You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
omgmkg 's review for:
The Mercies
by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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:
Complicated
This book was advertised to me as witch trial fiction, but it is really much more about the conditions that allow a witch hunt and trial to happen. As a bit of a social scientist, this fictionalized take really speaks to me. At the same time, that makes the pacing of the book a bit odd—first quite slow and then fast.
The exploration of what it would have been like if a remote place had lost all its men (which did actually happen historically) was fascinating and a part of that slower pace, though, and I really enjoyed it. As one reviewer stated, it is a feminist book without ignoring historical reality.
I loved Ursa and Maren and really felt I learned their worlds. I was rooting for each of them right away.
Sort of spoiler (very mild) I wish that there was a more positive or satisfying end, but that is just not realistic in this type of book.
It is written in present tense which is not my preference, but I got used to it.
The exploration of what it would have been like if a remote place had lost all its men (which did actually happen historically) was fascinating and a part of that slower pace, though, and I really enjoyed it. As one reviewer stated, it is a feminist book without ignoring historical reality.
I loved Ursa and Maren and really felt I learned their worlds. I was rooting for each of them right away.
Sort of spoiler (very mild)
It is written in present tense which is not my preference, but I got used to it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Alcohol
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content