THE TALL MAN FROM BOSTON

by Marion L. Starkey ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 17, 1975

The tall man from Boston is John Alden, son of the original John and Priscilla, and this scaled-down version of the Salem witch trials centers on his escape from the fate of so many other accused witches--after being placed under house arrest he fled to a friend in Plymouth, shouting ""the devil is after me."" The psychology of the disturbed girls--The Visionary Girls of Starkey's longer juvenile--is difficult to treat at this level and a lot of the vicarious excitement that draws youngsters to the episode is missing here. Still, Starkey narrates with dispatch and authority and Mikolaycak's menacing black and white illustrations, combining an abstract evocation of evil vapors and the very realistically sallow-faced girls, do justice to the various emotional levels at work here. We're not quite convinced that any purpose was served by raising Salem's devils yet again, but the craftsmanship is so impressive that this new incarnation can't be passed over.

Pub Date: Oct. 17, 1975

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 48

Publisher: Crown

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1975

Categories: NONFICTION