Tituba, Reluctant Witch of Salem Village

I've been fascinated by the Salem witchcraft trials for decades. It's one of the few widely recognized events of American history in which girls and young women were pivotal actors. It's also one of the few places in early American history where we can hear the voices of girls and women, in their accusations, depositions, confessions, wills and apologies. When I was the age of the afflicted girls, I read with fascination about the mysterious and destructive behavior exhibited by girls who were my age 300 years ago. The primary source documents gave me a vivid sample of their speech and thoughts, while still leaving me with the major question of WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?

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