The Witches

Salem, 1692

By: Stacy Schiff

Narrated by: Eliza Foss

Length: 18 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Cleopatra, the number one national best seller, unpacks the mystery of the Salem Witch Trials. 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 accused 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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2015 Stacy Schiff (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Excellently Detailed!

This dark time in U.S. history has always been of interest to me. The author, and narrator, have the unique ability of bringing the past to life, in this extraordinary novel!

I do love the details, however, which may seem a nuisance to others. The whole story is in the details.

I was emotionally wrecked and angered by the people too afraid to stop the madness, and absolutely full of hatred for those who manipulated the situation. Every side of humanity was brought to light, and I was hooked the entire time.

The narrative was superb, as was the novel. I definitely recommend to lovers of this particular subject, and those looking for an in-depth historical novel.

Great Narration!

The author and narrator really brings this book to life and makes you feel like you know what the people in the Salem Witch Trials were thinking.

Reader is important

I was slightly appalled at how cheerful the reader was in delivering such a grim and historically horrific depiction of one of America's darker chapters. I first read the book and was then jarred by this interpretation. She wasn't a bad reader, but her skills may be better served in the realm of lighter subject matter. Kind of creepy, actually

Wordy

Enjoyed the book but I thought it was incredibly wordy. The reader had a tone in her voice that I didn't like. She sounded sarcastic or bratty.

Fascinating!

I loved this book. Schiff's writing style is unique and enjoyable. I often paused to write down a sentence of hers that struck me as insanely pithy and insightful. That said, she crams as much meaning into every inch of text as possible, so don't zone out or you'll miss important pieces. Definitely more a history than a narrative, she still manages to paint an immersive and captivating picture of 17th century Massachusetts.

Great tone

I avoided this book for a while due to the bad reviews about the narrator. However, I thought her style contributed to the tone of the book. The author has sarcastic passages and frequently makes sly comments referring to the absurdity of the entire Salem tragedy, and I thought the narrator delivered that message very clearly and very well.

This is a great read and I would recommend it to anybody who wants a more in-depth look into the witch trials

An okay book

I’m sure a lot of research went into this but it is repetitive and therefore drawn out beyond necessity.

If you can’t get enough of the Salem Witch Trials, this is the book for you!

I couldn’t stop listening to this truly fantastic journey through the events of the late 17th century NE hysteria known as the Salem Witch Trials. I had just finished listening to the “Unobscured” podcast & was eagerly looking for a good description & analysis of the what happened. That’s exactly what I got & I couldn’t be more pleased. I’ve never written an audiobook review but I just had a to because I loved this book.

Fascinating Events

This was a great performance of a book on my TBR pile.
I definitely recommend it if you're interested in this time in American history.

An informative and entertaining telling of Salem.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. This is a very entertaining and informative telling of the history of Salem, Mass, that really makes it come alive.

What did you like best about this story?

It really described the community, culture and the background for the witch trials in a way I had never heard before.

Have you listened to any of Eliza Foss’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. Ms. Foss has a soothing, classic voice and a flair for the dramatic.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

How witchcraft captured the imagination of Salem, Massachusetts.