Woodcrest | Reviews | Book | The Caged Graves

THE CAGED GRAVES // MORGAN TEMPLE

Although not an insanely popular novel, The Caged Graves by Dianne Salerni leaves readers reeling until the last page. Set in 1867, the story follows the life of Verity Boone, a seventeen-year-old girl traveling to her hometown for the first time in fifteen years after being sent away when she was only a baby to live with her aunt in Massachusetts. On the verge of a new life, Verity unearths the mysterious circumstances under which she was sent away. Verity is engaged in an ever-growing love triangle. Also, she is trying to discover the truth behind the rumors of why both her mother’s and aunt’s graves, which are located outside the town's cemetery, are adorned with large cages. She must decide if the truth lies within the legend that treasure is buried where they lay or if the townspeople were trying to keep the women from escaping.

While this seems like a very compelling fictional tale to many, it just so happens that the basis of the story is true. In Catawissa, Pennsylvania, where they are located, the mysterious graves belong to Sarah Ann Boone and Asenath Thomas, sisters-in-law who died within days of each other in 1852. Although the true reason for the deaths remain unknown, many believe that they both died from causes related to childbirth. Also referred to as "The Hooded Graves", many have set out to find the true reason for the enclosed graves, but only some have found viable answers. Many believe that the iron structures were just a decorative choice made by the family of the deceased, while others believe they were in place to keep the spirits of the dead from escaping into our world. The most likely explanation is that they are mortsafes, used back in the 1800s to keep the bodies of dead relatives safe from anatomy instructors who would dig up fresh bodies to use for their work. Although mortsafes were most commonly found in Great Britain, using them for similar reasons in America would not be out of the question. While this seems to be the most realistic explanation, the true reasons for the caged graves will likely remain unsolved.

This novel is even more intriguing because it was written by a local author and involves a local mystery. While this is a fictional tale, Dianne Salerni based this story around the mysterious caged graves. Born in Delaware and now a resident of Delaware County, PA, Salerni was inspired to create her own truth as to why these cages were placed over the graves. Salerni is a retired elementary school teacher who has used her newfound free time to write historical young adult novels as well as children’s books. For local audiences, the regional root of this story makes it even more compelling.

While this book was intended for a younger audience, the thick plot and interesting mystery can suit a reader of any age. This novel has something for everyone: mystery, suspense, romance, treasure, and history. Even though it has not seen the success that books like The Hunger Games or The Girl on the Train have received, it’s an easy read for someone who wants to embark on a puzzling and historical tale.