Looking for the perfect read for the Halloween season? Look no further than A Mirror for Witches by Esther Louise Forbes (1891 – 1967), the acclaimed author of historical fiction Johnny Tremain (1943.)
Writing the book in 1928, Forbes offers a distinctly different perspective of the witch hunts of 17th century New England. Written decades before 1953 play The Crucible by Arthur Miller, the book purports to be an authentic seventeenth century chronicle of a witch's life, based on contemporary sources.
The opening advertisement claims the book reflects “the Life, Machinations, and Death of Famous DOLL BILBY, who, with a more than feminine perversity, preferred a Demon to a Mortal Lover. Here is also told how and why a Righteous and Most Awfull JUDGEMENT befell her, destroying both Corporeal Body and Immortal Soul.”
After her parents are executed as witches, Doll Bilby is adopted by an English merchant sea captain and leaves England to join a Puritan colony in New England. As Doll grows into a beautiful woman, her wild ways set her against the rigid religious community. Doll struggles with her identity and the societal pressures that label her as a witch, raising questions about whether she truly possesses supernatural powers or is simply a victim of hysteria. The novel explores Doll's life and the accusations against her, delving in to themes of superstition, fear, and the impact of witch hunts on individuals and communities.
The novel is recognized for its thought-provoking narrative that allows for multiple interpretations of Doll Bilby's experiences, whether viewed through psychological, demonic, or sexual lenses. The book is also rich in historical detail and profound in the themes of superstition, fear, and identity.
For example, the novel's depiction of mass hysteria during the witch trials mirrors modern instances of fear-mongering and scapegoating. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked fear and the importance of reason.
The book also explores the role of women in society and how accusations of witchcraft were often used to control and suppress women. This remains relevant in ongoing conversations about gender equality and the misuse of power.
The book has also been adapted for the stage, including as a ballet by Denis ApIvor (1952) and as an opera, Bilby's Doll by Carlisle Floyd (1976).
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