INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY A unique Salem 1692 witchcraft story Tituba, the first woman accused of witchcraft in colonial Salem Enslaved Tituba has been faithful to a promise to her mama. When Tituba's only son dies trying to escape slavery, her life changes forever. The villagers see witches and demons sent by the Devil everywhere but they are wrong. It is Tituba-conjuring spectral images that spark the infamous witch hunts of 1692. As neighbors accuse neighbors of witchcraft, hysterical trials follow, Tituba gloats in her power. But when hangings begin, her conscience arises. Can she confront her secret crime? Readers will find action and emotion throughout this dynamic and engaging read. T he innovative take on Tituba's story and the attempt to give her a more thorough backstory is admirable; this retelling will likely appeal to many readers. BookLife Prize The most recent book about Tituba, one of the key participants in the Salem witch trials, is Dave Tamanini's historical fiction work, Tituba, The Intentional Witch of Salem. This beautifully-written book re-imagines Tituba's life, portraying this important figure of American history as a slave woman who can do magic, with a motive to exact revenge after the loss of her child. The Salem Witch Museum, Salem, MA WINNER in Historical Fiction - Event/Era at the 2020 International AAHGS Book Awards ® (IABA) Program (Afro American Historical and Genealogical Society). HONORED - A 2020 Notable 100 Book in the Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition. One of my goals in writing Tituba, was to tell an entertaining story about a woman lost to history. She was an enslaved woman and the first person accused of witchcraft in 1692. But unlike most of the others present during the witch hunts she has no known descendants to honor her. As I was writing her fictionalized story, Tituba's humanity demanded to be heard. As a woman of color, she was fully human, though likely considered less so then (and in some circles, also today) I considered it a pleasure and a privilege to tell this story. I hope you enjoy it. A Promise and a Hope Enslaved Tituba has been faithful to a promise to her dying mama in Africa. She has appeased the masters from Barbados to Boston to Salem and waited for her magic. A Mother's Agony When Tituba's only son dies trying to escape slavery, her life changes forever. After enduring the crush only a mother can feel, she rages and turns to vengeance. Witches Tear into Salem The villagers see witches and demons everywhere. Their ministers say the Devil has sent them to steal souls. But they are wrong. It is Tituba--disobeying an ancient rule--conjuring terrifying images with magic that sparks the infamous witch hunts of 1692. A Woman's Dilemma As neighbors accuse neighbors of witchcraft, hysterical trials follow. And Tituba gloats in her power. But when hangings begin, her conscience arises. Can she confront her secret crime? And when a chance for redemption presents itself, will she take it? Born in the northeastern coal region of Pennsylvania, Dave lived in lots of places while growing up in a U.S. military family. After college, he landed a job as a civil rights investigator of race and gender discrimination. That work in the legal field led him to the University of Detroit Law School and then private law practice for thirty years. During his work as a lawyer, he helped clients from all walks of life and learned about human strength, frailty... and hypocrisy. Now, Dave writes fiction in Harrisburg, PA while cherishing family and staying in touch with old friends and new. You can follow Dave by signing up for his not too frequent newsletter at davetamaniniauthor.com