“The Peruke Maker” by Ruby Dominguez Book Review

The banality of evil which pervades 17th Century Salem, Massachusetts is captured by the screenwriter with penetrating insight as we follow one young woman’s deadly encounter with the forces of Good and Evil. This compelling journey is deftly played against a storyline that has
meaningful things to say about the inherent vulnerability of the human condition.

First Line:
Legend has it the the mythical BANSHEE’S ghoulish image with sunken nose, scraggy hair, fiery, glowing red eyes, looms over Gallows Hill and its deafening mournful weep resonates to presage the impending death of a dear family member.

Last Line:
Love and forgiveness triumphs beyond the grave, and a chance at love and life is bestowed upon Sarah at he stroke of midnight of the Autumnal Equinox.

Review:

I haven’t had a chance to read any scary books lately, even with Halloween so near.  So, I was happy to have the chance to read a book based on the history surrounding the Salem witches.  The first part of this book is centered around The Peruke Maker’s daughter, Bridget.  Bridget’s mother was tortured and executed because it was thought that she was a witch.  Due to neighbors witnessing her sexual escapades with her neighbors (even though it was consentual) she is also accused of being a witch, and using her witchcraft to entice them.  She never admits or denies these accusations, and much to the despair of her father, is tortured and executed.  They remove her beautiful red hair (along with some of her scalp) during one of their torture methods.  He decides to make a beautiful wig out of it, and he also creates a vengeful curse.

At this point we jump to modern times.  Sarah is in a horrible car accident that leaves her with some terrible scarring on her face and head.  She has lost all of her beautiful hair as well.  She is suffering from depression and doesn’t know how she will ever find happiness again.  And then she notices an ad in the paper for a wig.  But not just any wig, a wig that will cost her nothing and is also a beautiful shade of red.  When the wig arrives, it makes her gain back her confidence, but at what price?  The wig is the cursed wig of The Peruke Maker, and makes Sarah do things that are horrible. 

Overall I felt the story was well done but would like to see it written as a book instead of as a screenplay.  A nice little Halloween scare.

THE PERUKE MAKER – The Salem Witch Hunt Curse is a compelling and suspenseful story that focuses on the infamous Salem Witch Hunt Curse, an ancient and evil practice which is unearthed from necromancy and violates the course of natural events in a modern day world.

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 which transcends the grave at the exact stroke of midnight on the Autumnal Equinox.

This is a beautiful illustration which captures the very essence of what this story is all about: love and forgiveness.

An eerie sense crawls up my spine. But I ordered one anyway, and it came in a beautiful golden box, to my delight. Excitedly, I positioned the wig on my head and applied red lipstick on, while Mudd my pet dachshund curiously spies from under the bed. Appreciating my reflection in the mirror, I somehow lost track of time, have fallen into a deep slumber and dreamed…

The pale moon peeks at the seams of dark foreboding clouds. My long red hair flowing in the wind. Clad in a bloodstained sheer white lingerie, running barefoot after Mudd across the field. Mudd is running farther away, streaked with blood stains.

I ended before a big arch wooden door and knocked frantically, calling out for my father’s help. The door opens and I find Mudd next to him. Breathlessly I asked, “Father, what’s wrong with Mudd?” Mystifyingly I hear his mind speak, “It’s not blood, it’s ink.”