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megelizabeth's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
"A woman’s voice is a hex. She must learn to exalt men always. If she doesn’t do that, then she is a threat. A demon whore, a witch - so says everyone and the law. So say the King and his guards. So say the witch-pricker and his sadistic friends. So say the husbands, the haters, the wives, the daughters, the God-fearing - demons are always trying to kill them, so they know. So says the hangman who sleeps with Bible in hand."
I don't typically enjoy books that fictionalise real historical figures, but I went into this not knowing much abut it and actually ended up not minding that it does so as it's just such a harrowing, brutal, and important story and tribute both to Geillis Duncan and to the many, many women and girls who have suffered and continue to suffer horrifically. It's by definition dark and depressing, but it also captures female friendship and solidarity so beautifully and that really was its shining light for me. It packs so much into so few pages without ever feeling like it's doing too much or not giving the characters or themes the respect they deserve.
I will say that the ending confused me slightly, but I'm sure I got the gist and it might be one that benefits from a re-read as I'm sure I would get even more out of both the ending and the wider story a second time around. Jenni Fagan has an incredible poetic way with words and I'd definitely be keen to read more from her.
I don't typically enjoy books that fictionalise real historical figures, but I went into this not knowing much abut it and actually ended up not minding that it does so as it's just such a harrowing, brutal, and important story and tribute both to Geillis Duncan and to the many, many women and girls who have suffered and continue to suffer horrifically. It's by definition dark and depressing, but it also captures female friendship and solidarity so beautifully and that really was its shining light for me. It packs so much into so few pages without ever feeling like it's doing too much or not giving the characters or themes the respect they deserve.
I will say that the ending confused me slightly, but I'm sure I got the gist and it might be one that benefits from a re-read as I'm sure I would get even more out of both the ending and the wider story a second time around. Jenni Fagan has an incredible poetic way with words and I'd definitely be keen to read more from her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual violence, Death, Misogyny, and Murder
Minor: Racism
rubybeast47's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, Torture, Violence, Hate crime, Child death, Body horror, Blood, Rape, Physical abuse, Pedophilia, Genocide, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Religious bigotry, Racism, Kidnapping, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Ableism, and Child abuse
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