A review by hellywelly64
The Hemlock Cure by Joanne Burn

hopeful informative mysterious sad tense medium-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? No

4.5

I’m not a fan of historical novels and this was so not what I was expecting.  Set in the famously altruistic Derbyshire village of Eyam at the height of the great plague it follows 14 year old Mae, who has synaesthesia, living with her strict and abusive father.  Her only friends are the Frith family, with Isabel the village midwife.  The story is narrated by Leah, Mae’s older, deceased sister.  Joanne Burn writes beautifully and has obviously researched really well, though you never feel like it’s history lesson, it just makes it all the more believable. Going to read Joanne Burns other novel Petals and Stones.