Historical Fiction -- 4 1/2 stars
In 1617 Norway, 20 year-old Maren Magnusdatter watches as 40 of her small fishing village's men are drowned in a sudden storm. In order to survive, the women of Vardo take on chores previously designated by sex. Three years later, the religious zealot Absalom Cornet comes to the village and he sees, not resourcefulness and endurance, but ungodliness and witchcraft. ----- Based on an actual weather event and the 1621 witch trials that followed, this is a story whose ending is inevitable from page one. Fortunately, Ms. Hargrave has filled her pages with enough interesting characters and social conflict that knowing what is coming adds to, rather than detracts from, the story. Without being overtly atmospheric, you somehow cannot escape the palpable mean and claustrophobic existence of these women. A book both fascinating and disconcerting, in equal measure.
No comments:
Post a Comment