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l_j_e's review against another edition
challenging
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
- 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
3.0
Rating - 3⭐️
-I liked the historical context of the story and the way that misogyny was accurately represented
-I felt that the story was quite slow-paced which made it harder for me to read, and a lot of details seemed unnecessary
-I found Martha frustrating because she was relatively selfish, even though I do understand it was a time of self-preservation, but it seemed like she was lying to herself a lot of the time.
Favourite Quotes
-Cleftwater was home, her place. Her love of it ran through her like the seam of clay in Psalm Cliff. Even in its faults she found perfection.
-They were honest hands; had served tirelessly for forty-seven years. All her skill was boned into them.
-'That's what they do to 'em, Martha. To all the women. Young, old, sick: it makes no difference.' - Martin
-Anger, a bolt of it in her breast. She could feel herself expanding with its force.
-'These women that you are so keen to condemn are no more witches than I am.' - Fr. Leggatt
-If she took Prissy's place, there would be an end to torn loyalties...she woukd be able to live with herself again.
-We are bitch. We are chit. We are slut. We are wench, harlot, bawd, madam, jezebel, whore, daemon, sorceress, doxy, mistress, cunt, slattern, jade, hag, Madonna, quean, tart, sow, vixen, bee, shrew, bird, mutton, maiden, harpy, succuba, dame, helion, crone. We are repugnant to Nature, contumeley to God; We are monstrous, legion. We are too many. We are never enough.
-I liked the historical context of the story and the way that misogyny was accurately represented
-I felt that the story was quite slow-paced which made it harder for me to read, and a lot of details seemed unnecessary
-I found Martha frustrating because she was relatively selfish, even though I do understand it was a time of self-preservation, but it seemed like she was lying to herself a lot of the time.
Favourite Quotes
-Cleftwater was home, her place. Her love of it ran through her like the seam of clay in Psalm Cliff. Even in its faults she found perfection.
-They were honest hands; had served tirelessly for forty-seven years. All her skill was boned into them.
-'That's what they do to 'em, Martha. To all the women. Young, old, sick: it makes no difference.' - Martin
-Anger, a bolt of it in her breast. She could feel herself expanding with its force.
-'These women that you are so keen to condemn are no more witches than I am.' - Fr. Leggatt
-If she took Prissy's place, there would be an end to torn loyalties...she woukd be able to live with herself again.
-We are bitch. We are chit. We are slut. We are wench, harlot, bawd, madam, jezebel, whore, daemon, sorceress, doxy, mistress, cunt, slattern, jade, hag, Madonna, quean, tart, sow, vixen, bee, shrew, bird, mutton, maiden, harpy, succuba, dame, helion, crone. We are repugnant to Nature, contumeley to God; We are monstrous, legion. We are too many. We are never enough.
ashleysilver7's review
challenging
dark
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? It's complicated
3.25
This book was a fictional account of the East Anglian Witch Hunt from 1645-47. Martha is the main character, and she is eventually accused of witchcraft. This book is at times extremely hard to read given the subject matter, but the author has clearly done her research and paints a vivid picture regarding daily life in 17th century England. Simply put - it was a dangerous time for women, no matter their station or background. If someone accused you of witchcraft, it was almost impossible to survive.
laurah_123's review
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.0
mweir710's review against another edition
What a heartbreaking time in history - The Witching Tide follows a sometimes mute Martha as she navigates the "sickness" that plagues humanity during the witch trials. She seems to be constantly fighting for the right thing to do while simultaneously trying not to get swept up in the madness herself. I don't particularly think that this was a book for me as I didn't particularly connect with any of the characters, nor was the storyline easy for me to follow; I'm not sure what the actual plot was other than relaying history. It's clear that Margaret Meyer has done her research as there were quite a few words throughout this book that, when I looked them up, were common verbiage in the 19th century. If you like books where you're uncertain if they'll have an "acceptable" resolution and follow a time in history in which it's clear there was heightened fear and a lack of humanity/common sense, then this is truly the book for you. I sincerely appreciate NetGalley, Scribner, and Margaret Meyer for allowing me the opportunity to read the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
emm_ro's review
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
thuscomma's review
4.0
Set in East Anglia, England in 1645, the historical fiction novel The Witching Tide follows the life of Martha Hallybread. As a midwife, healer and servant who has not spoken a word for years, Martha is respected and trusted by her neighbours in the village of Cleftwater. But this delicate peace is disrupted when a group of witch hunters led by Silas Makepeace arrives, and Martha must face her past, her fears and her destiny as the witching tide rises.
ahandford's review
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
amandalang03's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
kirahvireads's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0