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246
Novel • Fiction
Salem, Massachusetts • 1690s
1992
Adult
18+ years
I, Tituba: Black Witch of Salem by Maryse Condé recounts the harrowing journey of Tituba, beginning with her traumatic birth on a slave ship and witnessing her mother's execution in Barbados. After mastering spiritual and herbal healing under Mama Yaya’s guidance, Tituba falls in love with John Indian. They are sold to Reverend Samuel Parris and taken to Salem, where Tituba's healing abilities lead to accusations of witchcraft. Imprisoned, she meets Hester Prynne, and later, upon release, returns to Barbados and becomes entangled in a slave rebellion, ultimately facing execution. Tituba's spirit persists, narrating continued struggles against oppression. The narrative involves graphic depictions of violence and sexual assault.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Dark
Emotional
Contemplative
12,112 ratings
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Maryse Condé's I, Tituba: Black Witch of Salem offers a poignant retelling of the Salem witch trials through the eyes of an enslaved woman. Critics commend Condé’s vivid prose and portrayal of racial and gender injustices. Some argue the narrative occasionally lacks historical accuracy and coherence, but overall it is hailed for its powerful, imaginative storytelling.
A reader who enjoys exploring themes of racial injustice, feminist perspectives, and historical fiction would be captivated by Maryse Condé's I, Tituba: Black Witch of Salem. Fans of Toni Morrison's Beloved or Alice Walker's The Color Purple will appreciate Condé's rich storytelling and complex characters.
12,112 ratings
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Abena
Tituba's mother who plays a formative role in understanding Tituba's beginnings, her life marked by significant trauma and forming part of the trio of guiding spirits.
Yao
Tituba's adopted father, providing a substantial source of love and guidance for her throughout the book, and also part of the trio of spirits influencing her.
Mama Yaya
Tituba's spiritual mentor and guide, who shapes her understanding of witchcraft and forms part of the spiritual trio that leads her throughout life.
John Indian
A charming figure who significantly influences Tituba's choices with his charisma, ultimately illustrating themes of possession and subjugation in relationships.
Susanna Endicott
A character who briefly enters Tituba's life, leaving a lasting impact through her ominous threat and Tituba’s struggle with the morality of using her powers for harm.
Samuel Parris
A devout Puritan minister associated with the Salem witch trials, representing the oppressive and hypocritical nature of Puritan society.
Elizabeth Parris
The wife of Samuel Parris, sharing a connection with Tituba through their mutual suffering and highlighting shared themes of victimization.
Betsey Parris and Abigail Williams
Young girls who trigger the witch trial hysteria, their actions embodying the dangers of cultural indoctrination and narrow-mindedness.
Hester (Prynne)
A character who shares a cell with Tituba, serving as a confidante and representing themes of feminism and understanding of personal freedom.
Benjamin Cohen d’Azevedo
A Jewish merchant who becomes a caretaker and lover for Tituba, helping explore themes of prejudice and cross-cultural connections.
Christopher
Leader of a maroon community and a complex figure in Tituba's life, embodying the contrast between affection and betrayal.
Iphigene
Tituba's lover and symbolic son, representing love, freedom, and an embodiment of the life and desires Tituba treasures beyond societal constraints.
246
Novel • Fiction
Salem, Massachusetts • 1690s
1992
Adult
18+ years
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