Scan barcode
haley313's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I initially wanted to give this book a four. I love historical fiction and I was excited to learn that this is based on a true story. I know nothing about Norwegian/Scandinavian history so this was an interesting read from that perspective. I did find the story to be compelling and I really loved Kirsten, Maren, and Ursa. I honestly loved Diina as well. This is a story about the strength and defiance of women, and the corrupting influence of religion and groupthink. That being said, it was so unrelentingly and desperately sad that I came away from it feeling uneasy. It was not what I would describe as an “enjoyable” read, content-wise at least. I did enjoy the writing and the imagery. I would have appreciated more of a slow intro about life and culture before the storm. I enjoyed the romance between Ursa and Maren but it felt....shoehorned in? It was also so satisfying to read of Absalom’s death. Overall not a bad read but not something I’d return to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Misogyny
Moderate: Physical abuse and Rape
Minor: Miscarriage and Sexual content
nervousbreakthrough's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Rape, Racism, and Physical abuse
rosalind's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Violence and Grief
Minor: Physical abuse and Miscarriage
hettyreads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Animal death, Alcoholism, Blood, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Grief, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Rape, Religious bigotry, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Torture
vickytx's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse and Misogyny
Minor: Sexual violence, Torture, and Violence
More...