A Break with Charity

A Story about the Salem Witch Trials

By: Ann Rinaldi

Narrated by: Laura Hicks

Susanna desperately wants to join the circle of girls who meet every week at the parsonage. What she doesn’t realize is that the leader of the group, the malicious Ann Putnam, is about to set off a torrent of false accusations leading to the imprisonment and execution of countless innocent people. When Susanna puts the pieces together, she faces a painful choice. She can keep quiet and let the witch-hunt panic continue, or she can “break charity” with the group—and risk having her family named as witches.

©2013 Ann Rinaldi (P)2013 AudioGO

Critic reviews

"Rich with details…A Break with Charity portrays an excruciating era in American history from a unique perspective, and it will be enjoyed by readers who enjoy psychology, the supernatural, and history." ( School Library Journal)

"Rinaldi’s research is flawless and her period familiarity striking, but her strongest power is as a storyteller." ( Children’s Literature)

"A graceful blend of fiction and history.... The artful placement of Susannah as an observer provides a 360-degree view of the causes and effects of inexplicable mass persecution. At the same time, the author’s quiet, factual style stands in a soothing contrast to her inherently shocking and histrionic subject matter. Finely tuned, well researched, and very accessible, this novel ranks with Rinaldi’s finest work." ( Publishers Weekly)

Interesting Historical Fiction

Picked up this audio version of a book by an author I had previously read. I like historical fiction and while this book was written for a younger audience, I found it fascinating. I regularly googled elements of the story to find that much of it is historically accurate while woven into a fiction story. Very interesting. Probably not for everyone, but I enjoyed It and am now looking for another book by this author.

Good story, narrator okay

So the narrator almost steered me away from this book. She seems a bit robotic throughout the first few chapters. However, once the story gets rolling her voice takes on a bit more life.

Perfect history book for young readers

This was a very well written story in which the author definitely did her homework and knew her facts. It definitely is written for younger folks but I still liked it. The narrator was over dramatic!!

A very worthwhile read!

So interesting to be reading this book, about dissent and division within a community that turned highly political, during Covid times. Although written in the 90s, it’s striking how little has changed between the 1700s, the late 1900s, and 2021! It’s really fascinating, as we question what freedom means in America (think masks and vaccines) to read about The people of Salem questioning what freedom and American values were supposed to look like back then. Aside from all that though, this is just such a well written, engaging story. I had to read the crucible by Arthur Miller as a student, and I wish that I had had access to this book 2, so historical and yet so much fun and so approachable. I’m sure you will find it hard, as I did, to tear yourself away!

Fact or fiction

Guess I was looking for a more factual account instead if all the inventing skillfully done by the author. Not one of my favorites, but it did hold my attention.