Salem Falls

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It's a hit!

When I sat down to read Salem Falls, I wasn't really sure what to expect because I hadn't read many of Ms. Picoult's other works up to that point. ... (show more)

When I sat down to read Salem Falls, I wasn't really sure what to expect because I hadn't read many of Ms. Picoult's other works up to that point. But, what I discovered once I started reading was an excellent new twist on Arthur Miller's famous play, The Crucible.

Now, I know this was the intention and that it's no big surprise that I recognized the parallel right away. But, what I also noticed was how unforced the connections seemed to be. There are so many times in modern novels where a classic work is used as a basis and the prose feels strained as a result. That was not the case with Salem Falls - At least it wasn't for me.

I felt myself really entering the world of Salem Falls. The situations that Jack St. Bride was faced with were completely heart-wrenching and I destroyed several fingernails while "waiting" for the final verdict to be read.

I will say that the "shocking plot twist" at the end of the story was really not all that shocking for me. I felt like I could see Ms. Picoult leading up to it throughout most of the story. But, I read a LOT so maybe I'm desensitized to "whodunit" moments at this point? Either way, I can't think of a single thing that really disappointed me about this book. (show less)

 

 

by Jaime Lee Cocca

No, it's a flop!

Quick read, you start and you definitely want to finish it. I think the "twist" at the end was pretty obvious from early on. I thought the Colleg... (show more)

Quick read, you start and you definitely want to finish it. I think the "twist" at the end was pretty obvious from early on. I thought the College scene from Jack's past seemed out of place with everything else - how could anyone not see this as wrong especially given his childhood and his relationship with Emma? I would found it hard to believe that the Jack we were supposed to believe in would ever do this and I found it unnecessarily jarring. There seemed to be too many traumatic elements weaved throughout it - we got the message without it constantly being hammered home. However it was a thought provoking book - I am just waiting for the made for T.V. movie (show less)

 

 

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  In this Picoult novel we meet Jack St Bride a man who was falsely convicted of rape against a minor. He spent time in prison for it and decided to move to a small town to get away from his past. Soon the towns people find out and are determined on making his life pure hell in an effort to oust him out of the town as he has been labelled a `sexual predator'. Soon a group of girls who consider themselves to be `Wiccan' become obsessed with Jack, and when they find out about his past criminal re... (show more)

  In this Picoult novel we meet Jack St Bride a man who was falsely convicted of rape against a minor. He spent time in prison for it and decided to move to a small town to get away from his past. Soon the towns people find out and are determined on making his life pure hell in an effort to oust him out of the town as he has been labelled a `sexual predator'. Soon a group of girls who consider themselves to be `Wiccan' become obsessed with Jack, and when they find out about his past criminal record the obsession turns unhealthy and one of the girls whose father is quite influential in town, accuses Jack of rape. Soon Jack is branded as having struck once again, and the only person Jack can rely on is Addie, who starts to have doubts herself.

  This tale takes you on many turns and twists that will definitely keep you captivated. (show less)

   

  by Crystal Valcin on Aug 07, 2009 at 04:41PM

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  Salem Falls is a modern-day rendition of the famous play "The Crucible" and follows the path of Jack St. Bride, a recently released prison inmate. Jailed due to the fantasies written in a teen girl's diary, Jack is determined to keep as far away from crush-prone teenagers as possible, but working as a dishwasher in the town's diner he's soon targeted as a challenge by the town's princess, Gillian Duncan.

  The daughter of a powerful pharmaceutical company owner and a practicing Wi... (show more)

  Salem Falls is a modern-day rendition of the famous play "The Crucible" and follows the path of Jack St. Bride, a recently released prison inmate. Jailed due to the fantasies written in a teen girl's diary, Jack is determined to keep as far away from crush-prone teenagers as possible, but working as a dishwasher in the town's diner he's soon targeted as a challenge by the town's princess, Gillian Duncan.

  The daughter of a powerful pharmaceutical company owner and a practicing Wiccan, Gilly is determined to ensnare Jack despite his firm rebuffs of her childish attempts at seduction. One night, after an argument with his new girlfriend, Jack decides to drown his sorrows at the local bar. Afterward, walking home he stumbles upon Gilly and her coven in various stages of undress celebrating Beltane in the town's cemetery but is too drunk to understand what he sees. Back home he's reconciled with Addie when the cops show up and arrest him for the alleged rape of Gillian Duncan.

  Addie is stunned and the town rallies behind Gillian. Following a hunch, Addie searches out Jack's first accuser and finds a sad fearful teenager zealously safeguarded by her rigidly controlling pastor father. Unable to convince her to return and give testimony, Addie returns to SF to support Jack through out the remainder of his trial.

  Another gripping and well-researched novel by Picoult, I highly recommend it. (show less)

   

   

  by Facebook User on Aug 03, 2009 at 01:59PM

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