The Witches

Salem, 1692

By: Stacy Schiff

Narrated by: Eliza Foss

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the #1 national bestseller Cleopatra unpacks the mystery of the Salem Witch Trials.

“The Witches is the fullest and finest story ever told about Salem in 1692, and no one else could tell it with the otherworldly flair of Stacy Schiff.” ―Joseph J. Ellis, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Quartet

It began in 1692, over an exceptionally raw Massachusetts winter, when a minister's daughter began to scream and convulse. It ended less than a year later, but not before 19 men and women had been hanged and an elderly man crushed to death.

The panic spread quickly, involving the most educated men and prominent politicians in the colony. Neighbors accused neighbors, parents and children each other. Aside from suffrage, the Salem Witch Trials represent the only moment when women played the central role in American history. In curious ways, the trials would shape the future republic.

As psychologically thrilling as it is historically seminal, The Witches is Stacy Schiff's account of this fantastical story—the first great American mystery unveiled fully for the first time by one of our most acclaimed historians.

“Once again Stacy Schiff dazzles us. The Witches is a must read for anyone intrigued by this baffling and horrifying chapter from America's Puritan past. What Schiff uncovers is mesmerizing and shocking. Her meticulous research and lyrical writing lay bare an injustice that we should never forget-lest we repeat it.” ―Patricia Cornwell, author of True Crime and the Scarpetta novels

Enjoyed

narrator was great. excellent historic detective work. enjoyed immensely. highly recommend to anyone who has the slightest interest in this subject.

Great retelling of Salem Witch Trials

The author looks at all that was going on at the time, different kinds of court cases, government stuff. Gives a great perspective of 1692.
My favorite is the anti-defamation suit from the Boston person accused of witchcraft.
Great for anyone that needs more “alpha males feeling all powerful” content, haha.

Pretty good.

This book is a little heavy on the pop culture side of history, and I think the narrator emphasizes that end of it a bit. I did learn a lot about the Salem Trials and the end of the book does provide thoughtful insight into the hows and whys of the trial as well as a good discussion on the lasting effects of the trials on our culture. Solid 3 stars, I enjoyed it overall.

Enjoyable

I really enjoying both the book and the narrator. After listening to the whole thing, I still don’t understand all the hate for the narrator. They are better than some other narrators for nonfiction that have a monotone voice.

Book great. Narration annoying.

The story was fascinating and I’m really glad that I listened to it. It’s a very comprehensive history of the 1691 witch trials. The narrator’s tone to me was unpleasant, little bit snarky and condescending. I listened to the whole thing on 1.2 speed and that helped mitigate what to me was an unpleasant narration.