minimal, which makes the subject matter more powerful. Sure this is another of those "lest we forget" kind of history lessons, but we need a dose from time to time, right?
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August 11, 2014"What is the true power of a word? A word crafted into an accusation can be wielded like a dagger."
November 26, 2014
There are a lot of great creepy books out there in YA Land this year (Through the Woods by Emily Carroll, The Riverman by Aaron Starmer, Monstrous Affections: An Anthology of Beastly Tales edited by Kelly Link, etc.)...however, I really think this one takes the cake.
Many of us know the story of the Salem Witch Trials...24 people (mostly women) executed after being accused by a handful of girls of being witches. This graphic novel by Jakob Crane tells of the story following the executions from the point of view of Anne Putnam, Jr. - the one girl who apologized for their blatant fabrications and false accusations.
I find this book so chilling because, not only did it happen, but it could easily happen again (almost certainly under altered circumstances). One family finds a way to turn the rest of the community against their enemy, and bam, they're executed. It's a story of greed, and the power that it has over people. Jakob Crane does a wonderful job both in the text and the illustrations in depicting this frightening story that, somehow, is still fascinating us more than three centuries later.
Many of us know the story of the Salem Witch Trials...24 people (mostly women) executed after being accused by a handful of girls of being witches. This graphic novel by Jakob Crane tells of the story following the executions from the point of view of Anne Putnam, Jr. - the one girl who apologized for their blatant fabrications and false accusations.
I find this book so chilling because, not only did it happen, but it could easily happen again (almost certainly under altered circumstances). One family finds a way to turn the rest of the community against their enemy, and bam, they're executed. It's a story of greed, and the power that it has over people. Jakob Crane does a wonderful job both in the text and the illustrations in depicting this frightening story that, somehow, is still fascinating us more than three centuries later.
December 11, 2014
What an awesome interpretive piece about the Salem witch trials. Written from the perspective of Ann Putnam, this graphic novel gives an often unheard take on the trials. It weaves in the emotions of the different characters in a really interesting way. Gives a cool perspective for students and definitely offers an intriguing look at a historical event. Would be good grades 6-up.
Received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads
Received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads
January 25, 2018
An interesting story that I picked up at my local library. I dont think i would have been willing to buy it, as the story is short, it took me all of 20 minutes to read.It is an interesting look at a part of the salem trials that is little talked about, the lives of the children doing the accusing. Ive always wondered how they grew up with all those deaths in their hearts and honestly, reading Anns confession, Im glad to know that she at least, felt great shame and sorrow for her actions.
January 13, 2015
Interesting presentation of the Salem Witch Trials through recollections of Ann Putnam--one of the accusers, and the only one to ever show remorse for her part in the witch hunts of 1692. I particularly liked the ink drawings, devoid of color, and felt the artwork was an appropriate display of dark days in U.S. history.
September 25, 2014
I just got this book as a GOODREAD GIVEAWAY and finished it. Such a cool cool graphic novel! I love the illustrations and how at times the images tell the story silently. I think this duo should make a series and give other historical events the same treatment. I'd buy each one. Wicked good!
September 24, 2014
Powerful read, especially with the stark illustrations.
December 31, 2014
There are been some really amazing works that look at the Salem Witch trials in very unique ways. This is definitely one of the best.
June 1, 2015
'Lies in the Dust' is the story of Ann Putnam Jr and the consequences of her actions.
I have read about Ann Putnam Jr and the Salem Witch Trials in the past and I always thought it was brave of her to admit the truth of what actually happened, I also found it sad that she never married and died young. Ann Putnam Jr was the only girl from the group that admitted that all accusations made were false.
I enjoyed 'Lies in the Dust', the fear of the devil is shown well through the images, the strength of the individuals accused as they faced and refused to admit to any wrongdoing was interesting.
The illustrations are simple but effective, especially the images of the devil as a dark shadow.
The only downside of the book for me was the fact I read it on my kindle, I think the images would have made more of a impact in book form.
I have read about Ann Putnam Jr and the Salem Witch Trials in the past and I always thought it was brave of her to admit the truth of what actually happened, I also found it sad that she never married and died young. Ann Putnam Jr was the only girl from the group that admitted that all accusations made were false.
I enjoyed 'Lies in the Dust', the fear of the devil is shown well through the images, the strength of the individuals accused as they faced and refused to admit to any wrongdoing was interesting.
The illustrations are simple but effective, especially the images of the devil as a dark shadow.
The only downside of the book for me was the fact I read it on my kindle, I think the images would have made more of a impact in book form.
April 21, 2018
Set in the years after the Salem Witch Trials, this graphic novel was well done and well illustrated. The wording felt perfect for the timeline, and the story of Ann Putnam and her family before her apologies was well written and provided a better understanding of the feeling of the Salem Witch Trials.
Overall, well done, easy to read that feels like it gives a better contextual understanding of the Salem Witch Trials an Ann Putnam herself. I never knew she eventually apologized to the Church for her part in the trials, but this book handles her story leading up to her apology beautifully and I thought really well done.
Overall, well done, easy to read that feels like it gives a better contextual understanding of the Salem Witch Trials an Ann Putnam herself. I never knew she eventually apologized to the Church for her part in the trials, but this book handles her story leading up to her apology beautifully and I thought really well done.
March 9, 2015
An interesting look into the life of Ann Putnam and the Salem witch trials. The book is narrated by Ann after the trials as she is confronted with the guilt she feels for her actions as a child in the trials. Ann, now older, must help to raise her siblings and daily confront the families of those she wrongly convicted in her childhood. The art style is very stark and simple, which at first was odd, but as the story went on it helped to convey the guilt and burden that Ann feels in her daily life.
September 1, 2015
This didn't work for me. The writing does not characterize, or arc with any degree of tension. This isn't really the writer's fault beyond the fact that he chose as his subject a historical vignette that doesn't really lend itself well to a story.
There might actually be a story in Anne Putnam's development from naïve accuser to contrite oldster, but if there is, it isn't presented here. I suspect that a great deal of fictional license would be required to make it happen in a narratively satisfying way, but I think that's called for here.
There might actually be a story in Anne Putnam's development from naïve accuser to contrite oldster, but if there is, it isn't presented here. I suspect that a great deal of fictional license would be required to make it happen in a narratively satisfying way, but I think that's called for here.
September 19, 2016
I have been wanting to read graphic novels lately. I randomly pulled this one from my local library.
I really enjoyed the stark, black and white drawings. The story was interesting too. This is the first time I have read an account from the point of view of one of the accusers. It briefly touched on why Anne started accusing others of witchcraft. I wish it had gone into more depth, because it is fascinating. The Salem witch trials are a sad chapter in U.S. history.
I do feel the story would be hard to follow if you have no prior knowledge of this period in history.
I really enjoyed the stark, black and white drawings. The story was interesting too. This is the first time I have read an account from the point of view of one of the accusers. It briefly touched on why Anne started accusing others of witchcraft. I wish it had gone into more depth, because it is fascinating. The Salem witch trials are a sad chapter in U.S. history.
I do feel the story would be hard to follow if you have no prior knowledge of this period in history.
July 13, 2016
A graphic novel that approaches the Salem Witch Trials from the perspective of Ann Putnam in her 20s and 30s feeling overloaded with remorse and wishing for forgiveness from the community and her family. She relays to her family her wishes to be a better human being and to repent for her weakness in allowing her parents to push her to act out in a way that left about thirty people dead after accusing them of witchcraft.
Obviously a different take as it's after the fact and through Ann's eyes. The illustrations are stark and the text is very manageable. It's about the feelings and emotions with the afterward that discusses a bit more about what was going on in the late 1600s and early 1700s.
Obviously a different take as it's after the fact and through Ann's eyes. The illustrations are stark and the text is very manageable. It's about the feelings and emotions with the afterward that discusses a bit more about what was going on in the late 1600s and early 1700s.
May 21, 2016
This Graphic Novel brings us back to Salem after the trials to see Ann Putnam Jr. living with her guilt. I liked this book because it offers a different view of Salem. In school we learned about the facts of the trials in history and read The Crucible, but we never really talked about what happened afterwards. I did not know that Ann wrote a letter of apology for her actions, or that she stayed in Salem. I found the art style to be a little distracting though & had a difficult time telling characters apart.
September 29, 2014
What happened after the trials had ended? What happened to the girls who accused the townspeople? This is a great graphic novel that tells the story of one of the girls who stayed in the town. It tells about the pain and regret she experiences after the death of her parents. Easy to read and interesting.
September 25, 2014
I received this book through Goodreads first-reads.
A graphic novel about Ann Putnam, one of the accusers at the Salem Witch trials. The powerful images work well in conveying the story and the feelings of the character.
A graphic novel about Ann Putnam, one of the accusers at the Salem Witch trials. The powerful images work well in conveying the story and the feelings of the character.
October 26, 2014
reviewing for VOYA.
quick thoughts-- great curriculum connection for schools
artwork very striking
engaging writing and has an interesting viewpoint of Ann Putnam.
quick thoughts-- great curriculum connection for schools
artwork very striking
engaging writing and has an interesting viewpoint of Ann Putnam.
July 1, 2018
That's not what I expected. But, Soobie, you really should read the synopsis before starting a new graphic novel.
So, this book is not about the witch trials themselves. In fact, it's set in 1706 and it centers around Ann Putnam Jr., one of the accusers and the only one who apologized. One has to be familiar with what happened then to make sense of this story: it takes a lot for granted.
Basically, there's Ann living her life in Salem, conscious to be the cause of the death of 24 people. She barely gets out and when she does, other people aren't so happy to see her. They don't even want to sell her food. She accuses her parents of taking advantages of the "prank" she and her friends have organized. And she tries to explain to her siblings what really happened.
I'm a bit disappointed by the story and also by the art. I don't usually mind black-and-stuff drawings - since I grew up with manga and Italian comics (also black-and-white) - but here there were no facial features. Just two lines to draw the eyes. I would have preferred seeing the protagonists' expressions.
I'd recommend it only if you're already familiar with the event of Salem. And only if you're really, really interested in that.
So, this book is not about the witch trials themselves. In fact, it's set in 1706 and it centers around Ann Putnam Jr., one of the accusers and the only one who apologized. One has to be familiar with what happened then to make sense of this story: it takes a lot for granted.
Basically, there's Ann living her life in Salem, conscious to be the cause of the death of 24 people. She barely gets out and when she does, other people aren't so happy to see her. They don't even want to sell her food. She accuses her parents of taking advantages of the "prank" she and her friends have organized. And she tries to explain to her siblings what really happened.
I'm a bit disappointed by the story and also by the art. I don't usually mind black-and-stuff drawings - since I grew up with manga and Italian comics (also black-and-white) - but here there were no facial features. Just two lines to draw the eyes. I would have preferred seeing the protagonists' expressions.
I'd recommend it only if you're already familiar with the event of Salem. And only if you're really, really interested in that.
December 14, 2020
I learned something today - one of the accusers in the Salem Witch Trials, Ann Putnam, Jr., actually publicly apologized for helping to cause the death of so many of her neighbors. The art is fine if not outstanding. The story is interesting if you are into the Salam Witch Trials. All in all fairly mild.
May 20, 2023
It's an interesting way to present the apology of Ann Putnam Jr. It's crazy to know that none of the accusers at the Salem Witch Trials never faced actual consequences for their actions. I wasn't really a fan of the art style in this one but I did appreciate that it's all in black and white except for the splash of blood red on the cover.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews