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Eleanor (1463 KP) rated The Mercies in Books

Jan 23, 2020 (Updated Jan 23, 2020)  
The Mercies
The Mercies
Kiran Millwood Hargrave | 2020 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
A Chilling Tale of Witch Hunting
Throughout this book, I felt cold and kept having to pile on the blankets. The writing so effectively evoked the feelings of being in a remote Norway setting in the 17th Century - burrrrrr. The writing style took a little getting used to but it really added to the atmosphere in terms of the historical and geographical setting making for an engrossing historical fiction.

The book begins with a freak storm killing most (all the able-bodied) men who were fishing from the small village of Vardo. (This is based on a true story - the storm thing really did happen to a village of that time.) It’s a horrific tragedy and the women left behind have to work out how to survive without their husbands and sons. From the village, the tale is told from the perspective of Maren who loses her father, brother and betrothed.

With news of the circumstances of the village spreading a commissioner is appointed and travels from Scotland to oversee the village (because God only knows what could happen if you left women to sort stuff out themselves!!) It being the 17th Century, travel takes a long time and he stops off to get himself a wife on the way (must-have travel accessory) so the village gets by for many a year without oversight. With the arrival of the commissioner and his wife (Ursa) life again gets turned on its head as it turns out the new Commissioner has a knack for witch-hunting.

Although I found the pace a bit too slow for my liking it had a great feel and really evoked the frustration for the world women lived in at the time. With at times graphic descriptions of the way witch hunts were operated it’s at times a hard read. With the slow build, I did find the ending a bit rushed and unsatisfying but was left with plenty to reflect upon.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
  
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ClareR (6118 KP) Jan 23, 2020

Ooh, I have this book to review from NetGalley too - I’m looking forward to it now!!😊
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Eleanor (1463 KP) Jan 25, 2020

Hope you enjoy it 😊
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Sarah (7800 KP) rated About a Boy (2002) in Movies

Feb 16, 2019  
About a Boy (2002)
About a Boy (2002)
2002 | Comedy, Drama, Romance
8
7.3 (7 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
Heartwarming and funny
You can’t really go wrong with a Hugh Grant film based on a Nick Hornby book. Hugh Grant is his usual lovable, charming foppish self and the perfect person to play Will. Nicholas Hoult is great as Marcus and truly an up and coming star when this first came out. The rest of the supporting cast too are good, but it really is all about Will and Marcus. The plot is a little silly but is pretty much your almost typical British rom-com type film, but it stands out thanks to the funny and heartwarming script. It’s got enough serious moments in it too to not make it too silly either.

An altogether lovely and wonderful British film that may be over 16 years old now, but definitely stands the test of time and is worth a watch.