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A review by beckys_book_blog
Black Wood Women by Michael Stewart
4.0
I love books set in the 1640s so I was looking forward to reading this. I immediately became immersed in Caragh's story and was willing her to find a place of safety amidst so much danger (particularly for the Irish living in England after the civil war).
I found the chapters involving Alice and her coven of women, who are foraging food and trying to survive together as outlaws in the forest, fascinating. I really wanted to read more about each of these characters and what had led them here.
I also enjoyed the few chapters by the wolf who was desperately trying to stay alive and protect her young. This was such an atmospheric book and the woods really came to life through the writing. It had a very gothic, magical feel to it!
There were some real villains in this book and the horror of witch hunts was vividly portrayed.There was so much political instability at this time too and it was very easy for unjust actions to occur, particularly for the lower classes. This was very different from other historical fiction books I've read in this time period. I wasn't sure at all how the story would end but I found it an enjoyable, immersive read.
I found the chapters involving Alice and her coven of women, who are foraging food and trying to survive together as outlaws in the forest, fascinating. I really wanted to read more about each of these characters and what had led them here.
I also enjoyed the few chapters by the wolf who was desperately trying to stay alive and protect her young. This was such an atmospheric book and the woods really came to life through the writing. It had a very gothic, magical feel to it!
There were some real villains in this book and the horror of witch hunts was vividly portrayed.There was so much political instability at this time too and it was very easy for unjust actions to occur, particularly for the lower classes. This was very different from other historical fiction books I've read in this time period. I wasn't sure at all how the story would end but I found it an enjoyable, immersive read.