43 pages 1 hour read

Ann Petry

Tituba of Salem Village

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1964

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Tituba of Salem Village by Ann Petry follows Tituba, a Caribbean slave of Reverend Samuel Parris, who becomes entangled in the Salem witch trials after reluctantly telling fortunes for a group of girls. The town descends into hysteria, leading to numerous accusations of witchcraft. Tituba is beaten into confessing and imprisoned until a kind neighbor secures her release, allowing her and her husband to find a new life. The narrative explores religious hypocrisy, intolerance, and the inhumanity of slavery.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Ann Petry's Tituba of Salem Village has received mixed reviews. Critics praise its rich historical context and compelling portrayal of Tituba, capturing her struggles and resilience. However, some find the prose overly simplistic, potentially limiting its depth for mature readers. Overall, it succeeds in bringing an important historical figure to life for a younger audience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Tituba of Salem Village?

A reader who enjoys Ann Petry's Tituba of Salem Village likely has an interest in historical fiction, particularly the Salem witch trials. Fans of Arthur Miller's The Crucible and Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter will appreciate its exploration of social injustice and complex characterization in a historical setting.

RecommendedReading Age

10-14years

Lexile Level

840L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Children's Literature

Themes

Society: Class

Identity: Race

Society: Community

Topics

History: U.S.

Education

History: World