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A review by bookish_olga
The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
★ ★ ★ ★
“But now she knows she was foolish to believe that evil existed only out there. It was here, among them, walking on two legs, passing judgement with a human tongue.”
In the remote Norwegian island of Vardø, the year 1617 marked a devastating event that would change the lives of its inhabitants forever. A fierce storm, unparalleled in its ferocity, claimed the lives of the men in this small fishing community, leaving the women to fend for themselves amidst the harsh Arctic landscape. Eighteen months later, their newfound independence is threatened with the arrival of Absalom Cornet, a stern man tasked with bringing the women under his strict religious control. Unbeknownst to them, he is also a witch finder, determined to root out any perceived evil lurking in their midst.
At the heart of "The Mercies" are Maren, a resilient local woman who lost her father and brother in the storm, and Ursa, the refined wife of Absalom, trapped in a loveless marriage. Despite their disparate backgrounds, Maren and Ursa find solace in each other's company, forming a bond that defies societal expectations. However, the looming presence of Absalom casts a dark shadow over the village, instilling fear and suspicion among its inhabitants, including his own wife.
The beauty of "The Mercies" lies in its evocative prose, which mirrors the harshness of the environment and the struggles of its characters. The novel's exploration of themes such as love, resilience, and the insidious nature of suspicion is rendered with haunting precision. Based on real events, including the Vardø storm and the subsequent witch trials, "The Mercies" offers a chilling glimpse into a dark chapter of history while celebrating the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
“But now she knows she was foolish to believe that evil existed only out there. It was here, among them, walking on two legs, passing judgement with a human tongue.”
In the remote Norwegian island of Vardø, the year 1617 marked a devastating event that would change the lives of its inhabitants forever. A fierce storm, unparalleled in its ferocity, claimed the lives of the men in this small fishing community, leaving the women to fend for themselves amidst the harsh Arctic landscape. Eighteen months later, their newfound independence is threatened with the arrival of Absalom Cornet, a stern man tasked with bringing the women under his strict religious control. Unbeknownst to them, he is also a witch finder, determined to root out any perceived evil lurking in their midst.
At the heart of "The Mercies" are Maren, a resilient local woman who lost her father and brother in the storm, and Ursa, the refined wife of Absalom, trapped in a loveless marriage. Despite their disparate backgrounds, Maren and Ursa find solace in each other's company, forming a bond that defies societal expectations. However, the looming presence of Absalom casts a dark shadow over the village, instilling fear and suspicion among its inhabitants, including his own wife.
The beauty of "The Mercies" lies in its evocative prose, which mirrors the harshness of the environment and the struggles of its characters. The novel's exploration of themes such as love, resilience, and the insidious nature of suspicion is rendered with haunting precision. Based on real events, including the Vardø storm and the subsequent witch trials, "The Mercies" offers a chilling glimpse into a dark chapter of history while celebrating the strength and resilience of the human spirit.