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jackelz's review
2.0
This wasn't what I expected, and honestly I didn't really like it. The writing was very simple, the art was very graphic, and the story line was dull. I don't really see how this could be considered "feminist", but it does show a little how women were/are portrayed, but not with much depth on either side of the story.
bookishfrogc42b6's review
3.0
Stories about Salem are often romanticised, they are full of witches, spells and devil worshippers. This graphic novel shows the truth, the people behind the legend, a young woman caught in the madness of her time, crushed by superstition. It shows how fear and ignorance are a dangerous mix and how it leads to hurting the most vulnerable or non conformists. The Letter to the reader, from the author, was a lovely touch. *Book provided by editor through Netgalley, all opinions are my own*
smore's review
3.0
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Gilbert's stylized artwork and muted colours create a strong setting and sense of place. There are a lot of references to true events, but the story diverges from history in many key places. As can be expected with the subject matter, the Daughters of Salem is gory and brutal at times, with graphic depictions of violence that could make it a difficult for some readers (this one included). The lettering and dialogue is a little jarring, but the beautiful illustrations evoke a powerful sense of dread and convey the story well.
Gilbert's stylized artwork and muted colours create a strong setting and sense of place. There are a lot of references to true events, but the story diverges from history in many key places. As can be expected with the subject matter, the Daughters of Salem is gory and brutal at times, with graphic depictions of violence that could make it a difficult for some readers (this one included). The lettering and dialogue is a little jarring, but the beautiful illustrations evoke a powerful sense of dread and convey the story well.
spiringempress's review
4.0
Brutally honest, I would actually rate this particular graphic novel three and half stars but the system does not allow for that type of rating so I'll round up. Abigail Hobbs has grown up in Salem but things are changing. Her childhood friend, Peter, gives her a wooden donkey as a gift and this sets off a chain reaction. When she comes home, her stepmother confronts Abigail and forces her to see Little Mother, who proclaims that she has become a woman and must change her ways. She can no longer look at men, must wear a wimple to cover her hair and her childhood is now in the past.
However the day this happens, Abigail meets an Indian man in the woods, which is her safe haven away from the hustle and bustle of her own village. As she becomes more isolated in her town, Abigail turns to the woods and her friends to escape. Eventually, this causes the villagers to turn violent and to burn down the tavern and anything evil. My only complaint about the graphic novel is I wish the budding romance and friendship between Abigail and Mxwel had been featured more prominently and I'm hoping that the next volume will focus on this.
However the day this happens, Abigail meets an Indian man in the woods, which is her safe haven away from the hustle and bustle of her own village. As she becomes more isolated in her town, Abigail turns to the woods and her friends to escape. Eventually, this causes the villagers to turn violent and to burn down the tavern and anything evil. My only complaint about the graphic novel is I wish the budding romance and friendship between Abigail and Mxwel had been featured more prominently and I'm hoping that the next volume will focus on this.
booksatlunch's review
3.0
This book was just ok. I understand that it was not supposed to be a telling of the Salem Witch Trials, but I'm not sold on the reimagining presented in this book. The writing was simplistic and the art was graphic which lends to some confusion about what the target age range for this group is. It was a fine thing to read, but I'm not compelled to pick up volume 2.
Thanks to Netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
swamphag's review
3.0
The art style and colors really fit the overall mood and narrative of the story. The colors ebb from dark to light based on the mood of what is happening in the story and it really helped push the narrative forward.
Although this story is based on historical facts, it is really a retelling of the Salem story through a modern lens and I really enjoyed how the author focused on what drove the actions of the men of the village: xenophobia, sexism, religion. This was done well without making it too obvious or obnoxious.
Overall I'm torn on whether or not I really liked this story so far. There was a lot of not so great things you would expect given the historical context and such, but since this is only the first part I can't judge if the violence and darkness of the first part of the story lends itself to pushing a larger narrative forward in the other parts. If it does I would bump my rating up to a solid four-star rating.
Warnings: violence and gore.
Received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Although this story is based on historical facts, it is really a retelling of the Salem story through a modern lens and I really enjoyed how the author focused on what drove the actions of the men of the village: xenophobia, sexism, religion. This was done well without making it too obvious or obnoxious.
Overall I'm torn on whether or not I really liked this story so far. There was a lot of not so great things you would expect given the historical context and such, but since this is only the first part I can't judge if the violence and darkness of the first part of the story lends itself to pushing a larger narrative forward in the other parts. If it does I would bump my rating up to a solid four-star rating.
Warnings: violence and gore.
Received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
caitisbooked's review
3.0
Wow okay. That wasn't great, but wasn't completely terrible, but it definitely wasn't what I expected. At all.
I will say from the beginning, this is a re-imagining of the Salem witch trials, which I do not know a great deal about so I did do some quick research to see if there was anything that I didn't know before starting this.
I found this graphic novel not to be feminist, but I found it to be more oppressive towards women in the setting, without adding anything worthy within the topics it addresses. I understand that one of the topics it wanted to address was the xenophobia of the time, but I did personally feel it was borderline racist to the native Indian community within the novel.
This graphic novel confused me a lot. I'm still not sure what audience this book is aimed at. The writing was geared towards a young adult audience, with simplistic writing, which makes sense learning about the main character Abigail. The novel is written from the point of view of Abigail, a 14 year old. However, the writing did not match the illustrations for me or add anything to the written story either. The images were quite graphic, and I did find them somewhat gruesome and horrific at certain points. In saying this, I did enjoy the illustrations early on for the first 2 chapters.
Thank you very much to Europe Comics for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I will say from the beginning, this is a re-imagining of the Salem witch trials, which I do not know a great deal about so I did do some quick research to see if there was anything that I didn't know before starting this.
I found this graphic novel not to be feminist, but I found it to be more oppressive towards women in the setting, without adding anything worthy within the topics it addresses. I understand that one of the topics it wanted to address was the xenophobia of the time, but I did personally feel it was borderline racist to the native Indian community within the novel.
This graphic novel confused me a lot. I'm still not sure what audience this book is aimed at. The writing was geared towards a young adult audience, with simplistic writing, which makes sense learning about the main character Abigail. The novel is written from the point of view of Abigail, a 14 year old. However, the writing did not match the illustrations for me or add anything to the written story either. The images were quite graphic, and I did find them somewhat gruesome and horrific at certain points. In saying this, I did enjoy the illustrations early on for the first 2 chapters.
Thank you very much to Europe Comics for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
ruthsic's review
3.0
Warnings: gore, violence (including blunt trauma), murder, animal cruelty
A retelling of the Salem witch trials, the story begins from the point of view of a young girl, Abigail, who proclaims that it all began with a simple gift that she had taken. The fact that this particular statement doesn't come around full circle to complete the arc makes the story feel like it is incomplete. Still, the story evokes themes of misogyny, rigid puritanism, xenophobia and hints at how , what was a peaceful seeming town to Abigail became a hell to live in.
The simple choice of having a young teen girl as its protagonist means you get to see her eyes open to the harsh realities of living in a world where she is seen as a thing, where her freedoms are curtailed, where her actions are viewed as an invitation to scorn or lust, depending on the onlooker, and her finding that the lies told by her village's fiery pastor are much more than just impassioned speeches. The atmosphere of hate, fear and distrust that permeates after her being recognized as of age by the other woman of the town, as well as the betrayal she feels by them, are juxtaposed against the freedom and joy she feels when she meets a Native American boy, who meets her on the nearby forest trails along with her friend.
The story also doesn't shy away from displaying the cruelty of these so called 'civilized men of god', though it could have done with some reserve - there are multiple scenes of brutal killings, one animal and two human - as it does feel superfluous. Additionally, the story as a whole only feels like it has begun, without providing resolution for even one thing in this first volume. Obviously, there is more to come, but this one spends too much time setting up the characters, and driving home some points to feel like a complete book. The artwork is okay, having some well-drawn scenes and a loose style that fits the simplicity of the lifestyle.
Overall, though, it doesn't feel like a complete story arc.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review from Europe Comics, via Edelweiss.
A retelling of the Salem witch trials, the story begins from the point of view of a young girl, Abigail, who proclaims that it all began with a simple gift that she had taken. The fact that this particular statement doesn't come around full circle to complete the arc makes the story feel like it is incomplete. Still, the story evokes themes of misogyny, rigid puritanism, xenophobia and hints at how , what was a peaceful seeming town to Abigail became a hell to live in.
The simple choice of having a young teen girl as its protagonist means you get to see her eyes open to the harsh realities of living in a world where she is seen as a thing, where her freedoms are curtailed, where her actions are viewed as an invitation to scorn or lust, depending on the onlooker, and her finding that the lies told by her village's fiery pastor are much more than just impassioned speeches. The atmosphere of hate, fear and distrust that permeates after her being recognized as of age by the other woman of the town, as well as the betrayal she feels by them, are juxtaposed against the freedom and joy she feels when she meets a Native American boy, who meets her on the nearby forest trails along with her friend.
The story also doesn't shy away from displaying the cruelty of these so called 'civilized men of god', though it could have done with some reserve - there are multiple scenes of brutal killings, one animal and two human - as it does feel superfluous. Additionally, the story as a whole only feels like it has begun, without providing resolution for even one thing in this first volume. Obviously, there is more to come, but this one spends too much time setting up the characters, and driving home some points to feel like a complete book. The artwork is okay, having some well-drawn scenes and a loose style that fits the simplicity of the lifestyle.
Overall, though, it doesn't feel like a complete story arc.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review from Europe Comics, via Edelweiss.
singerofstories's review
3.0
The Daughters of Salem was a uniquely interesting graphic novel to read. I have never picked up a historical fiction GN before--never really realized that it was a genre, to be honest--but it was neat! The novel combines fiction and fact about main character Abigail Hobbes. Her once safe and amorous hometown becomes a place of prejudice and fear towards nearly everything--sexuality, filth, religion, outsiders (especially Native Americans). These scenes are violent at times and difficult to read and wrap your mind around because of their nature, but history just is that way sometimes.
The story itself, I felt, is a little sporadic because in the beginning it really is about Abigail and her setting up the story and in the town. She is a girl and a local boy gives her a small, hand-carved gift. To the women of Salem, this means entering womanhood. After this sequence, her eyes are opened to the hysteria of the adults. The world is broadened and this is where I feel the story line is broadened and Abigail is no longer the consistent story teller. I still liked the uniqueness of the novel and the time period, but it did feel too broad to me. It felt like it left off too suddenly, but I will keep an eye out for the next installment. I am eager to see where the series goes.
The story itself, I felt, is a little sporadic because in the beginning it really is about Abigail and her setting up the story and in the town. She is a girl and a local boy gives her a small, hand-carved gift. To the women of Salem, this means entering womanhood. After this sequence, her eyes are opened to the hysteria of the adults. The world is broadened and this is where I feel the story line is broadened and Abigail is no longer the consistent story teller. I still liked the uniqueness of the novel and the time period, but it did feel too broad to me. It felt like it left off too suddenly, but I will keep an eye out for the next installment. I am eager to see where the series goes.
alfie_and_books's review
3.0
**Originally published on my blo at https://elfcouncillorreads.blogspot.com/2019/01/book-review-daughter-of-salem-how-we.html**
The Daughters of Salem (aptly subtitled "How We Sent Our Children to Their Deaths") is a fictionalised reimagining of the Salem Witch trials in 1690s Massachusetts. The main character, Abigail Hobbs comes of age and rejects a local boys proposal which starts off a chain of events that leads Salem into a state of hysteria. Neighbour turns on neighbour, friend turns on friend, all leading up to Salem's darkest time.
I'll read anything that 1) has anything to do with witches or potential witches and 2) anything with mass panic and confusion (you know those end of the world films where everyone runs from tidal waves screaming etc. that's my jam). This seemed to encompass both of those and it has been a bloody long time since I last picked up a graphic novel, 2014 me would be ashamed, so here we are and here's what I thought:
This graphic novel explorers themes of religion, politics, womanhood, survival, fertility and more, a true exploration of real fears that the people of Salem (more so for women) would have experienced day to day. Shown through the beautiful, gory and graphic art work it really brought a sense of panic and the macabre to the story. There is also a small romantic subplot involving a Native American which really added to the whole experience even if it was a bit instalove, a fragment of hope through love in an otherwise morose time.
I enjoyed the theme of sisterhood that this book brought and it was definitely my favourite aspect. In face of all the atrocities and hysteria the story managed to bring together a group of young women who would stand by each other, a haven to escape the patriarchal control of their home. I'm not sure how this will hold up in later volumes when the hysteria reaches its peak but I have a strong belief that these women will stand by the sisterhood til the end.
While I did enjoy certain aspects of this graphic novel it was hard for me to wholly love. Firstly, the writing style was just a bit basic and I couldn't put my finger on who this was aimed at (but I'm guessing young adult?). The language and style of the characters speech was more juvenile than I would expect of a fourteen year old girl so I found it a bit simple, lacking and juxtaposed with the very adult illustrations. I have since however found out that this was actually a translation so it may not a true reflection of the author's original.
If I'm being picky, the story I found a bit dull, I was compelled enough to keep reading but when I wasn't reading it I wasn't thinking about it at all. The story would often jump from scene to scene changing the subject when in was just starting to enjoy where the current scene was going. I just needed a little more resolve throughout rather than just snippets.
I will read Part 2 when it surfaces in English as it was short and sweet and I really did enjoy parts that I hope will further explored in subsequent volumes.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Europe Comics for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review.**
The Daughters of Salem (aptly subtitled "How We Sent Our Children to Their Deaths") is a fictionalised reimagining of the Salem Witch trials in 1690s Massachusetts. The main character, Abigail Hobbs comes of age and rejects a local boys proposal which starts off a chain of events that leads Salem into a state of hysteria. Neighbour turns on neighbour, friend turns on friend, all leading up to Salem's darkest time.
I'll read anything that 1) has anything to do with witches or potential witches and 2) anything with mass panic and confusion (you know those end of the world films where everyone runs from tidal waves screaming etc. that's my jam). This seemed to encompass both of those and it has been a bloody long time since I last picked up a graphic novel, 2014 me would be ashamed, so here we are and here's what I thought:
This graphic novel explorers themes of religion, politics, womanhood, survival, fertility and more, a true exploration of real fears that the people of Salem (more so for women) would have experienced day to day. Shown through the beautiful, gory and graphic art work it really brought a sense of panic and the macabre to the story. There is also a small romantic subplot involving a Native American which really added to the whole experience even if it was a bit instalove, a fragment of hope through love in an otherwise morose time.
I enjoyed the theme of sisterhood that this book brought and it was definitely my favourite aspect. In face of all the atrocities and hysteria the story managed to bring together a group of young women who would stand by each other, a haven to escape the patriarchal control of their home. I'm not sure how this will hold up in later volumes when the hysteria reaches its peak but I have a strong belief that these women will stand by the sisterhood til the end.
While I did enjoy certain aspects of this graphic novel it was hard for me to wholly love. Firstly, the writing style was just a bit basic and I couldn't put my finger on who this was aimed at (but I'm guessing young adult?). The language and style of the characters speech was more juvenile than I would expect of a fourteen year old girl so I found it a bit simple, lacking and juxtaposed with the very adult illustrations. I have since however found out that this was actually a translation so it may not a true reflection of the author's original.
If I'm being picky, the story I found a bit dull, I was compelled enough to keep reading but when I wasn't reading it I wasn't thinking about it at all. The story would often jump from scene to scene changing the subject when in was just starting to enjoy where the current scene was going. I just needed a little more resolve throughout rather than just snippets.
I will read Part 2 when it surfaces in English as it was short and sweet and I really did enjoy parts that I hope will further explored in subsequent volumes.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Europe Comics for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review.**