In Salem Falls, by acclaimed author Jodi Picoult, the destructive nature of prejudice and judgment is brought to light through a brilliantly crafted story. Like many of her other novels, Picoult has created beautiful and realistic characters interwoven in an intriguing story.

A modern-day witch hunt is set into motion when a former prison convict is released from jail and settles in a small New Hampshire town in hopes of starting fresh. He tries to keep the actions of his past hidden, believing he has already atoned for his sins. When a similar incident occurs in the town, the townspeople instantly begin pointing fingers and making accusations.

The plot is reminiscent of the classical play The Crucible, by Arthur Miller. In both stories, innocent people are condemned because of baseless claims. It reminds the reader to be wary of prejudice, and to question the validity of rumors.

Picoult does broach some sensitive subjects such as rape and witchcraft, which may make some readers uncomfortable. Also, at times the plot seems overused, to the point of being cliche. The romance arc especially takes on a very movie-esque feel and at times appears to be taken directly from a mainstream romance film.

Nevertheless, the book was an enjoyable read, perfect for reading over a weekend. While this is definitely not Picoult’s best novel, it’s still worth reading. The story has also been made into a television movie in 2011.