Adriana's Graphic Novel Book Review

This historical Graphic novel written by Michael Martin is about the Salem Witch Trials that took place in 1692 in a puritan colony in Massachusetts. The Puritans firmly believed in God and often when things went wrong, they blamed the devil.

Two girls by the name of Abigail Williams and Betty Parris which were Reverend Samuel Parris’ daughter and niece began having attacks one day. Their attacks got worse as days went on. As a result, the town doctor comes to visit them and claimed they were under an “evil power.” The Puritans had a deep belief in God and believed that the devil was now amongst them because of the attacks Abigail and Betty were facing. They believed that “witches” could use the devil’s power to harm people. There were already more than a dozen cases were witches were executed in New England. Pastors began warning people about witches, it became an uproar and townspeople lived in fear.

Soon, more accusations were made about “witches.” There was no real proof these people were witches and were incarcerated. The Salem witch trials began, people testified against others using hearsay in their testimony as their proof. By the end of the year, more than 100 persons had been accused of being witches and over 20 people had been executed and hung. The new governor, William Phillips intervened and announced that those accused of witchcraft would no longer be incarcerated until they were found guilty by a court of law.

The Salem witch trials came to a complete end by 1693. More than 10 years later, many people repented and paid victim’s families who were falsely accused. No action was ever taken against those who accused others of witchcraft.

Personally, I would not recommend this book, there are many historical facts missing. Some of the most important facts are located in the back of the book when they should be within the book.