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bethreneereadsbooks's review
4.0
3.5⭐️ rounded up.
There Came A Contagion tells the story of the Helgen family, residing in a small German village when the witch hunts occur. One character notes the phenomenon that the overwhelming frenzy to find and kill “witches” it is like a “contagion”- a madness that grows unchecked among the madness to turn against one another in order to protect oneself. Aside from this character, few have much if any courage to speak of this perspective, instead valuing self-protection over any critique of the trials.
I was eager to read this fictional tale of a real time in history, but I came away with mixed feelings about the story. I had a difficult time getting into it, and wasn’t feeling terribly engaged by the narrative until well past the halfway point- but it did get more interesting from there.
I had some difficulties with the narrators of the audiobook as well- they spoke clearly but some of the voices they put on- again, especially earlier on in the narration- reminded me somewhat of how a parent might narrate a story to a young child, in that slightly exaggerated and cartoonish way. This too did improve as the story progressed- either that or I became accustomed and stopped noticing it.
Still a worthwhile listen, if not one I can give a rave review.
* I received an arc of this audiobook from NetGalley and Wolfenden in exchange for an honest review.
There Came A Contagion tells the story of the Helgen family, residing in a small German village when the witch hunts occur. One character notes the phenomenon that the overwhelming frenzy to find and kill “witches” it is like a “contagion”- a madness that grows unchecked among the madness to turn against one another in order to protect oneself. Aside from this character, few have much if any courage to speak of this perspective, instead valuing self-protection over any critique of the trials.
I was eager to read this fictional tale of a real time in history, but I came away with mixed feelings about the story. I had a difficult time getting into it, and wasn’t feeling terribly engaged by the narrative until well past the halfway point- but it did get more interesting from there.
I had some difficulties with the narrators of the audiobook as well- they spoke clearly but some of the voices they put on- again, especially earlier on in the narration- reminded me somewhat of how a parent might narrate a story to a young child, in that slightly exaggerated and cartoonish way. This too did improve as the story progressed- either that or I became accustomed and stopped noticing it.
Still a worthwhile listen, if not one I can give a rave review.
* I received an arc of this audiobook from NetGalley and Wolfenden in exchange for an honest review.
reads2cope's review
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately, the narration style wasn't for me, but hopefully I'll get to a print version of the book soon as the characters and plot were very interesting.
raddles's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Death, Fire/Fire injury, and Abortion
Moderate: Miscarriage and Torture
Minor: Domestic abuse
lilaclicoricetissie's review
5.0
There Came a Contagion is the story of the Helgen, a family who lives in Trier, Germany, during the 16th century. The blurb mentioned rye, so I went in thinking about a rather physical ergot infestation. The contagion mentioned in the title is of a subtler kind, though. It’s an emotional one, based on fear, malice, and prejudice.
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
leahsbooks's review
4.0
CONTENT WARNING: death, mention of child abuse, abortion, blood, religious intolerance, torture
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am offering my honest opinion voluntarily.
I have always been equally intrigued and horrified by witch trials, so this book definitely piqued my interest.
At first, I wasn't sure what I thought about the story. The beginning was slow-moving, and the characters seemed superficial, but I was hoping things would improve, so I kept reading. Fortunately, this is one of those times where I got more involved in the story as I read on.
Further in, the characters definitely develop more depth, and move from mainly one-dimensional to well-rounded individuals. I wanted to learn more about them, and there was a lot of change in them throughout the story. The characters were endearing, and I genuinely enjoyed getting to know them. The juxtaposition between the church’s rigid teachings and enforced acceptance of all of its rules and the few people within these small, rather isolated communities who dare to ask questions was highlighted clearly. I was scared for the few characters who don’t conform to the generally accepted schools of thought, since I already knew that they weren’t going to have an easy path in this story.
I did like the way that the characters didn’t just passively sit around and accept their fates, or do exactly what was expected of them. They were independent thinkers, and more importantly, they had their eyes open to bigger issues at work in the witch trials. It wasn’t just a fear of witches and the devil to explain things that they couldn’t find any explanation for, but also a way to manage fear amongst people in the villages when they were struggling to survive amid poor harvests and bad weather conditions, a way to address perceived wrongs between people they may have issues with, a way to increase the financial holdings of the church, and as always, a way for the church to exert control over the people in the diocese, even as the Protestants were gaining traction.
The plot wasn’t overly suspenseful, but I loved seeing how things unfolded. While I do think it would have been much more interesting if the fate of three main characters weren’t included in the summary. I would have preferred to read it for myself and leave a little suspense as to what was going to happen, but it was still a good book.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am offering my honest opinion voluntarily.
I have always been equally intrigued and horrified by witch trials, so this book definitely piqued my interest.
At first, I wasn't sure what I thought about the story. The beginning was slow-moving, and the characters seemed superficial, but I was hoping things would improve, so I kept reading. Fortunately, this is one of those times where I got more involved in the story as I read on.
Further in, the characters definitely develop more depth, and move from mainly one-dimensional to well-rounded individuals. I wanted to learn more about them, and there was a lot of change in them throughout the story. The characters were endearing, and I genuinely enjoyed getting to know them. The juxtaposition between the church’s rigid teachings and enforced acceptance of all of its rules and the few people within these small, rather isolated communities who dare to ask questions was highlighted clearly. I was scared for the few characters who don’t conform to the generally accepted schools of thought, since I already knew that they weren’t going to have an easy path in this story.
I did like the way that the characters didn’t just passively sit around and accept their fates, or do exactly what was expected of them. They were independent thinkers, and more importantly, they had their eyes open to bigger issues at work in the witch trials. It wasn’t just a fear of witches and the devil to explain things that they couldn’t find any explanation for, but also a way to manage fear amongst people in the villages when they were struggling to survive amid poor harvests and bad weather conditions, a way to address perceived wrongs between people they may have issues with, a way to increase the financial holdings of the church, and as always, a way for the church to exert control over the people in the diocese, even as the Protestants were gaining traction.
The plot wasn’t overly suspenseful, but I loved seeing how things unfolded. While I do think it would have been much more interesting if the fate of three main characters weren’t included in the summary. I would have preferred to read it for myself and leave a little suspense as to what was going to happen, but it was still a good book.
sixelad03's review
5.0
The story takes place in the 16th century in a village near Trier, Germany. We follow the journey of the Helgen family. It really begins with the birth of a child, Elsebett Helgen, and the death of her mother, Arved, shortly after she gave birth. This little girl becomes the central theme of the story, but her story also serves to describe the darker one of the Trier witch trials.
I found this book extremely interesting. Being able to follow a whole family over decades gives a good understanding of the impact of what it is now known as the Grindelwald Fluctuation on people's minds. We get to know the members of this family. We experience with them the emotions they feel. Love, joy, hope, anxiety, pain… Nothing is spared. We see the cracks that appear in them and the other inhabitants of the village when times get tougher.
Another very important element of the book is the impact of religion. When a scapegoat is needed to explain the bad harvests, it is found in the form of the Devil. It therefore becomes necessary to chase the Devil away by all possible means. This starts with the ostracization of the Jews and Lutherans and, when this is not enough, the witch-hunt begins.
Although this story takes place in the 16th century, it is easy to find similarities with what is happening today. We may know more about certain subjects such as science and climate, but human beings have not changed in one aspect: they still need a scapegoat to explain the things that frighten them.
I really enjoyed this book, it is very well written, the descriptions offered by Doug Ingold really allow us to immerse ourselves in this small German village. However, if I had to make one criticism, I found the story a little too "slow paced" for my taste.
I give it a well deserved 4.5/5
I really recommend this read to historical fiction lovers.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to discover this book.
I found this book extremely interesting. Being able to follow a whole family over decades gives a good understanding of the impact of what it is now known as the Grindelwald Fluctuation on people's minds. We get to know the members of this family. We experience with them the emotions they feel. Love, joy, hope, anxiety, pain… Nothing is spared. We see the cracks that appear in them and the other inhabitants of the village when times get tougher.
Another very important element of the book is the impact of religion. When a scapegoat is needed to explain the bad harvests, it is found in the form of the Devil. It therefore becomes necessary to chase the Devil away by all possible means. This starts with the ostracization of the Jews and Lutherans and, when this is not enough, the witch-hunt begins.
Although this story takes place in the 16th century, it is easy to find similarities with what is happening today. We may know more about certain subjects such as science and climate, but human beings have not changed in one aspect: they still need a scapegoat to explain the things that frighten them.
I really enjoyed this book, it is very well written, the descriptions offered by Doug Ingold really allow us to immerse ourselves in this small German village. However, if I had to make one criticism, I found the story a little too "slow paced" for my taste.
I give it a well deserved 4.5/5
I really recommend this read to historical fiction lovers.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to discover this book.
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