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tomgenue's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
katypicken's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
andreahewitt's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
A great character-focused tale that is well-written. The story was gripping & kept my interest until the very end.
rose_moon's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
4.25
Really beautiful novel - quite sad, and very grim at times, but I really felt drawn in by the writing and the characters. The ending ripped my heart out, but it was actually a happier ending than I expected, so take from that what you will. I feel like the pacing was not quite right in places, in my opinion, but I still loved the book.
raccoon_liker's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
bbbb13's review against another edition
dark
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
sophiedianee's review against another edition
4.0
Not over this, but ughhh, I feel like it could have ended so differently…
etaylor1990's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bookish_olga's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
★ ★ ★ ★
“But now she knows she was foolish to believe that evil existed only out there. It was here, among them, walking on two legs, passing judgement with a human tongue.”
In the remote Norwegian island of Vardø, the year 1617 marked a devastating event that would change the lives of its inhabitants forever. A fierce storm, unparalleled in its ferocity, claimed the lives of the men in this small fishing community, leaving the women to fend for themselves amidst the harsh Arctic landscape. Eighteen months later, their newfound independence is threatened with the arrival of Absalom Cornet, a stern man tasked with bringing the women under his strict religious control. Unbeknownst to them, he is also a witch finder, determined to root out any perceived evil lurking in their midst.
At the heart of "The Mercies" are Maren, a resilient local woman who lost her father and brother in the storm, and Ursa, the refined wife of Absalom, trapped in a loveless marriage. Despite their disparate backgrounds, Maren and Ursa find solace in each other's company, forming a bond that defies societal expectations. However, the looming presence of Absalom casts a dark shadow over the village, instilling fear and suspicion among its inhabitants, including his own wife.
The beauty of "The Mercies" lies in its evocative prose, which mirrors the harshness of the environment and the struggles of its characters. The novel's exploration of themes such as love, resilience, and the insidious nature of suspicion is rendered with haunting precision. Based on real events, including the Vardø storm and the subsequent witch trials, "The Mercies" offers a chilling glimpse into a dark chapter of history while celebrating the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
“But now she knows she was foolish to believe that evil existed only out there. It was here, among them, walking on two legs, passing judgement with a human tongue.”
In the remote Norwegian island of Vardø, the year 1617 marked a devastating event that would change the lives of its inhabitants forever. A fierce storm, unparalleled in its ferocity, claimed the lives of the men in this small fishing community, leaving the women to fend for themselves amidst the harsh Arctic landscape. Eighteen months later, their newfound independence is threatened with the arrival of Absalom Cornet, a stern man tasked with bringing the women under his strict religious control. Unbeknownst to them, he is also a witch finder, determined to root out any perceived evil lurking in their midst.
At the heart of "The Mercies" are Maren, a resilient local woman who lost her father and brother in the storm, and Ursa, the refined wife of Absalom, trapped in a loveless marriage. Despite their disparate backgrounds, Maren and Ursa find solace in each other's company, forming a bond that defies societal expectations. However, the looming presence of Absalom casts a dark shadow over the village, instilling fear and suspicion among its inhabitants, including his own wife.
The beauty of "The Mercies" lies in its evocative prose, which mirrors the harshness of the environment and the struggles of its characters. The novel's exploration of themes such as love, resilience, and the insidious nature of suspicion is rendered with haunting precision. Based on real events, including the Vardø storm and the subsequent witch trials, "The Mercies" offers a chilling glimpse into a dark chapter of history while celebrating the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
literati2000's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.75
truly a boring read that took me forever to finish. i was definitely misled as to what this book is really about, i.e. don’t read this if you want a cute little lesbian period piece. read this if you want a book on how dirty the 1600s are, witches, torture and murder, and two women who don’t meet until 32% of the way through and don’t kiss until the last 10%. overall a disappointing read
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape