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saucemallow's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Yes, the author has strong female characters, the issue is that no matter the research (which I appreciate authors doing), this book lacked consistency still. The incorporation of accurate elements from the 1400s was good, but it was still seemed to be half in the mindset of someone from our modern century. I also thought the author did not portray how much the protagonist grew well. The growth was obvious, but the protagonist still had a flat voice. I did not love the narration style of this book. Also, the ending of the relationships was slightly incestuous. Small spoiler alert: why would you marry your nephew’s sister?!? In addition to this, the author makes the protagonist the overused “outcast redhead” in which the redhead is not actually an outcast and everyone keeps telling her how beautiful she is. There were a lot of lacking parts to this book, but it still was not too bad.
bethsponz's review
5.0
This book was finally released to the US this fall, it was originally titled the Brewer’s Tale. She is an Australian author and I could not find it or it was very expensive online! Anyhow, I heard great things about it and it lived up to it. An epic historical novel of the ale and brewery business back in the early 1400’s in England. Her research on this is very thorough as she is known to be. Her other book I read The Chocolate Makers Wife is dense with historical research as well. This is a must read. I look forward to reading more of her books.
_leitmotif_'s review
2.5
did not care for the amount of trauma the author puts the MC through (rape, death, constant persecution) loved the historical grounding and exploration of a women in a profession mostly done by men…but not worth it. put me off reading any of this authors other books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Death
z_bookfluencer's review against another edition
1.0
I DID NOT FINISH THE LADY BREWER OF LONDON DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS.
My review is my own thoughts and opinions; my experience in reading the story. My experience in reading The Lady Brewer of London was traumatic and unenjoyable. I wanted to try something new, and so I picked up The Lady Brewer of London with the expectations of reading a predictable and heartwarming tale about a woman's triumph in life while facing adversity. My assumptions were soon to be proven incorrect. The Lady Brewer of London is not heartwarming or romantic, but a memoir-like contemplation of the woes and tribulations of the female protagonist, who struggles to survive in a very abrasive and judgmental society. The Lady Brewer of London is a very hard hitting and difficult read. I have done my best to compile my thoughts though I am certain even more grievances were not included.
With implications regarding the synopsis and the introductory to the story, the tragedies begin early for the main character. Upon the death of her merchant father, Anneke strives to not only work to provide for herself, but that of her much younger siblings and servants previously employed by her father.
The time period in which Anneke lives is one of both religion(s) and superstition. In this time period, the 1400s, both fictional and historical, it was believed that ill fortune only found those who have sinned and were thus deserving of any such fate. Those in power, mainly of the church, law, or 'esteemed society', found reward in putting down others, and the widely reluctant townsfolk didn't dare speak up when unlawful events happened, for fear of retribution, because even the law was ill bigotted.
Anneke's reputation soon deteriorates, not due to her character, but due to accusations of misguided notions, poisonous words, understood social standings, and accepted duties of the female and male sex. Soon, the superstitions of the town folks seeped in, and no one wanted to be associated with Anneke. Not only is she ostracized by the townsfolk who knew her character intimately, she is also threatened by those in the brewery business.
Descriptive details are given of Anneke's body, from her relishing in her nakedness or spiteful words from her aunt putting down Anneke's attractive attributes. It felt awkward to be reading such descriptions, and while I can understand why they were given, I personally just didn't feel they were needed.
Despite the trials that Anneke and her family and servants face, she does find some solace for a time being, in a steady routine in which she is successful. Of course, there are not many safe and happy things in the course of events for Anneke. There was happiness and grief, success and ruin, wonderful friendships and dangerous enemies, safety and rape, death and birth, acceptance and rejection, fidelity and infidelity.
The signs were there, from characteristics and warnings from the mouths of servants, and when the events occurred, I skipped several pages of Anneke's violent rape. The rape is not alluded to, but written out in graphic detail, and Anneke has flashbacks of the rape throughout the book, through both detailed and fleeting thoughts.
Anneke becomes a fugitive from the law, not solely due to the events surrounding the ruination of her business, but also because of the superstitions of her neighbors, who are only egged on by her close relative. The setting quickly changes from family home to treacherous traveling, and soon, a brothel. While Anneke does find some spiritual healing, new friendships and camaraderie while residing within the walls of said brothel, she also continues to see vulgarity and cruelty.
Anneke is not the only person facing trauma. One character suffers from surviving horrific burns that forever mar their body. Some characters suffer from beatings. We see characters coming to terms of not being able to protect someone they care about from irrevocable trauma. There is also a character that suffers from medical issues.
There is a bloody and graphic childbirth scene that is significant to Anneke's character development. Please note, that childbirth in the 1400s usually resulted in death. Anneke has to undergo certain rites, for the aftermath of childbirth was considered dirty in the sensibilities of certain men and the church.
Soon, Anneke had to find work once more, and while she does find honest work, she also makes really poor life choices, which I could not condone or find any romantical justifications. No matter the situation, infidelity, adultery, and cheating is wrong. I didn't view her newfound relationship romantic and I skipped the detailed intimacy scene(s).
There was also the recurring theme of men of power finding women to be a hindrance to society. Those said men, how had a penchant for being violent, and often did everything to diminish the humanity, rights and livelihood of women, through means of rape, beating, slandering spirits and reputations with poisonous words and profanity, public water boarding, hateful threats both carried out and implied, and more.
I wanted Anneke to find genuine happiness, safety, and security for her and her family. Her story though, is one full of heartache and tragedy, and was not enjoyable to read.
Upon reaching chapter 54, 83 percent of completing the book I have been trying to push myself to read for days, I couldn't take reading the book anymore and decided that not completing the book would be in the best regard for my mental health. The last scene was of the man who raped Anneke, holding her in a chokehold from her hair, forcing her to be on her knees while putting his cock to her mouth, of course this scene was done in a much more descriptive manner (people do rush in at the end of the scene).
In conclusion, while I accomplished reading a book that was different and out of my comfort zone, The Lady Brewer of London was not the book for me and I would not revisit the world within its pages, nor do I think I would check out more works from the author, despite liking the general narrative style. I sincerely regret purchasing such a book and wished I would have not pushed myself to read The Lady Brewer of London, for when I thought events might get better, they only became more traumatic, nightmarish and disgusting.
I permanently deleted The Lady Brewer of London from my Kindle library, and I would not recommend The Lady Brewer of London to other readers, especially sensitive readers.
My review is my own thoughts and opinions; my experience in reading the story. My experience in reading The Lady Brewer of London was traumatic and unenjoyable. I wanted to try something new, and so I picked up The Lady Brewer of London with the expectations of reading a predictable and heartwarming tale about a woman's triumph in life while facing adversity. My assumptions were soon to be proven incorrect. The Lady Brewer of London is not heartwarming or romantic, but a memoir-like contemplation of the woes and tribulations of the female protagonist, who struggles to survive in a very abrasive and judgmental society. The Lady Brewer of London is a very hard hitting and difficult read. I have done my best to compile my thoughts though I am certain even more grievances were not included.
With implications regarding the synopsis and the introductory to the story, the tragedies begin early for the main character. Upon the death of her merchant father, Anneke strives to not only work to provide for herself, but that of her much younger siblings and servants previously employed by her father.
The time period in which Anneke lives is one of both religion(s) and superstition. In this time period, the 1400s, both fictional and historical, it was believed that ill fortune only found those who have sinned and were thus deserving of any such fate. Those in power, mainly of the church, law, or 'esteemed society', found reward in putting down others, and the widely reluctant townsfolk didn't dare speak up when unlawful events happened, for fear of retribution, because even the law was ill bigotted.
Anneke's reputation soon deteriorates, not due to her character, but due to accusations of misguided notions, poisonous words, understood social standings, and accepted duties of the female and male sex. Soon, the superstitions of the town folks seeped in, and no one wanted to be associated with Anneke. Not only is she ostracized by the townsfolk who knew her character intimately, she is also threatened by those in the brewery business.
Descriptive details are given of Anneke's body, from her relishing in her nakedness or spiteful words from her aunt putting down Anneke's attractive attributes. It felt awkward to be reading such descriptions, and while I can understand why they were given, I personally just didn't feel they were needed.
Despite the trials that Anneke and her family and servants face, she does find some solace for a time being, in a steady routine in which she is successful. Of course, there are not many safe and happy things in the course of events for Anneke. There was happiness and grief, success and ruin, wonderful friendships and dangerous enemies, safety and rape, death and birth, acceptance and rejection, fidelity and infidelity.
The signs were there, from characteristics and warnings from the mouths of servants, and when the events occurred, I skipped several pages of Anneke's violent rape. The rape is not alluded to, but written out in graphic detail, and Anneke has flashbacks of the rape throughout the book, through both detailed and fleeting thoughts.
Anneke becomes a fugitive from the law, not solely due to the events surrounding the ruination of her business, but also because of the superstitions of her neighbors, who are only egged on by her close relative. The setting quickly changes from family home to treacherous traveling, and soon, a brothel. While Anneke does find some spiritual healing, new friendships and camaraderie while residing within the walls of said brothel, she also continues to see vulgarity and cruelty.
Anneke is not the only person facing trauma. One character suffers from surviving horrific burns that forever mar their body. Some characters suffer from beatings. We see characters coming to terms of not being able to protect someone they care about from irrevocable trauma. There is also a character that suffers from medical issues.
There is a bloody and graphic childbirth scene that is significant to Anneke's character development. Please note, that childbirth in the 1400s usually resulted in death. Anneke has to undergo certain rites, for the aftermath of childbirth was considered dirty in the sensibilities of certain men and the church.
Soon, Anneke had to find work once more, and while she does find honest work, she also makes really poor life choices, which I could not condone or find any romantical justifications. No matter the situation, infidelity, adultery, and cheating is wrong. I didn't view her newfound relationship romantic and I skipped the detailed intimacy scene(s).
There was also the recurring theme of men of power finding women to be a hindrance to society. Those said men, how had a penchant for being violent, and often did everything to diminish the humanity, rights and livelihood of women, through means of rape, beating, slandering spirits and reputations with poisonous words and profanity, public water boarding, hateful threats both carried out and implied, and more.
I wanted Anneke to find genuine happiness, safety, and security for her and her family. Her story though, is one full of heartache and tragedy, and was not enjoyable to read.
Upon reaching chapter 54, 83 percent of completing the book I have been trying to push myself to read for days, I couldn't take reading the book anymore and decided that not completing the book would be in the best regard for my mental health. The last scene was of the man who raped Anneke, holding her in a chokehold from her hair, forcing her to be on her knees while putting his cock to her mouth, of course this scene was done in a much more descriptive manner (people do rush in at the end of the scene).
In conclusion, while I accomplished reading a book that was different and out of my comfort zone, The Lady Brewer of London was not the book for me and I would not revisit the world within its pages, nor do I think I would check out more works from the author, despite liking the general narrative style. I sincerely regret purchasing such a book and wished I would have not pushed myself to read The Lady Brewer of London, for when I thought events might get better, they only became more traumatic, nightmarish and disgusting.
I permanently deleted The Lady Brewer of London from my Kindle library, and I would not recommend The Lady Brewer of London to other readers, especially sensitive readers.
katebond's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
amandabethrose's review
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
2.0
I really wanted to like this book. 13th Century England is not a period of time that I am largely unfamiliar with. I was eager to get a glimpse of that time period through this nice, long novel with the beautiful cover. Karen Brooks' writing walked the line well between placing the atmosphere, language, names and social norms in a historical context while overall keeping the dialogue and actions modern enough to be accessible to readers.
The plot was an interesting idea - to follow a young woman after the loss of her second parent, struggling to find a way to support a household and younger siblings, accessing one of the few ways to make a living as an unmarried woman (brewing ale!) and fighting against the approval of society to keep her family safe. Oh, and there is also a very handsome (brooding, of course) nobleman who has an interest in her...
Unfortunately, despite a decently strong start, the plot begins to fumble about midway and limps along to its conclusion. Plot tropes pop up suddenly and are just as quickly resolved with little tension. A string of bad fortune follows the main character throughout the whole novel but she never seems to be changed by any of it. By the end, she feels just as naïve and high strung as when she started. There is hardly any recognizable growth or maturity in her character. In one truly bizarre plot twistthat ends up being a fake plot twist - she very briefly believes that the man she is in love with may actually be her bastard brother's father and decides that actually, she would be okay with that if that turned out to be true. It isn't (thank God) but those few pages were enough to knock this firmly down into a 2 star rating for me.
The plot was an interesting idea - to follow a young woman after the loss of her second parent, struggling to find a way to support a household and younger siblings, accessing one of the few ways to make a living as an unmarried woman (brewing ale!) and fighting against the approval of society to keep her family safe. Oh, and there is also a very handsome (brooding, of course) nobleman who has an interest in her...
Unfortunately, despite a decently strong start, the plot begins to fumble about midway and limps along to its conclusion. Plot tropes pop up suddenly and are just as quickly resolved with little tension. A string of bad fortune follows the main character throughout the whole novel but she never seems to be changed by any of it. By the end, she feels just as naïve and high strung as when she started. There is hardly any recognizable growth or maturity in her character. In one truly bizarre plot twist
lauraajohnsonrn's review
4.0
Compelling fiction with action to the very last page!! I could not put this book down!! So much tragedy and triumph rolled into one. Beautifully written and vivid descriptions!!
readbooks_fightpatriarchy's review
5.0
Picked this up on a whim and one of the best books I've enjoyed in a while. I've been leaning towards lighter, easy books during 2020 but this was an amazing escape and engrossing book that I was able to lose myself in. It kept me guessing throughout the book but the one constant was the strong central female character surviving in a male-dominated world. Already looking to read more of Ms. Brooks' works!