Six Women of Salem
Six Women of Salem by Marilynne K. Roach is an insightful exploration of six women heavily involved in the infamous witch trials. Roach delves into the complex history, offering a deeper understanding of why the afflicted accused their neighbors and why some were perceived as witches.
One aspect I really appreciated was how Roach expanded beyond just those found guilty of witchcraft. She includes not only the accused but also the accusers, which paints a fuller picture of the events. Many involved in the witch hunt were not well documented, but Roach’s extensive research helps bring their stories to light.
“If she [Mary Warren], like Tituba, had not been a part of the witch trials, their presence in the world might never have been preserved at all.” (p. 397)
The first part of the book can feel dense, with a lot of intricate family connections in Salem to keep track of. However, this detail is crucial for understanding the six women at the heart of the book: Bridget Bishop, Rebecca Nurse, Tituba, Mary English, Mary Warren, and Ann Putnam. I also found the small-town drama of early America intriguing—the damning gossip and reliance on "invisible world" evidence that was accepted in court without question. It’s unbelievable that claims of specters and fits could hold such sway, even when some afflicted individuals were caught faking their symptoms.
Roach contrasts two victims who were hanged—Bridget Bishop and Rebecca Nurse. The two couldn’t be more different. Bishop, with her sharp tongue, had faced witchcraft accusations multiple times, while Nurse, an elderly woman beloved by her community, had her husband fighting tirelessly to prove her innocence, even after her death.
The stories of those found not guilty—Tituba, Mary English, and Mary Warren—are equally fascinating. Tituba, often blamed for starting the witch hunt, was coerced into confessing. English and her husband, after being arrested, escaped from jail to avoid trial but returned to Salem once the hysteria was over and were cleared of charges. Warren’s story is especially interesting—an afflicted turned apologist who, under pressure, reverted back to accusing others to protect herself.
Finally, the Putnams, Ann and her daughter Annie, were key witnesses in many trials. Their personal grudges against neighbors, like Rebecca Nurse, led to false accusations that destroyed families. By the end of the trials, nearly 200 people had been accused, with 25 lives lost. The witch hunt turned neighbor against neighbor, leaving deep scars in the community.
The first couple chapters of this book can be hard to get through because of how information heavy it is but once you get past each woman's introduction, you are thrown into the chaos of the witch hunt. I probably would have not read this book if I hadn’t just gotten back from a trip to Salem but I am very glad that I did, for I did not fully grasp the extent of the witch hunt. The fear amongst the townspeople and the turning against their neighbors was truly disturbing. I was often questioning if the accusers were sincere in their accusation or if it was just against a person they did not like. Overall, it was a good read and I would definitely recommend it to anyone that is interested in the Salem Witch Trials.
