Books I've read this week - The Peruke Maker

The Peruke Maker: The Salem Witch Hunt Curse © 2009 by Ruby Dominguez

This isn’t a novel; it’s a screenplay and the first I’ve read. (FYI, a peruke is a wig.)

About the book: Inspired by true events, The Peruke Maker is a well researched screenplay about the spiritual and emotional journeys of Bridget Cane, a stunning 17th century red haired beauty, and Sarah, a thoroughly 21st century woman. Their paths become inextricably bound across time and space as Thomas Cane's vengeful curse continues to threaten the virtuous during this relentless quest for an avenger of innocent blood.

Like the book's 21st century time traveler, Sarah, the author's readers are introduced to this earlier, frightening world by the startling image of Bridget Cane, scantily clad, frozen in fear, her own imminent death portended by the Banshee's bloodcurdling cries, set against the background of a witch hunt that has reached a feverish pitch in a society where the fear of sorcery and the devil is as real as God.

The story builds with heightened tension and conflict and fittingly ends in present day New York City when Sarah's journey ultimately comes full circle as Michael's love for her triumphs over the evil she must face in 17th century Salem. The suspense leading to her final redemption climaxes in a dramatic and magical act of rebirth that transcends the grave at the exact stroke of midnight on the Autumnal Equinox.

This book was interesting to read since it was in a screenplay format but it can't take the place of a good novel. It listed characters and scene locations and then gave the dialog for the scenes. I was amazed at how well it worked to tell the story as I used my imagination to fill it in. It begins in 17th century Salem with details of witch hunts and how the suspected witches are tortured and killed. Bridget Cane was one of those innocent victims and her father put a curse on her killers. Going forward to the present day, Sarah Cane (a descendant?) is caught up in the curse and only the love of a man can save her. Interesting book.

The Peruke Maker by Ruby Dominguez
ISBN: 978-1432738884
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Date of publish: March 26, 2009
Pages: 124
S.R.P.: $28.95