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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexual violence
Minor: Violence
More of an historical courtroom drama than a thriller, the writing about the abusive marriage was very affecting, but the rest felt dry and tedious. I usually make my way through a thriller within a week to 10 days, but this took a month to read only through sheer force of will to finish it.
I was shocked to see so many bad reviews of this book! I thought it was an interesting mystery- less of a whodunnnit and more of a whydonnnut - and there’s even a side plot romance. I truly enjoyed the story and writing style. The book is very well researched. Many reviewers said they didn’t like the dialogue because it’s written using 17th century vernacular, but I thought that was helpful for keeping me in the universe! I will say this is a slow burn that picks up pace later in the story. The first 1/3 of the book is more world building, which I enjoyed! I would recommend if you’re interested in the actual witch trials of 17th century New England and not wanting real magic lol
I am a huge fan of Chris Bohjalian but for some reason, this story fell short for me. It is 1662 in Puritan Boston and Mary Deerfield is married to a cruel man who verbally and physically abuses her. At 24 years old, she has not been able to conceive a child, although her husband has a daughter Mary's age from his deceased first wife. A strong-willed young woman, Mary decides to divorce her husband for cruelty - which has been done on rare occasions in the New World.
Her decision to request a divorce from the town councilmen opens her up to scrutiny - her barrenness, her role in the death of her servant's brother, and mysterious "Devil's tines" that appear in her garden. As the story progress, Mary becomes more determined to leave her marriage and more susceptible to the gossip around her.
I found some of Mary's decisions and behavior unbelievable for the time, as well as the ending. Which is why I only gave it three stars.
Her decision to request a divorce from the town councilmen opens her up to scrutiny - her barrenness, her role in the death of her servant's brother, and mysterious "Devil's tines" that appear in her garden. As the story progress, Mary becomes more determined to leave her marriage and more susceptible to the gossip around her.
I found some of Mary's decisions and behavior unbelievable for the time, as well as the ending. Which is why I only gave it three stars.
A tense historical novel, though definitely not a thriller. The courtroom scenes were infuriating!!
Oh my goodness! I loved this!! I always love reading something new , since I don’t read a lot of books set in this time frame. I was so mad during this book, but the main character was so freaking strong! The way people in this book used religion to justify a lot of shitty behavior had my blood boiling. It seemed like everyone was really out to get Mary. Catherine, for example, irritated me so much and all for what? Because she was attracted to that ogre, Thomas? I hated Thomas so much. Anytime he hurt Mary, it literally made me physically hurt so much. And her trials, oh my goodness, my anxiety! She literally had proof of her mistreatment and her word still wasn’t enough. Like seriously, is it normal for people to get into accidents that frequently? But through all of this, we got a strong female character who was brave even till her pending death. I don’t condone murder, but that ending when she stabs Thomas is the one of the most satisfying thing I have ever read. Overall I loved this so much! I’m now on a journey to read more of Bohjalian’s work!
Boston 1662. A young woman is trapped in a marriage with an abusive husband and—shocker—is accused of witchcraft. Really brings out the feminine rage. (Also: a fork is called the devils tines?? What the hell?)
I picked this up after seeing it recommend on Sarah Jessica Parker’s IG feed. It was highly entertaining.
Meh. I think all things circling the general puritanical culture are bound to be the same story in different colors. This was similar. Parts of it were pretty interesting and I was definitely inclined to keep reading but I found myself mostly wanting for something deeper or more enticing. I thought Thomas Deerfield's actions would come into play a lot more than they did, even if he was a snake (see what I did Mary Deerfield?). I don't know, this was just okay. Decently satisfying ending. Did see the "twist" coming.
Overall, this contained the general theme of "women are less than men and their opinions and actions can be easily manipulated for a man's gain." Definitely some touches of feminism in here but done tastefully as to not feel too fictional.
Overall, this contained the general theme of "women are less than men and their opinions and actions can be easily manipulated for a man's gain." Definitely some touches of feminism in here but done tastefully as to not feel too fictional.