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A review by ivy123
Wakenhyrst by Michelle Paver
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Atmospheric is the main word I would use to describe this novel.
The gothic atmosphere with the looming presence of the fen and nature surrounds you with a creeping feeling that slowly builds up the pressure till you reach a crescendo.
I also loved the way in which this story is told with mixed media such as newspaper articles and diary entries giving me a similar feeling to when I read Dracula for the first time.
Even the characters I disliked I had to see what happened next and felt immensely emersed in the story.
What takes this down to 4 stars for me is the way in which Mauds life pans out. It seems nothing ever goes her way and every time something good is given to her it's dashed away in an instant. I like my favorite characters to have their happily ever after and I felt like this character never got what she fully deserved. Which is totally a personal preference thing. <spolier>
The gothic atmosphere with the looming presence of the fen and nature surrounds you with a creeping feeling that slowly builds up the pressure till you reach a crescendo.
I also loved the way in which this story is told with mixed media such as newspaper articles and diary entries giving me a similar feeling to when I read Dracula for the first time.
Even the characters I disliked I had to see what happened next and felt immensely emersed in the story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Grief, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Murder, Pregnancy, Sexism, and Abortion