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thebooktrail88's review
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This wonderful novel is the colour of a jewel inside and out. The author has done something magical by taking a figure from history and weaving an exquisite story inspired by that person. When this person was known as The Blood Countess, well, it can't get any more interesting quite frankly.
The Blood Countess has quite the story! Real name Erzsébet Báthory. Accused of the murder of up to 600 young woman in Hungary in the 1600s. Now, she doesn't get her own voice in the book, quite brilliantly, the author gives it to the men and women she affected. Giving the victims or the onlookers a voice is something that really gives this novel the edge.
The central character, Boróka, caught my interest from the start. She's fifteen and has, up until that point, lived a bit of a sheltered life. Well, she goes to work in the Countess' castle and let's say that things take a dramatic turn!
Having Boróka, a servant, tell most of this story really makes the novel sing. Her insights and turns of phrase give the story a raw and personal edge. The Countess is a strange creature and her behaviours, her ways and mannerisms are unexpected and changeable. Some of her servants seem to run the castle, rather than her and she is loathed and feared by outsiders. Seems that certain powerful men don't like powerful women
The balance of power inside the castle and the myths and legends that emerged from this whole tale are a joy to delve into. What is truth and what is reality? Did the Countess really bathe in the blood of fresh virgins? Did she kill all those she was accused of? Were her servants involved?
The fact the title of the book evokes a nightingale - a sweet innocent sounding bird that "symbolizes beauty and grace seems a perfect contrast at first but then I found out that it also represents "the impermanence of life, a symbol of transience and the passage of time." Gives the novel a whole new meaning.
Highly recommended!
The Blood Countess has quite the story! Real name Erzsébet Báthory. Accused of the murder of up to 600 young woman in Hungary in the 1600s. Now, she doesn't get her own voice in the book, quite brilliantly, the author gives it to the men and women she affected. Giving the victims or the onlookers a voice is something that really gives this novel the edge.
The central character, Boróka, caught my interest from the start. She's fifteen and has, up until that point, lived a bit of a sheltered life. Well, she goes to work in the Countess' castle and let's say that things take a dramatic turn!
Having Boróka, a servant, tell most of this story really makes the novel sing. Her insights and turns of phrase give the story a raw and personal edge. The Countess is a strange creature and her behaviours, her ways and mannerisms are unexpected and changeable. Some of her servants seem to run the castle, rather than her and she is loathed and feared by outsiders. Seems that certain powerful men don't like powerful women
The balance of power inside the castle and the myths and legends that emerged from this whole tale are a joy to delve into. What is truth and what is reality? Did the Countess really bathe in the blood of fresh virgins? Did she kill all those she was accused of? Were her servants involved?
The fact the title of the book evokes a nightingale - a sweet innocent sounding bird that "symbolizes beauty and grace seems a perfect contrast at first but then I found out that it also represents "the impermanence of life, a symbol of transience and the passage of time." Gives the novel a whole new meaning.
Highly recommended!
amothersmusings1's review
3.0
Sonia Velton is a terrific author who instantly engages her readers with well written, researched and intriguing stories. I thought her previous novel “The Image of Her” was one of the best books I’ve ever read, so I was truly looking forward to reading this; “The Nightingale’s Castle”. An historical retelling of the infamous ‘Blood Countess’ set in Hungary in the early 1600’s and using the author’s vivid imagination, we see Erzsébet Báthory’s life through her various servants and ladies, in particular Boróka who has her own personal reason for protecting the countess. Although I found it difficult to pronounce in my head, some of the names and places mentioned, I still thought the story flowed with passion and emotion and the thought of over 600 peasant girls being murdered, kept my attention till the end.
I’ve always had an interest in ‘witches’ in history and their unlawful persecution and it broke my heart to read yet again how terrifying it must have been to be a woman centuries ago, who was comfortable with her herbs and remedies, yet deemed to be a witch because of it.
The characters were strong and a credit to the female race, in particular little Marta who I particularly loved, she truly had a good heart and was often overlooked. As a compelling character driven story, woven with betrayal, suspense and incredibly rich details, this book ticked all the boxes for a historical fiction novel.
annettenis's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
redentrapy's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-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
2.75
This book is very character oriented. There's not much plot without the character motivation. It's usually my favorite kind of story. I love reading about human nature and motivations. For a book that's mostly about its characters, they felt very flat to me. There was no character growth. The book felt long and hard to get through in places.
Like a lot of people, I am fascinated by the story of Erzebet Bathory, the bloody countess! The legend is gripping and terrifying! This is a researched story about the real woman. A woman who had power and influence and the men in her life were afraid of her and got rid of her in the most bloodthirsty horrible way! But she never killed anyone! I truly believe this! The author did a great job making me believe this, even with the legend being so prominent!
I feel conflicted. I loved the history of the countess! But the story itself was written like a history book, not a fiction novel. It felt slow, meandering, like it couldn't figure out if it wanted to be a fiction story of a strong woman or a history book, and so I can't figure out its goal. Why was the author telling the story?
Like a lot of people, I am fascinated by the story of Erzebet Bathory, the bloody countess! The legend is gripping and terrifying! This is a researched story about the real woman. A woman who had power and influence and the men in her life were afraid of her and got rid of her in the most bloodthirsty horrible way! But she never killed anyone! I truly believe this! The author did a great job making me believe this, even with the legend being so prominent!
I feel conflicted. I loved the history of the countess! But the story itself was written like a history book, not a fiction novel. It felt slow, meandering, like it couldn't figure out if it wanted to be a fiction story of a strong woman or a history book, and so I can't figure out its goal. Why was the author telling the story?
lifewithallthebooks's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
5.0
pyxis_'s review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
bookish_olga's review
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
In the dark recesses of historical lore, the name Erzsébet Báthory casts a long shadow, synonymous with tales of horror and bloodshed. Sonia Velton’s "The Nightingale's Castle" offers a fresh, feminist reimagining of this infamous figure, blending elements of suspense and fantasy to craft a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of 16th-century Hungary. The novel introduces Boróka, a young woman thrust into the orbit of the enigmatic Countess, whose reputation for cruelty and violence precedes her. As Boróka navigates the treacherous corridors of power and intrigue within the Countess’s household, she grapples with questions of loyalty, morality, and the true nature of justice.
Velton’s portrayal of the characters, particularly the complex dynamics between Boróka and the Countess, is a masterstroke of storytelling. Through vivid prose and meticulous attention to historical detail, she brings to life a world steeped in superstition and fear, where women wield both power and vulnerability in equal measure. The exploration of trauma and abuse resonates deeply, offering readers a thought-provoking examination of the human condition and the lengths to which individuals will go in the pursuit of power and self-preservation.
At its core, "The Nightingale's Castle" is a tale of resilience and redemption, woven with threads of darkness and hope. Velton’s deft narrative hand guides the reader through a labyrinth of secrets and betrayals, culminating in a climax that is as thrilling as it is poignant. Despite its grim subject matter, the novel ultimately leaves a lasting impression of courage and compassion, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is light to be found in the unlikeliest of places.
Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for e-ARC of this book!
Available July 30th, 2024.
Velton’s portrayal of the characters, particularly the complex dynamics between Boróka and the Countess, is a masterstroke of storytelling. Through vivid prose and meticulous attention to historical detail, she brings to life a world steeped in superstition and fear, where women wield both power and vulnerability in equal measure. The exploration of trauma and abuse resonates deeply, offering readers a thought-provoking examination of the human condition and the lengths to which individuals will go in the pursuit of power and self-preservation.
At its core, "The Nightingale's Castle" is a tale of resilience and redemption, woven with threads of darkness and hope. Velton’s deft narrative hand guides the reader through a labyrinth of secrets and betrayals, culminating in a climax that is as thrilling as it is poignant. Despite its grim subject matter, the novel ultimately leaves a lasting impression of courage and compassion, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is light to be found in the unlikeliest of places.
Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for e-ARC of this book!
Available July 30th, 2024.
charlottereadshistory's review
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The story tells the early seventeenth century tale of Hungarian Countess Erzsébet Báthory, the infamous "Blood Countess" who according to legend killed hundreds of her young female servants.
The story is retold and explored from the viewpoint of the Countess herself and several of her servants, and offers a different explanation of the myths that have been told for hundreds of years.
Velton spins several threads of the story to start with, the transitions of which could be a little confusing - I found myself wondering what was going on a few times, but it was satisfying when those threads were all brought together.
I enjoyed the omniscient narration and the ability to hear the thoughts and feelings of so many of the women involved, especially exploring the complexities and actions of broken people who had suffered trauma and pain in their pasts. I especially enjoyed the explorations of power in a patriarchal society and how women were used and abused by this imbalance across society and across generations.
A content warning - I didn’t know about the Blood Countess beforehand so went into the story blind - it is gruesome! There is death, torture and cruelty. I am squeamish and easily scared so keep that in mind if you are too. If you love horror and dark, gothic themes I am sure you’ll love the growing tension and macabre scenes. It will certainly keep you turning the pages to find out what happens!
Thank you to the publishers and the author for this advanced reader copy in return for my honest review - all opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publishers and the author for this advanced reader copy in return for my honest review - all opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture
cassiecat's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
🎧3.5⭐️
I had the audiobook of a new to me historical / women’s fiction author. Read by Elinor Coleman who did a good job I found her easy to listen to.
Inspired by history Erzsébet Báthory gained notoriety as the blood Countess accused of the death of over 600 peasant girls in Hungary.
In 1573 the Countess gave birth to an illegitimate girl, on birth she was bundled up and sent to live with a peasant family. 15 years later people from the Castle are sent to procure workers, and Boróka is sent to work at the castle.
Firstly with the names and place names I think it was an easier option having the audiobook with someone doing the pronunciations for me. It’s also an earlier period in history than I am used to reading. The language used didn’t feel ‘old’ which made it easy to follow.
I found it a slow burn, it leaves the reader questioning what the truth was. I was interested in the story’s premise, but struggled to engage with it as the majority of the book there wasn’t enough going on.
cazxxx's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0