The Putnams of Salem by Greg Houle

The Putnams of Salem by Greg Houle, published by Blydyn Square Books, Kenilworth, NJ 2024.

This is a historical novel with serious Gothic overtones, set as it is during the Salem witch trials. The author himself is descended from the Putnams in the novel. The story follows the first person narratives of Thomas Putnam, an upstanding and influential member of the Salem community, and a staunch accuser of many of those tried for witchcraft, and also of his twelve-year-old daughter Anna, one of the afflicted girls.
Thomas is almost fanatical in his need to keep Salem pure and free from evil, yet there are also personal grievances at issue, particularly with association to his younger half-brother, Joseph, who inherited their father's estate.
The author uses historical information to keep the story accurate, but it is a work of fiction. Houle examines the psychology behind the accusations, and given that one of his ancestors was the chief accuser, responsible for numerous hangings, one death by torture and at least one death in prison from the severe conditions, it is a difficult task he doesn't shy away from.  Thomas Putnam, although capable of unspeakable acts, is not a monster. He has a mentally ill wife, whom he cares for, and is a loving father to his children.
The ending may deviate from history, but then maybe not.....

From a Gothic point of view, the setting is one of isolation, a community living under strict and oppressive religious rules, in fear of attacks by the natives as well as the devil. Rot and decay had begun to set in to their 'promised land'. There is hysteria and terror, religious fervor, superstition and unnatural happenings. Women are seen as weaker vessels, that the devil can use, which seems an excuse for misogyny. On top of this, Thomas Putnam has a dark family secret.

Gothic rating:

isolated setting:                           ðŸ•±
brooding atmosphere:                 ðŸ•±
mental illness:                             ðŸ•±
religious reference:                     ðŸ•±
supernatural element:                 ðŸ•±
murder:                                      🕱
family secret:                             ðŸ•±
genius/madness:
doomed love:                            🕱

The Putnams of Salem has a Gothic rating of   ðŸ•±ðŸ•±ðŸ•±ðŸ•±ðŸ•±ðŸ•±ðŸ•±ðŸ•±

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