The Daughters of Salem, Thomas Gilbert

★★★★

This was an interesting modern approach to the age old Salem legend. Although based on real people, the plot was overall completely imaginary.

It depicts a small town consumed by misery, choosing to punish those who are weaker, and take advantage of their women. The depiction of the neighboring Native Americans seemed believable, including the Salem townspeople choosing to demonize outsiders instead of looking within for the true root of evil. The feminist overtones were believable and the camaraderie hopeful even in a dark time. Although I can see how soon Salem will descend into a place where only the ones willing to condemn others to protect themselves will survive.

The illustration style was both complex in composition, reminiscent of Emily Carroll's eerie cartoons, but rudimentary in the line work which gave it an eerie pallor.

See below for some art references from the original French publication.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.