A review by serendipitysbooks
The Manningtree Witches by A.K. Blakemore

dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

 The Manningtree Witches was an engrossing piece of historical fiction, which was shortlisted for the Desmond Elliot Prize. Combining known facts from the Essex witch trials (actual trial excerpts are interspersed throughout the story) with a healthy dose of speculation the author has created a compelling tale, one that highlights the way witch trials were used to control and penalise women on the margins of society, especially those who did not conform to accepted norms of womanly behaviour or who were viewed as somehow threatening by males. It’s a story that is beautifully told - I wasn’t a bit surprised that the author of this debut novel is an award winning poet. I was suitably enraged by the actions of the men and cheering on the women for their acts of rebellion, both large and small, even while knowing what it would likely cost them. The atmosphere of suspicion, mistrust and betrayal was well portrayed and the book is one well-worth reading.

 
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