Thomas W. Gilbert

In an exploration of the early game, Gilbert focuses on the Amateur Era, roughly 1850 - 1870, and identifies three key elements in its growth: ambition, gambling, and spectators. The railroad was also important, but no moreso than other transportation advances, like the New York canals. First, ambition. The men who played the New York game were young professionals, many of them doctors, who sought to establish a national sport as means of advancing physical fitness. Their games, unexpectedly, drew an audience willing to wager, which brought attention from others, eventually leading to enclosed grounds, paid admissions, and paid players. It was no accident, then, and no surprise that baseball succeeded where boxing and horse racing, both more spectator than participatory activities, had failed to take hold.… (more)

Received via NetGalley for review.

Graphic novels and comics are probably the most subjective to review, since not only is there the plot and the characterization to judge, but the art as well. And, unfortunately, the art didn't do it for me here. The characters were too caricatured (which works for the Reverend and the townspeople - their inner ugliness spills out to their appearance, that's fine, but doesn't really work for the sympathetic characters). The scenes of the woods were beautiful, but that's about all I enjoyed.

Gilbert did a fantastic job portraying the terror and shame Abigail went through when she went to Little Mother's house and became a women, as well as how quickly and easily the townspeople turned towards paranoia and misdirected anger when things started going badly, which is easily the strongest part of the story. It's clearly well researched and vivid, and does an excellent job getting the message across.

The whole angle with the Native Americans is interesting. I'm not sure if that's entirely historical or not (I've never heard of their involvement in the Salem Witch trials, but given the time period and the location of the town it makes sense that they'd be there), and I think the romance between Abigail and Mxweh was unnecessary (can't a woman long for freedom without a man involved?).

I'm thankful for the opportunity to review this graphic novel, but won't be seeking out the second part.… (more)

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The Daughters of Salem is a first part in a retelling of the events that let up to the witch trials in Salem and focuses on the misogynistic atmosphere that was around in the puritan times. While this initially sounded like an interesting take on a well known story, it fell a bit flat for me.

The struggles of the women come across, but all of them seem overly done and I didn't care for any of the characters really. There was a part one easily might consider racist. The art was very modest, which fit the puritan themes but was not really my cup of tea either. I don't think I will be continuing this series, especially since I already know where it is heading.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!… (more)