woodslesbian 's review for:

The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

5.0

challenging dark tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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This was a beautifully-written and atmospheric exploration of religious fanaticism and the slow slide into the persecution of innocent women. The Mercies absolutely delivered on everything I want from this sort of historical fiction, with a careful eye on the daily life and survival of these women, a deep sense of dread and isolation through the small island setting, and the absolutely beautiful development of a romance between two women that creates a much-needed sense of love and hope despite the bleak circumstances! I absolutely adored Hargrave's slow and careful development of both Maren and Ursa, I came to care so much for them both and got a really good sense of their circumstances and differences. This was deeply necessary lens through which to watch this small community of women turn on each other and give in to religious fears of witchcraft, especially once Ursa's husband shows up to fan the flames. I also especially appreciated the commentary on how these fears focus especially on the Sami members of the community and the gender nonconforming ones like Kirsten (who was also a truly fantastic character!). I was simply so drawn into the story even as I could feel everything getting worse and worse, and I really appreciated the serious tone and sense of dread given to a book based on truly horrific events in history. The ending may not work for every reader, but I

actually love an open-ended, very bittersweet conclusion, so this really hit for me! It also felt more realistic and poignant than a happy ending, considering the downward slide and increasing danger throughout the whole book.

I was rooting for both of these women so so deeply all throughout, and I think this is an exceptional piece of historical fiction.