A review by hunni_reads
The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis

dark mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. for sending me an eARC for the Hounding.

I knew I wanted to get my hands on this book as soon as I read the blurb and saw that gorgeous cover. However, this was far better than I could’ve expected.

The Hounding follows a small village in eighteenth century England as they are sent into mass hysteria over the Mansfield sisters, 5 young girls they believe to be turning into a pack of wild dogs.  I don’t always agree when books and movies are compared to other popular works, but Virgin Suicides meets The Crucible is pretty spot on (in the best way). 

Once I got a few chapters deep, I simply didn’t want to put the book down. It’s a quick read, but I honestly could’ve gone for at least 100 more pages with these characters- and as someone who struggles with a short attention span, it’s rare that I say a book should’ve been LONGER.
With each chapter, we alternate between which villager we follow through the story. However, we never get to follow any of the Mansfield sisters, which keeps everything mysterious and leaves the reader on their own to piece together what actually happened. You are put in the same position as the villagers- only knowing the limited things they see and the gossip they hear. At no point does the author doubt her audience’s intelligence or feel the need to hold the reader’s hand to come to a conclusion, and I truly appreciate that.

This is an incredible debut. Xenobe Purvis is now fully on my radar, and look forward to seeing what she does next. I can’t wait to get a physical copy of this book (even if I do have to wait until August).
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