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Crane Pond: A Novel of Salem
This novel of the Salem Witch Trials from the point of view of a judge is “leavened with wit [and] finely crafted” ( Kirkus Reviews ).
In a colony struggling for survival, in a mysterious new world where infant mortality is high and sin is to blame, Samuel Sewall is committed to being a loving family man, a good citizen, and a fair-minded judge. Like any believing Puritan, he agonizes over what others think of him, while striving to act morally correct, keep the peace, and, when possible, enjoy a hefty slice of pie. His one regret is that months earlier, he didn’t sentence a group of pirates to death.
What begins as a touching story of a bumbling man tasked with making judgments in a society where reason is often ephemeral quickly becomes the chilling narrative we know too well. And when public opinion wavers, Sewall learns that what has been done cannot be undone.
Crane Pond explores the inner life of a well-meaning man who compromised with evil and went on to regret it. At once a searing view of the Trials, an empathetic portrait of one of the period’s most tragic figures, and an indictment of the malevolent power of idealism, it is a thrilling new telling of one of America’s founding stories.
“[ Crane Pond ] goes straight on to my (small) list of historical novels that draw out the capacities of the form and allow readers to brush against the pleasures and terrors of the past.”―Hilary Mantel, author of Wolf Hall
“Deftly crafted . . . perfectly balances issues of religion, faith, and law.”― Library Journal
In a colony struggling for survival, in a mysterious new world where infant mortality is high and sin is to blame, Samuel Sewall is committed to being a loving family man, a good citizen, and a fair-minded judge. Like any believing Puritan, he agonizes over what others think of him, while striving to act morally correct, keep the peace, and, when possible, enjoy a hefty slice of pie. His one regret is that months earlier, he didn’t sentence a group of pirates to death.
What begins as a touching story of a bumbling man tasked with making judgments in a society where reason is often ephemeral quickly becomes the chilling narrative we know too well. And when public opinion wavers, Sewall learns that what has been done cannot be undone.
Crane Pond explores the inner life of a well-meaning man who compromised with evil and went on to regret it. At once a searing view of the Trials, an empathetic portrait of one of the period’s most tragic figures, and an indictment of the malevolent power of idealism, it is a thrilling new telling of one of America’s founding stories.
“[ Crane Pond ] goes straight on to my (small) list of historical novels that draw out the capacities of the form and allow readers to brush against the pleasures and terrors of the past.”―Hilary Mantel, author of Wolf Hall
“Deftly crafted . . . perfectly balances issues of religion, faith, and law.”― Library Journal
326 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2016
20 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
About the author
Richard Francis
150 books2 followers The idea for writing TEAM came after the 9/11 attacks when
search and rescue dogs were used to find victims and possible survivors in the rubble. Why not have a dog help find the hostages and rescue them with his handler. On hikes and walks I would carry a note book and write down ideas for the story. And of course my inspiration and co-worker LT. has been to all my booksignings and also signs the book.
search and rescue dogs were used to find victims and possible survivors in the rubble. Why not have a dog help find the hostages and rescue them with his handler. On hikes and walks I would carry a note book and write down ideas for the story. And of course my inspiration and co-worker LT. has been to all my booksignings and also signs the book.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 4, 2016
“The greatest sin of all is to be without hope, because that is a denial of God.”
Among the best books I’ve read (and I’ve read a lot). And still, I’ve read little about the Salem witch trials, probably only skimmed The Crucible in high school. Sure, I knew these trials were a mockery and miscarriage of justice, but not how great until Crane Pond. I spent a great portion of the book shocked by what passed as evidence in the Puritan courtroom. I thought too about what now might be similar, what claims and accusations are simply spouted with trouble of the truth later. I’m thinking about what or who is considered American.
And still, it isn’t the trials that are at the heart of the book, but a judge, Samuel Sewall, and his own his thinking through his faith and what it means to follow the tenets of it through his role as a justice. Sewall is obsessive, anxious always about the truth and consequences of what he says, does, thinks. He is tiresome and desperately trying to be scrupulous. Crane Pond is really a working through of Sewall’s faith, his working toward an apology of his part in the trials and his understanding of what it means to be to know himself and God.
Beautifully written. Wonderfully researched. Read it!
Among the best books I’ve read (and I’ve read a lot). And still, I’ve read little about the Salem witch trials, probably only skimmed The Crucible in high school. Sure, I knew these trials were a mockery and miscarriage of justice, but not how great until Crane Pond. I spent a great portion of the book shocked by what passed as evidence in the Puritan courtroom. I thought too about what now might be similar, what claims and accusations are simply spouted with trouble of the truth later. I’m thinking about what or who is considered American.
And still, it isn’t the trials that are at the heart of the book, but a judge, Samuel Sewall, and his own his thinking through his faith and what it means to follow the tenets of it through his role as a justice. Sewall is obsessive, anxious always about the truth and consequences of what he says, does, thinks. He is tiresome and desperately trying to be scrupulous. Crane Pond is really a working through of Sewall’s faith, his working toward an apology of his part in the trials and his understanding of what it means to be to know himself and God.
Beautifully written. Wonderfully researched. Read it!
October 8, 2016
Crane Pond is a novel about the Salem witch trials. I suspect like many people my introduction to Salem was Miller's play 'The Crucible' (1953). Miller used Salem as an allegory in the era of McCarthyism illustrating how deeply these events at the birth of modern America resonate down the centuries. So Crane Pond is tackling an important piece of the American story.
The trials, which spread throughout the new colony, resulted in the execution of twenty people. Five more died in prison before a halt was finally called to the 'inquisition' and the remaining victims were released. Arthur Miller described Salem as one of the 'strangest and most awful chapters in human history'.
The central character in Crane Pond is Judge Samuel Sewell and the book spans the last decade of the seventeenth century, prefacing, encompassing and following the witch trials at which Sewell was one of the presiding judges. He was the only man involved to admit to having made a terrible mistake, giving him a unique place in history and attracting Francis to his story.
Clearly this portrait of Sewell is a Labour of love for Francis but this is also a very balanced view of a man in trying times, 'warts and all'. Francis has previously produced a biography of Sewell, 'Judge Sewell's Apology' (2005) and obviously felt he was not finished with his subject believing that fiction enabled him to imagine the inner life of the Judge, (thoughts and feelings).
Sewell is a man at odds with his contemporaries; Men like Cotton Mather, who never repented their actions. He is plausibly drawn and human, very real, mildly heroic, and essentially honest. A man struggling with dark times and inner demons.
From the first chapter, portraying a family breakfast, Francis sets the tone of this world. A child's nightmare prefaces the terror to come. The religious context is defined and crucially events assume a life of their own that Sewell and his contemporaries cannot/will not control. This world, so different from the modern world, is populated with powerful well educated men and ordinary folk but they share a common set of beliefs. Normal events are seen as portents, as having meaning, (a dead child is a punishment for sin and a failed crop must have happened for a bad reason). It is a 'new' world, inchoate, a harsh world where children often die young and where the devil is as real as anything in people's lives. A world ruled by religious/political idealism and vicious pragmatism.
At the heart of the novel Francis is addressing questions of how a good man, a good citizen can become embroiled in such horrific events and in the case of Sewell make atonement.
The Salem witch trials are the first example of mass hysteria in American culture. The children infect people's fears, feeding their hatred and making everyone suspicious of each other with terrible consequences and even though this isn't the focus of the book it is adequately represented by Francis.
Sewell, as a character is treated with respect and Francis avoids any post-dated moralisation of his role in the events. Through the people of the time Francis lets the story tell itself allowing the reader make judgements for themselves. Crane Pond benefits from a cool, calm style, (no fireworks), allowing a time and place to speak to the reader and hopefully avoid any leaden hindsight.
To take Judge Sewell as the central protagonist adds a new interesting dimension to a story often told from the victims point of view. Crane Pond is a success in transporting the reader to an earlier age and adding to the understanding of the times. Although this is one man's view of Sewell's inner life it rings true and I think adds to the understanding that a pure biography can bring.
If I have one caveat it is that his novel is better read with some prior knowledge of the events of 1692/3 in the new colony as it naturally skirts some events in delivering Sewell's narrative and inevitably as some of the story unfolds off page some background knowledge is useful. Yet I think this is the kind of novel that will attract a ready/prepared readership.
I would suggest this book would appeal to lovers of intelligent, thoughtful historical fiction. Similar in intent to Hilary Mantel and Robert Harris in bringing real history to life in fiction.
The trials, which spread throughout the new colony, resulted in the execution of twenty people. Five more died in prison before a halt was finally called to the 'inquisition' and the remaining victims were released. Arthur Miller described Salem as one of the 'strangest and most awful chapters in human history'.
The central character in Crane Pond is Judge Samuel Sewell and the book spans the last decade of the seventeenth century, prefacing, encompassing and following the witch trials at which Sewell was one of the presiding judges. He was the only man involved to admit to having made a terrible mistake, giving him a unique place in history and attracting Francis to his story.
Clearly this portrait of Sewell is a Labour of love for Francis but this is also a very balanced view of a man in trying times, 'warts and all'. Francis has previously produced a biography of Sewell, 'Judge Sewell's Apology' (2005) and obviously felt he was not finished with his subject believing that fiction enabled him to imagine the inner life of the Judge, (thoughts and feelings).
Sewell is a man at odds with his contemporaries; Men like Cotton Mather, who never repented their actions. He is plausibly drawn and human, very real, mildly heroic, and essentially honest. A man struggling with dark times and inner demons.
From the first chapter, portraying a family breakfast, Francis sets the tone of this world. A child's nightmare prefaces the terror to come. The religious context is defined and crucially events assume a life of their own that Sewell and his contemporaries cannot/will not control. This world, so different from the modern world, is populated with powerful well educated men and ordinary folk but they share a common set of beliefs. Normal events are seen as portents, as having meaning, (a dead child is a punishment for sin and a failed crop must have happened for a bad reason). It is a 'new' world, inchoate, a harsh world where children often die young and where the devil is as real as anything in people's lives. A world ruled by religious/political idealism and vicious pragmatism.
At the heart of the novel Francis is addressing questions of how a good man, a good citizen can become embroiled in such horrific events and in the case of Sewell make atonement.
The Salem witch trials are the first example of mass hysteria in American culture. The children infect people's fears, feeding their hatred and making everyone suspicious of each other with terrible consequences and even though this isn't the focus of the book it is adequately represented by Francis.
Sewell, as a character is treated with respect and Francis avoids any post-dated moralisation of his role in the events. Through the people of the time Francis lets the story tell itself allowing the reader make judgements for themselves. Crane Pond benefits from a cool, calm style, (no fireworks), allowing a time and place to speak to the reader and hopefully avoid any leaden hindsight.
To take Judge Sewell as the central protagonist adds a new interesting dimension to a story often told from the victims point of view. Crane Pond is a success in transporting the reader to an earlier age and adding to the understanding of the times. Although this is one man's view of Sewell's inner life it rings true and I think adds to the understanding that a pure biography can bring.
If I have one caveat it is that his novel is better read with some prior knowledge of the events of 1692/3 in the new colony as it naturally skirts some events in delivering Sewell's narrative and inevitably as some of the story unfolds off page some background knowledge is useful. Yet I think this is the kind of novel that will attract a ready/prepared readership.
I would suggest this book would appeal to lovers of intelligent, thoughtful historical fiction. Similar in intent to Hilary Mantel and Robert Harris in bringing real history to life in fiction.
April 13, 2017
When I was asked to review this novel about the Salem witch trials, I readily agreed because it is a period of history which has always fascinated me. However, I have to admit that I did wonder whether any author could possibly add anything new to this well known and often told story. I was delighted to discover that Richard Francis has done just that in this wonderful novel. He has done so by focusing on Samuel Sewell, a respected Boston merchant who was appointed to serve as one of the judges at the trials and who was, eventually, the only one to admit that there had been a mistake, a terrible miscarriage of justice. Increasingly troubled by his conscience, four years after the trials he publicly repented his involvement and then continued to seek atonement.
The story starts in 1690 with the reader being introduced to Samuel as he makes his way to breakfast on a bitterly cold, snowy day in January. With a bedcover wrapped over his “ample nightshirt”, his wife Hannah commenting that he has “brought the bed” with him, his four children sitting at the table, and with a fire burning in the grate of a draughty room, he announces to his gathered family, “First prayer, then pie.” This level of intimacy sets the tone for why this is such a remarkably different telling of a familiar story – and it also gives the reader a couple of clues to indicate that Samuel is rather partial to his food!
Through Samuel’s eyes the reader is drawn into the social, political and religious influences of life in Massachusetts. He is a loving family man, a committed Puritan who not only wants to think well of himself and to live a moral life, but also to be thought well of by his family and fellow citizens. Consequently he constantly wrestles with his conscience, his faith and the value of his own judgments. It seems that everything that goes wrong, on a personal as well as on a broader social and political level, he can attribute to sinful thoughts or behaviour. As the novel opens he is involved in the trial of seven men who, after much debate between the judges, are eventually found guilty of piracy and sentenced to be hanged. Before the executions are due to take place pressure is brought to bear on him, from people with vested interests, to agree to review these sentences. After some initial resistance, and against his better judgment, he finds himself agreeing, incrementally, to reprieve all seven men. However, he ends up believing that he has been weak to go against his better judgment, and that he has compromised his principles. Subsequently, when he learns of the developing events in Salem, he even starts to wonder whether his compromise has contributed to the wickedness being perpetrated. It is with these turbulent feelings that he approaches his role of judge when the witchcraft trials begin.
I grew very fond of Samuel and his family as the story progressed. I felt myself becoming very involved with his inner struggles to be truthful, to maintain his integrity, to be a good man and to interpret the scriptures wisely in order to decide what was just or unjust. His love for his wife and his children shone through the narrative and it was clear that, whatever his night-time, lustful fantasies, he was a faithful husband. However, because he knows that he is subject to temptation, he wonders whether the stillbirths, or subsequent deaths, of some of his children are God’s way of punishing him for his weaknesses. The mundane little asides (often about food!) amidst all his philosophical musings, in addition to often being very amusing, were part of what really brought him to life and made him such a vivid, three dimensional character.
The details of the background to the trials are well known but, by giving Samuel Sewell such an authentic voice, Richard Francis has offered a powerful new perspective on this shameful miscarriage of justice. I had never imagined that I could feel any more shocked by the escalation of public hysteria which led to the horrors which ensued but, through this intimate portrait of a compassionate, flawed and well-meaning man, who was constantly struggling with his conscience, I found myself feeling even more angry about all the religious and political conditions which enabled such horrors to be perpetrated. The fact that bigotry, hysteria and suspicion remain in today’s world means that there can never be any room for complacency, for a belief that nothing like this could ever happen again. The forms it takes may be different but there are clear examples that it can, and it does. I also found it interesting to note that at the time of the trials concern was expressed that the executive might interfere with the deliberations of the judiciary – a timely reminder that history can, and does, repeat itself!
Throughout the narrative the author evoked a powerful sense of time and place and his elegant, literate prose created wonderfully vivid imagery of life in late seventeenth century Boston, as well as within the Sewell household. This thread of intimacy, which ran throughout the story and made every single character come to life, made me feel that I didn’t want to let them go when the story ended; I know that they will remain vivid in my memory for a long time to come. The most memorable books for me are those which not only fully engage my interest and imagination, but also teach me something new – Crane Pond did both. Amongst other things, I discovered the true horror behind the meaning of the phrase “the full weight of the law” – never again will I be able to use it in a casual way.
I cannot recommend this wonderful novel highly enough. The author’s comprehensive research into this period of history, and his fascination with Sewell, informs all his narrative and yet I never felt that it overwhelmed the sensitive story-telling. It is a real reflection of his thoughtful, measured writing that he was able to imbue the story with moments of wonderful humour, without detracting from the horrors being perpetrated. He treated all his characters with huge empathy and, in doing so, encourages his readers to do likewise. I certainly found myself reflecting on the influences on Samuel and the dilemmas he faced, making it possible for me to understand more fully how an essentially decent, if flawed, man found himself making the decisions he did. Such was the quality of the spare, elegant writing that at times I felt so totally immersed in the developing tragedy that there were moments when I even found myself expecting justice to prevail!
As I write this review I am finding myself tempted to go into great detail about the many themes which emerge, making it an excellent choice for reading groups; however, if I did so I would end up writing an extended essay! So, I just have to hope that, if you enjoy well-researched and well-written historical fiction, what I have written will encourage you to rush out and buy a copy of this exceptional book. It is certainly one I plan to re-read and I think it deserves to be showered with literary awards!
The story starts in 1690 with the reader being introduced to Samuel as he makes his way to breakfast on a bitterly cold, snowy day in January. With a bedcover wrapped over his “ample nightshirt”, his wife Hannah commenting that he has “brought the bed” with him, his four children sitting at the table, and with a fire burning in the grate of a draughty room, he announces to his gathered family, “First prayer, then pie.” This level of intimacy sets the tone for why this is such a remarkably different telling of a familiar story – and it also gives the reader a couple of clues to indicate that Samuel is rather partial to his food!
Through Samuel’s eyes the reader is drawn into the social, political and religious influences of life in Massachusetts. He is a loving family man, a committed Puritan who not only wants to think well of himself and to live a moral life, but also to be thought well of by his family and fellow citizens. Consequently he constantly wrestles with his conscience, his faith and the value of his own judgments. It seems that everything that goes wrong, on a personal as well as on a broader social and political level, he can attribute to sinful thoughts or behaviour. As the novel opens he is involved in the trial of seven men who, after much debate between the judges, are eventually found guilty of piracy and sentenced to be hanged. Before the executions are due to take place pressure is brought to bear on him, from people with vested interests, to agree to review these sentences. After some initial resistance, and against his better judgment, he finds himself agreeing, incrementally, to reprieve all seven men. However, he ends up believing that he has been weak to go against his better judgment, and that he has compromised his principles. Subsequently, when he learns of the developing events in Salem, he even starts to wonder whether his compromise has contributed to the wickedness being perpetrated. It is with these turbulent feelings that he approaches his role of judge when the witchcraft trials begin.
I grew very fond of Samuel and his family as the story progressed. I felt myself becoming very involved with his inner struggles to be truthful, to maintain his integrity, to be a good man and to interpret the scriptures wisely in order to decide what was just or unjust. His love for his wife and his children shone through the narrative and it was clear that, whatever his night-time, lustful fantasies, he was a faithful husband. However, because he knows that he is subject to temptation, he wonders whether the stillbirths, or subsequent deaths, of some of his children are God’s way of punishing him for his weaknesses. The mundane little asides (often about food!) amidst all his philosophical musings, in addition to often being very amusing, were part of what really brought him to life and made him such a vivid, three dimensional character.
The details of the background to the trials are well known but, by giving Samuel Sewell such an authentic voice, Richard Francis has offered a powerful new perspective on this shameful miscarriage of justice. I had never imagined that I could feel any more shocked by the escalation of public hysteria which led to the horrors which ensued but, through this intimate portrait of a compassionate, flawed and well-meaning man, who was constantly struggling with his conscience, I found myself feeling even more angry about all the religious and political conditions which enabled such horrors to be perpetrated. The fact that bigotry, hysteria and suspicion remain in today’s world means that there can never be any room for complacency, for a belief that nothing like this could ever happen again. The forms it takes may be different but there are clear examples that it can, and it does. I also found it interesting to note that at the time of the trials concern was expressed that the executive might interfere with the deliberations of the judiciary – a timely reminder that history can, and does, repeat itself!
Throughout the narrative the author evoked a powerful sense of time and place and his elegant, literate prose created wonderfully vivid imagery of life in late seventeenth century Boston, as well as within the Sewell household. This thread of intimacy, which ran throughout the story and made every single character come to life, made me feel that I didn’t want to let them go when the story ended; I know that they will remain vivid in my memory for a long time to come. The most memorable books for me are those which not only fully engage my interest and imagination, but also teach me something new – Crane Pond did both. Amongst other things, I discovered the true horror behind the meaning of the phrase “the full weight of the law” – never again will I be able to use it in a casual way.
I cannot recommend this wonderful novel highly enough. The author’s comprehensive research into this period of history, and his fascination with Sewell, informs all his narrative and yet I never felt that it overwhelmed the sensitive story-telling. It is a real reflection of his thoughtful, measured writing that he was able to imbue the story with moments of wonderful humour, without detracting from the horrors being perpetrated. He treated all his characters with huge empathy and, in doing so, encourages his readers to do likewise. I certainly found myself reflecting on the influences on Samuel and the dilemmas he faced, making it possible for me to understand more fully how an essentially decent, if flawed, man found himself making the decisions he did. Such was the quality of the spare, elegant writing that at times I felt so totally immersed in the developing tragedy that there were moments when I even found myself expecting justice to prevail!
As I write this review I am finding myself tempted to go into great detail about the many themes which emerge, making it an excellent choice for reading groups; however, if I did so I would end up writing an extended essay! So, I just have to hope that, if you enjoy well-researched and well-written historical fiction, what I have written will encourage you to rush out and buy a copy of this exceptional book. It is certainly one I plan to re-read and I think it deserves to be showered with literary awards!
October 14, 2018
Not a great work of fictionalised real-life events. The book does a great job at telling the story of the witch trials in Salem based on facts and actual data - I found the bits in which Francis uses information from the real trials extremely interesting. But...
Unfortunately the fictional writing around these facts was not too convincing: I wasn’t impressed with the writing, the narration felt quite flat, and I felt the characters were rather underdeveloped and uninteresting.
Unfortunately the fictional writing around these facts was not too convincing: I wasn’t impressed with the writing, the narration felt quite flat, and I felt the characters were rather underdeveloped and uninteresting.
September 23, 2024
While I know some of the history of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible still pops up in my mind whenever I see the Trials referenced. For those not familiar with the play, The Crucible focuses on the accused and their accusers to show how revenge-based hysteria can destroy a community. Many other accounts of the Trials also tend to focus on the accusers and the accused to try and understand what really happened. Crane Pond by Richard Francis, however, centers on one of the judges who condemned accused witches to hang. This novel is based on the writings of Samuel Sewall, the only justice (as far as I know) to express regret for his actions during the panic of the Trials...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type.
November 20, 2019
Marvelous historical fiction written by a man who really knows how to do his historical research. It's not common for writers of historical fiction to also have published non-fiction historical research about the time period. Francis published a non-fiction work about the Salem Witch Trials in 2005 (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...) and his expert knowledge about the topic shows clearly in this book.
In addition to his historical knowledge, Francis has a skill for making his characters come alive and in introducing broader philosophical and ethical questions into the narrative. A truly enjoyable read about a truly terribly time.
In addition to his historical knowledge, Francis has a skill for making his characters come alive and in introducing broader philosophical and ethical questions into the narrative. A truly enjoyable read about a truly terribly time.
December 4, 2016
There’s only really one way to start this: Crane Pond is definitely on my best of 2016 list. The novel is incredibly quiet and introspective, perhaps the opposite of what you might expect from a story centered around the Salem Witch Trials, but made all the better from swerving away from that expectation. The descriptions of local family life are exquisite, and the internal self-reflection of Samuel Sewall is absolutely genius. This has already taken pride of place on my bookshelf, and that was only when I could bring myself to move it away from my bedside table.
September 27, 2017
Judge Samuel Sewall of Salem, Massachusetts is in a conundrum over the witch trials over which he and other judges are presiding. His Puritan faith and upright life tell him they are guilty, their actions and opinions of others tell him most are innocent of any wrongdoing. Set amidst a tumultuous time and dark place in our history, this novel places the reader right in the middle of the inner lives and families of the judges and the condemned, leaving much to ponder and learn from this tragedy.
March 12, 2017
Interesting book that considers the Salem witch trials from the perspective of one of the judges (as opposed to the typical view of one of the girls). We saw the judge and his beloved wife and family struggle to figure out why Satan is in their community and tormenting these girls. He ultimately realizes he has been duped and experiences some redemption at the end. Really good...
November 24, 2018
Better than I expected. I found Francis's portrait of Samuel Sewall, a Salem witch trial judge who truly wants to do the right thing and fails miserably, to be pretty compelling and the writing well-done. I did find myself somewhat disappointed with the female characters, who seemed a bit underimagined to me.
December 4, 2016
This was very interesting and also one of the most unsettling books I've read. Really crazy time and truly frightening how such a frenzy took hold. I'll probably track down a non fiction account to learn more about it.
October 29, 2017
“The crisis started as a children’s game and like a children’s game it had run its course and now the players have gone home to bed (except of course for the ones who died).”
A fascinating look at the madness of the Salem Witch Trials.
A fascinating look at the madness of the Salem Witch Trials.
March 19, 2017
This is the best book I've read so far this year... a brilliant character study of one of the Salem witch judges.
My only complaint is that I really have no idea why the title is "Crane Pond."
My only complaint is that I really have no idea why the title is "Crane Pond."
January 22, 2018
Excellent. Meaty. Revealing of the ongoing struggle humans undertake to define separateness and create society. Based on the real live Cotton Mather and Judge Sewell in Salem in the 1600’s.
November 2, 2021
A devout Puritan named Samuel Sewell is appointed judge for the Salem Witch Trials. He has vowed to keep the peace while making a sound judgement based on godliness and facts, but unfortunately there are darker happenings at work. The accusers are a group of girls set on vengeance and have deceived all into believing their wild claims. As the supposed witches are punished one by one, Sewell’s conscience gets the best of him and while it takes him years to confess, he eventually acknowledges his guilt.
The story’s perspective was very interesting, to believe that entire towns were duped into believing these girls is absurd and yet, it happened. Unfortunately many perished before they came to their senses and there were certainly a few instances in this book that were difficult to read. Though I was also filled with admiration throughout the story for those condemned that never confessed. They persevered, stayed true and ultimately died but were forever innocent. A good read, not fast paced or thrilling in a sense but informative and interesting.
The story’s perspective was very interesting, to believe that entire towns were duped into believing these girls is absurd and yet, it happened. Unfortunately many perished before they came to their senses and there were certainly a few instances in this book that were difficult to read. Though I was also filled with admiration throughout the story for those condemned that never confessed. They persevered, stayed true and ultimately died but were forever innocent. A good read, not fast paced or thrilling in a sense but informative and interesting.
January 5, 2026
Has everything I desire when I read either history or fiction.
I loved the juxtaposition of humor and intense emotion coupled with strong thinking. Samuel Sewall was probably the only truly humble "important" man, and he was so much more a loving family man and so much more able to grow into greatness than most around him because of it. Beautiful story, beautiful characters; I wish I had the skills to describe what makes this history-rich novel so excellent, but I really loved every single word!
I loved the juxtaposition of humor and intense emotion coupled with strong thinking. Samuel Sewall was probably the only truly humble "important" man, and he was so much more a loving family man and so much more able to grow into greatness than most around him because of it. Beautiful story, beautiful characters; I wish I had the skills to describe what makes this history-rich novel so excellent, but I really loved every single word!
September 6, 2024
This was a very insightful book into the mind of Justice Samuel Sewell. I would not have been able to find the time or brain power to read his diary for myself, and this book made his perspectives understandable in a personable way. I was surprised at the many things I thought I knew and was wrong about the Salem Witch Trials, as well as things that I simply never learned before. The author did a good job reminding the reader of the humanity of everyone involved.
April 1, 2022
This book had its ups and downs. You can tell it’s incredibly well researched (the author also wrote a biography of Sewall) and there are a lot of cute moments that add levity to the content. However, the book kind of peters out at the end. I also have no idea what the title has to do with anything. Crane Pond was only mentioned once at the second to last page?
August 12, 2023
Crane Pond was such a fascinating read. The book is about the Salem witch trials and told from the perspective of a judge. In fact, it is from the only judge to have ever admitted wrong doing in those trials.
While it was a harder read and not something I could fly through, both due to language and subject, it was very interesting. It helped me to really see and understand more of the trials.
While it was a harder read and not something I could fly through, both due to language and subject, it was very interesting. It helped me to really see and understand more of the trials.
Read
January 23, 2024Boring and depressing
Such a depressing view of Christianity. Not onee character had my sympathy or support. All were very flawed and either timid or arrogant. No-one was likeable and dependable. So I slogged through the book and didn't find it illuminated the actual witch trials. BORING
Such a depressing view of Christianity. Not onee character had my sympathy or support. All were very flawed and either timid or arrogant. No-one was likeable and dependable. So I slogged through the book and didn't find it illuminated the actual witch trials. BORING
December 29, 2022
Felt only fitting that the book ended with Sewall visiting his childhood home less than a mile from where I sit visiting my own childhood home.
A fantastic character study on belief that you’re doing the right thing and regret in the realization that the right thing isn’t always right.
A fantastic character study on belief that you’re doing the right thing and regret in the realization that the right thing isn’t always right.
October 7, 2017
There's nothing wrong with this book, it deals with the Salem trials in an undramatic, factual kind of way... Unfortunately, I didn't really feel any real interest in the characters.
Read
October 10, 2017I couldn't stand the way this was written, so I unfortunately couldn't finish this.
October 27, 2020
Well researched but so, so dry.
January 6, 2026
Exactly what historical fiction should be and so rarely is. Both surprisingly funny and so totally disturbing.
Read
June 17, 2017DNF. I know this book has gotten rave reviews, and if you are one of the many who enjoyed it, good for you. I personally thought this book was incredibly dull. I thought the subject matter would hold my interest, but after a third of the way through the book I decided to give it up. I zoned out through the litany of characters and Sewall's endless introspection. I just couldn't make myself finish it.
August 5, 2016
Exceptional, from start to finish.
March 6, 2017
Hundreds of books have been written about the Salem witch trials, one of the worst miscarriages of justice in American history. This novel looks at the case from the perspective of one of the judges, Samuel Sewall. Author Richard Francis is a historian and also Sewall's biographer. Given the febrile atmosphere behind the events that unfolded, 'Crane Pond' is surprisingly cerebral, illuminating the New World Puritanism that bred supernatural terrors in the minds of educated men. If the Reverend John Ames (from Marilynne Robinson's 'Gilead') were transported to Massachusetts in 1692, this book might be the result.
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