Reviews

The Maiden by Kate Foster

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eastwood_mrs's review against another edition

dark

3.5

The maiden is a machine that was used in executions in the 17th Century in Scotland for the nobility as it gave them a quick death. The book is about Christian and Violet whose lives are intertwined due to Christian's uncle James. Christian is on trial for his murder, hence the name of the book. The story time jumped and switched between the two narrators which I found interesting and it was set in a time period I have no knowledge of. However I just didn't click with the story and only partially enjoyed it.

jestareader's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was a feminist read that didn't force 21st-century understandings of feminism onto these historical figures but instead examined different women surviving in the 17th century. Kate Foster wove the historical true story (there really was a Christian Nimmo and Lord James Forrester who ... well, I won't spoil it for you) into a rich and emotional trapestry. I felt deeply for each of the female characters.

Beautifully written, I was captured immediately. The book's intrigue propels you through the story, and the descriptions transport you to mid-17th century Edinburgh and the Scottish countryside. The emotional waves gutted me throughout and left my heart sore.

The dual perspectives and storylines were effective. The order of the chapters was intentionally planned to invoke specific feelings, create mystery, intrigue the reader, and allow the reader to better understand (and sympathize with) each of the women.

All in all, I can easily see why this story was nominated for so many awards.

If you want to see a well-written, three-dimensional female cast ... look no further.
If you want a historical fiction rooted in authentic history ... look no further.
If you want a transportive Scottish novel ... look no further.

Content Warnings

gio_shelves's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

heli_hz's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad tense 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

mrs_hs_favourite_books's review against another edition

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4.5

A fantastic historical mystery. Told through dual POVs and dual timelines. It was hugely captivating and beautifully written. The characters were engaging and the storyline kept me hooked. Just brilliant.

marthafrances's review against another edition

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dark mysterious

4.0

hopie_duncs's review against another edition

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I didn’t enjoy the vulgar language/tone with which large sections were written. I understand it being concurrent with the way in which those being written about would have spoke but I just didn’t enjoy it. I also found the jumping of dates and people difficult to follow.