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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!
madi_dube's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
slow-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? Yes
3.0
onceuponasarah's review
1.0
There's much I could say about this. I couldn't make it all the through. It just felt like I was drudging my way through. I don't think this is a book I particularly enjoy, but others may enjoy it. It is not a quick read, and it is also paced very slowly. Keep that in mind if you read it.
maddyb001's review
1.0
I got halfway through this book and just kept wondering when is anything going to happen.
ally_clare's review
4.0
Great pulp historical fiction. At times seems like our main character will never be happy or given a fair shot. Cute ending, predicable, yet lovely.
lissalibrarian's review
4.0
Maybe a little longer than it had to be, and filled with more violence than I thought, but ultimately a good historical fiction tale.
shelleyrae's review
4.0
When Anneke Sheldrake's father is lost at sea she is horrified to learn that she and her younger siblings have been left with nothing. Desperate to keep what remains of her family together, she strikes a bold bargain with her father's employer and, armed with her late mother's family recipes, daringly chooses to go into business as a brewer of ale. Despite being ostracised by most of her family and friends, and repeatedly harassed and intimidated by the local Abbot and his cronies whose monopoly of the ale trade is threatened, Anneke's brew steadily wins favour amongst the community. Just as success seems within her reach, Anneke is targeted in a malicious attack that razes nearly everything she holds dear. Forced to flee for her life, Anneke is nevertheless determined to begin again and finds an unlikely ally in a London brothel owner. With courage and hard work, Anneke, taking the name Anna de Winter, slowly rebuilds her life and business, until the horrors of her past once again threaten to destroy her.
A saga of betrayal, love, tragedy, courage and triumph, The Brewer's Tale is an ambitious historical drama by author, Karen Brooks.
Anneke is strong protagonist, with spirit and convictions uncommon for her time. Despite harrowing personal tragedy she finds the strength to rise above it and carry on, refusing to be cowed by her persecutors. Her courage, loyalty and determination are admirable qualities and ensure the reader is firmly on her side, willing her to triumph.
Anneke's loyal cast including her sweet sister, Betje, the brash Alyson, and the dashing hero, Lord Leander Rainford, are eminently appealing. The villains, including Anneke's spiteful cousin, a raft of spiritually corrupt monks, and her inescapable enemy are infuriating and often terrifying.
Though set in medieval England, the story begins in 'The year of Our Lord 1405 in the sixth year of the reign of Henry IV', I didn't get a true sense of the period. It seemed not that much different from Georgian or Victorian times, though to be fair it mattered little as the details were consistent and the setting well grounded. I was surprised at how interested I was in the history of the brewery industry, and I finally discovered the difference between beer and ale. (I don't drink either so had never thought about it before)
The writing is articulate and the first person perspective works well. The pacing was reasonable but I did feel the story, at well over 500 pages, was too long overall. I was tempted to skim at times, particularly as the plot was, though well thought out, generally predictable, with the second half of the story essentially mirroring the events of the first.
Nevertheless, The Brewer's Tale was a satisfying read and I'd recommend it to readers who enjoy the drama and romance of sweeping historical fiction driven by a strong heroine.
A saga of betrayal, love, tragedy, courage and triumph, The Brewer's Tale is an ambitious historical drama by author, Karen Brooks.
Anneke is strong protagonist, with spirit and convictions uncommon for her time. Despite harrowing personal tragedy she finds the strength to rise above it and carry on, refusing to be cowed by her persecutors. Her courage, loyalty and determination are admirable qualities and ensure the reader is firmly on her side, willing her to triumph.
Anneke's loyal cast including her sweet sister, Betje, the brash Alyson, and the dashing hero, Lord Leander Rainford, are eminently appealing. The villains, including Anneke's spiteful cousin, a raft of spiritually corrupt monks, and her inescapable enemy are infuriating and often terrifying.
Though set in medieval England, the story begins in 'The year of Our Lord 1405 in the sixth year of the reign of Henry IV', I didn't get a true sense of the period. It seemed not that much different from Georgian or Victorian times, though to be fair it mattered little as the details were consistent and the setting well grounded. I was surprised at how interested I was in the history of the brewery industry, and I finally discovered the difference between beer and ale. (I don't drink either so had never thought about it before)
The writing is articulate and the first person perspective works well. The pacing was reasonable but I did feel the story, at well over 500 pages, was too long overall. I was tempted to skim at times, particularly as the plot was, though well thought out, generally predictable, with the second half of the story essentially mirroring the events of the first.
Nevertheless, The Brewer's Tale was a satisfying read and I'd recommend it to readers who enjoy the drama and romance of sweeping historical fiction driven by a strong heroine.
spongebobbiii's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Start to finish this was a fantastic historical fiction book. I really loved that. It included a character from the book wife of bath by the same author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Death of parent, and Child death
rednikki's review
adventurous
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? Yes
4.0
This was a lot darker than I expected going in. Brooks vividly brings the era to life, as well as the struggles of a woman trying to make it on her own in the culture of the era. Anneke repeatedly defies the odds and fights every obstacle. I found the story engaging and couldn't wait to find out what happened next. The dark elements were not inappropriate (although [minor spoiler] there is a rape scene that I think she could have pulled back on the detail of a bit ) but I grew to care so much about the characters it was hard to see them go through really terrible things.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
justme_emily's review
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Death and Violence