WHEN LIGHT BREAKS THROUGH

Murphy’s historical novel (featuring historically verifiable characters) examines the scandalous 1692 Salem Witch Trials.

Twelve-year-old Ann Putnam and her best friend, 11-year-old Abigail (Abby) Williams, meet in a hidden clearing in the woods of Salem, Massachusetts, where they often share their deepest secrets; they’re joined by Abby’s young cousin, Betty. Abby has a plan: She’s preparing to launch a grand hoax, one that will balloon into a massive, out-of-control tragedy. Unhappy with her living situation—she resides with her uncle, Reverend Parris, who treats her like a maid—Abby, assisted by Betty, details for Ann her pretense of being bewitched. After several weeks of throwing fits, staring blankly, and speaking gibberish, things go as Abby predicted—her uncle becomes convinced that the girls are under a spell. Ann, who suffers beatings from her menacing father, decides to similarly delude her family. Emboldened by their success, the girls enjoy a newfound power and freedom. Soon, word gets around Salem Village that there are witches in their midst, plying their diabolical trade. Families are divided and neighbors turn against neighbors. Mass hysteria, amplified by long-standing feuds and avaricious power grabs, envelops the village, ushering in months of spurious trials and horrific executions. Not until the 1698 arrival of young pastor Joseph Green will Salem Village embark upon a path toward healing. Although the narrative is a bit heavy on Biblical quotes and sermons, Murphy brings readers into the time and place using period-accurate language (“My aunt and uncle are much bewildered”) and the inclusion of the minutiae of everyday rituals and customs. The novel’s greatest strength lies in its portrayal of the pivotal roles rumors and falsehoods play in fomenting mob violence to satisfy personal agendas.

Historically compelling, with ominous relevance to today’s social and political chaos.