Reviews

Not my favorite of Hargrave's two adult novels, but still a thoughtful read.

Provides an interesting perspective on women's freedom (and lack thereof),

seizing ownership of their bodies as the ultimate freedom/rebellion--even when that ends in death

.

It was really hard for me to visualize the setting this time, and that's mostly what dragged the star rating down for me. Also could've gone a bit faster, pacing was extra slow in the first half.

I like that Hargrave takes inspiration from real events, though. And I liked the ending! Can't wait to see what she writes next

mcl20's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

3.5

mirjera's review against another edition

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5.0

In the sweltering summer of 1518, Lisbet finds herself with an uncaring husband, distant mother in law, and a hole in her heart from all her miscarriages. Amidst this time of her grief, her mysterious sister in law returns from her seven year penance in the mountains. As she slowly unravels the truth of her mysterious sin, the nearby city is engulfed in the grip of a dancing plague. In sharing the secret of her pagan sanctuary in the forest, her dancing tree, Lisbet must learn to find her own strength to save her sister in law and best friend from the sinister evil looking to take them all down.

This book touched beautifully on the struggle of women that continues today, but most importantly, about their sacred power. This novel is about women finding their freedom from within. One of my favorite novels I’ve read in a really long time.

itchyfeetreader's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

This is everything I love on historical fiction. a moment in time made real again. The time its the hottest summer in Strasbourg. Crops are dead, feet are burning and babes are being drowned. and you can feel the stultifying heat on every page. Lisbet, connected to her bees but otherwise sad and lonely is close to term after a heartbreaking number of miscarriages and still births. Her peace is shattered as her husband finds himself called away to protect their livelyhood and she faces the hard facts about her sister in law and best friend, learns more about her husband, and faces the hard facts of religions control as the tired, hungry and detained women of Strasbourg ‘dance’. Faith, love, power and more make this compelling

cloudsoflemons's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-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? Yes

5.0

mairead_parade's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

The setting is compelling, but the main character felt a little under-drawn. I enjoyed the Mercies, but in both that and this one, Hargrave is treading a lot of the same ground as Maggie O’Farrell, and unfortunately not quite as well. Would still recommend for fans of that kind of alternative/closely focused historical fiction.

cmt32796's review against another edition

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emotional sad 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

4.5

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