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wendyrobreads's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lucyp747d4's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group for approving me for an ARC of this book. I read this with my fellow Tsundoku Squad member, Wendy. As lovers of historical fiction we were very intrigued by this one and couldn’t wait to buddy read it together.
I really liked the layout of this story. We had the main chapters which followed Mae and her story but interspersed were entries from Wulfric’s diary as well as Leah, Mae’s older sister. These diary entries gave not only insight into Wulfric’s state of mind but the events that lead up to both Leah and her mother’s death.
During the story we are also introduced to Isabel, the local midwife who feels a strong attachment to Mae. As Isabel was Mae’s mothers friend she too feels protective of her and is constantly worried for her safety. As a woman in the 1600’s though there is little she can do without causing too much distress on her own family. I adored the relationship between these two women and it was my favourite part of the story.
I could not help but feel for Mae throughout the story. I was constantly worried what was going to happen to her and did not trust her father at all. At points I was almost scared to read on for fear of Mae’s life! This was a slow burning read where all the small events lead up to a dramatic finale. I kept hoping and praying that Mae would finally be free of that dreadful home but I hadn’t quite imagined events to unfold as they did.
Seeped in history this is a story that is full of mystery, tension and hope. Perfect for any historical fans that lovely a little apothecary and witchcraft thrown in!
I really liked the layout of this story. We had the main chapters which followed Mae and her story but interspersed were entries from Wulfric’s diary as well as Leah, Mae’s older sister. These diary entries gave not only insight into Wulfric’s state of mind but the events that lead up to both Leah and her mother’s death.
During the story we are also introduced to Isabel, the local midwife who feels a strong attachment to Mae. As Isabel was Mae’s mothers friend she too feels protective of her and is constantly worried for her safety. As a woman in the 1600’s though there is little she can do without causing too much distress on her own family. I adored the relationship between these two women and it was my favourite part of the story.
I could not help but feel for Mae throughout the story. I was constantly worried what was going to happen to her and did not trust her father at all. At points I was almost scared to read on for fear of Mae’s life! This was a slow burning read where all the small events lead up to a dramatic finale. I kept hoping and praying that Mae would finally be free of that dreadful home but I hadn’t quite imagined events to unfold as they did.
Seeped in history this is a story that is full of mystery, tension and hope. Perfect for any historical fans that lovely a little apothecary and witchcraft thrown in!
traceyroberts's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
3.0
I liked this book, but I didn't love it, and I really wanted to love it as plot contains all the elements that I look for in historical fiction; witchcraft, magic and an unusual but interesting time period.
The story is set in Eyam, a village which famously quarantined itself to prevent the bubonic plague from spreading to surrounding towns and villages. Something we can all relate to in the times of covid. However I didn't feel the sense of fear that the villagers would surely have felt during this time. The plague seemed almost like a sub plot where I feel it should have been centre stage.
The witchcraft/magical elements were there in the book but a lot of attention on the herbs used. While this was interesting,
I felt it made the story drag.
I was engaged with the story but I wasn't on the edge of my seat and eager to read on. It's a shame as it is obvious how much time and research the author has put into this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy to read and review
The story is set in Eyam, a village which famously quarantined itself to prevent the bubonic plague from spreading to surrounding towns and villages. Something we can all relate to in the times of covid. However I didn't feel the sense of fear that the villagers would surely have felt during this time. The plague seemed almost like a sub plot where I feel it should have been centre stage.
The witchcraft/magical elements were there in the book but a lot of attention on the herbs used. While this was interesting,
I felt it made the story drag.
I was engaged with the story but I wasn't on the edge of my seat and eager to read on. It's a shame as it is obvious how much time and research the author has put into this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy to read and review
niassister's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Captivating, couldn't put it down but didn't want it to end. The characters stay with you long after the last page. Historical yet so many contemporary themes.
hundred_pages_wood's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Based in the plague village of Eyam, which quarantined itself from the rest of the world during the plague to prevent contamination spreading to neighbouring towns & villages, this is the story of Mae, the apothecary’s daughter.
The story is told by the ghost? of Leah & their father, the village apothecary Wulfric’s, diary.
The main characters all have their secrets as we flit from Mae, to Wulfric’s diary, to Isobel (village midwife & friend to Mae’s passed mother, & her husband Johan who leaves to visit his friend in London.
I did feel at times there were a few too many characters whose stories detracted unnecessarily (Katarina for example) & would have loved to have had more details about the village during this time.
I loved the real characters interspersed amongst the story & the description of the herbs, tonics & medicines of the time.
Enjoyed the story & would rate it 4/5
Thanks to NetGalley for my copy.