OVERVIEW
This is a debut novel by Andrea Catalano. It was a great historical fiction novel about two specific years in colonial Massachusetts!
The title says it all-the first witchcraft victim in Boston was a real woman named Margaret Jones. She was murdered by hanging after a 1648 witchcraft trial in Charlestown, Massachusetts.
If you are looking for a light and easy read, this is not the book. It is heavy but an important book to read. We need to remember our past to not repeat it in the future, especially with our country leaning so conservatively like the Puritans.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
The writing was good. It was descriptive, with some beautiful descriptions of the Charlestown area.
Additionally, this was a thoroughly researched book, and it shows in the details of the writing.
The dialogue was somewhat disjointed at times. There was code-switching between contemporary dialogue and then formal 17th-century language. Confusing.
Also, the spicy sexual situations, including marital sex, rape, and drugged sex, are not my thing. It really didn't have to be that descriptive.
Character development: 4.5 stars
The main characters are Maggie (a healer, midwife, and apothecary) and Thomas (a furniture maker), who leave London for the New World in 1646.
The secondary characters are Samuel and Alice (Maggie and Thomas's friends).
The tertiary characters are Maggie and Thomas's patrons, the citizens of Charlestown, the leaders of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and many other characters (some good and some bad).
The character development was strong for the main and secondary characters.
Also, the Epilogue and Author's Note were informative and provided historical references.
Storyline: 4.5 stars
The storyline revolves around an outspoken, honest, and atypical woman in Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony. She offends the sensibilities and sensitivities of the men in power. She knows who and what they really are. So the word "witch" is mumbled, and the rumors fly. The rest is expected, but horribly sad.
It is also about an intense and equal marriage with a loving husband who supports, defends, and protects his wife during difficult times.
The primary locations were Berkshire, England, and Charlestown, Massachusetts.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
Men fear the power of women. It is a tale as old as time.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Gorgeous.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect.
Strong recommend
Amazon First Reads ebook
(Kindle)
The First Witch of Boston by Andrea Catalano
326 pages
Lake
Union Publishing
FUTURE release date:
9/1/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Graphic cursing, sexual content, rape, child sexual abuse, drugged sex, child death, grief, xenophobia, mental health issues, religious bigotry, and suicide.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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