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A review by lucyp747d4
The Hemlock Cure by Joanne Burn
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group for approving me for an ARC of this book. I read this with my fellow Tsundoku Squad member, Wendy. As lovers of historical fiction we were very intrigued by this one and couldn’t wait to buddy read it together.
I really liked the layout of this story. We had the main chapters which followed Mae and her story but interspersed were entries from Wulfric’s diary as well as Leah, Mae’s older sister. These diary entries gave not only insight into Wulfric’s state of mind but the events that lead up to both Leah and her mother’s death.
During the story we are also introduced to Isabel, the local midwife who feels a strong attachment to Mae. As Isabel was Mae’s mothers friend she too feels protective of her and is constantly worried for her safety. As a woman in the 1600’s though there is little she can do without causing too much distress on her own family. I adored the relationship between these two women and it was my favourite part of the story.
I could not help but feel for Mae throughout the story. I was constantly worried what was going to happen to her and did not trust her father at all. At points I was almost scared to read on for fear of Mae’s life! This was a slow burning read where all the small events lead up to a dramatic finale. I kept hoping and praying that Mae would finally be free of that dreadful home but I hadn’t quite imagined events to unfold as they did.
Seeped in history this is a story that is full of mystery, tension and hope. Perfect for any historical fans that lovely a little apothecary and witchcraft thrown in!
I really liked the layout of this story. We had the main chapters which followed Mae and her story but interspersed were entries from Wulfric’s diary as well as Leah, Mae’s older sister. These diary entries gave not only insight into Wulfric’s state of mind but the events that lead up to both Leah and her mother’s death.
During the story we are also introduced to Isabel, the local midwife who feels a strong attachment to Mae. As Isabel was Mae’s mothers friend she too feels protective of her and is constantly worried for her safety. As a woman in the 1600’s though there is little she can do without causing too much distress on her own family. I adored the relationship between these two women and it was my favourite part of the story.
I could not help but feel for Mae throughout the story. I was constantly worried what was going to happen to her and did not trust her father at all. At points I was almost scared to read on for fear of Mae’s life! This was a slow burning read where all the small events lead up to a dramatic finale. I kept hoping and praying that Mae would finally be free of that dreadful home but I hadn’t quite imagined events to unfold as they did.
Seeped in history this is a story that is full of mystery, tension and hope. Perfect for any historical fans that lovely a little apothecary and witchcraft thrown in!