A Novel
“An excellent novel. A lovely and moving portrait of society’s outcasts…affirms the essential humanity of its poor and stubborn residents, for whom each day of survival is a victory” (The New York Times Book Review). Set on the high ground at the heart of Cape Ann, the village of Dogtown is peopled by widows, orphans, spinsters, scoundrels, whores, free Africans, and “witches.” Among the inhabitants of this hamlet are Black Ruth, who dresses as a man and works as a stonemason; Mrs. Stanley, an imperious madam whose grandson, Sammy, comes of age in her brothel; Oliver Younger, who survives a miserable childhood at the hands of his aunt; and Cornelius Finson, a freed slave. At the center of it all is Judy Rhines, a fiercely independent soul, deeply lonely, who nonetheless builds a life for herself against all imaginable odds. Rendered in stunning, haunting detail, with Anita Diamant’s keen ear for language and profound compassion for her characters, The Last Days of Dogtown is an extraordinary retelling of a long-forgotten chapter of early American life.
“Same pap, different mamas,” Sally fibbed so easily that Molly suddenly
wondered if “Phipps” was also a lie. “Huh,” she said, pegging them as strumpets
from the state of their shoes and the color of their skirts. “Well, you two sure as
hell ain't coming in my place. Get yourself down to the harbor or up to Dogtown
where you belong. And by the by,” she said to Molly, “your 'sister' don't look so
good.” Sally's face was pale green. “My down-belows are in a twist,” she said,
and doubled over.
