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pinkyoshi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Misogyny, Suicide, Grief, Pregnancy, Mental illness, Confinement, Child death, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Child abuse, Miscarriage, Death, Vomit, Sexism, Self harm, Physical abuse, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Cursing, and Animal death
heather_freshparchment's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Miscarriage, Fire/Fire injury, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Grief, Gaslighting, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Child abuse, Murder, Vomit, and Self harm
sheryl_macca's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The story is a dark, gothic, disturbing tale of magic versus madness. Disturbing is definitely the word here as opposed to scary, frightening or spooky. The Silent Companions are a marvelous, artistic curiosity brought to the stately home of the Bainbridge's in 1635 in preparation for their Royal visitors. The strangeness of the companions is their main appeal and they are loved by the family and the servants alike but especially by the mute daughter, Hetta. After a series of tragic deaths the companions are relegated to storage in the now deserted lavish home.
We jump between 1635 and 1865 throughout the book. In 1865 the latest Mrs Bainbridge has arrived at the family home to reinstate the household and establish a staff of loyal servants. Here the companions take on a sinister sentience that Mrs Bainbridge is convinced of but those around her believe that she is in fact insane. Mrs Bainbridge has to learns who to trust as she discovers the true nature of the family and staff around her and those who have gone before her.
Finally, in the third time period of the book we are in an asylum with a Mrs Bainbridge but we don't know initially which one or when we are. All becomes clear as the book continues.
I thoroughly enjoyed the many levels of this book: the sinister mystery, the historical elements of different time periods and the commentary on women's health, emotions and position in society. I also really enjoyed the unusual material for a supernatural/magical element in wood. I don't think I've ever read a book regarding an evil made of wood that isn't an actual tree.
For me though, I wanted more character development especially of Hetta and Jolyon. I also have a pet hate of character names that I have Google to know how to pronounce! I also felt that the last chapter was a bit rushed. I understood and liked the increase in pace to build the tension to a climax but there was a lack of content, of weight and power in the coming together of the characters.
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Death, Gore, Grief, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicide, Torture, Violence, and Vomit
Moderate: Infertility, Medical trauma, and Suicidal thoughts