Scan barcode
james1star's review against another edition
slow-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? It's complicated
2.5
DNF’d at 50% (my first DNF) - so maybe my ‘review’ isn’t that worthy but I still had some thoughts. I’d probably give it a 2.5 ⭐️ maybe but I don’t fully know so I’ll go with a 3 to stay more neutral.
I was just really not jamming well with the writing, characters or plot of this book. It was alrightish and slightly intriguing but I just didn’t like it. We follow Rebecca in the town of Manningtree in Essex during the civil war, things happen and the residents begin a witch-hunt-esque fearmongering campaign against certain women. There was more but Yhh not for me. The narrative changes from first to third but it’s not always clear until a few pages in - I dunno just quite confusing.
I was just really not jamming well with the writing, characters or plot of this book. It was alrightish and slightly intriguing but I just didn’t like it. We follow Rebecca in the town of Manningtree in Essex during the civil war, things happen and the residents begin a witch-hunt-esque fearmongering campaign against certain women. There was more but Yhh not for me. The narrative changes from first to third but it’s not always clear until a few pages in - I dunno just quite confusing.
Moderate: Child death, Misogyny, and Sexism
Minor: Grief, Sexual content, Death, War, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, and Violence
epellicci's review
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
4.5
Blakemore has created a fantastically immersive story with The Manningtree Witches. The book is slow-paced and I felt it took a while for the story to get going, however Blakemore catches every little detail, and when the book does pick up the pace, I was grateful to the extent the writing had gone to at earlier stages to bring Manningtree and its characters to life. Full of personality, twists, and heartbreak, this book has brought to life in vibrant colour the history of a 1600's Essex and the feverous spirit of the witch trials and the misogyny, fear, and powerful men that fulled them. I was surprised at the moments of tender hope, and warmed by the strength and voice that embodies Blakemore's female characters.
Graphic: Misogyny and Child abuse
Moderate: Violence, Child death, Gaslighting, and Murder
Minor: Slavery and Miscarriage
More...