I thought this book was almost a perfect example of historical fiction blended with a modern feel to the writing.
At first I thought the premise - that Mrs Shuttleworth would die in childbirth and her husband knew it- was unrealistic, but then upon considering the ‘business of childbearing’ in those days (and the longing for male heirs), I reconsidered. In some ways, our main character is a sorry one; her predicament is horrible and she has already suffered a great deal of grief. However, she is also strong, wanting to protect herself and her baby - though the methods by which this is attempted may seem unorthodox to those unfamiliar with notions of witchcraft. On the theme of witchcraft this is well researched - though as a small personal aside, many books about witchcraft are set in Lancashire, while understandable, I’d have liked a ‘fresher’ setting.
At first I thought the premise - that Mrs Shuttleworth would die in childbirth and her husband knew it- was unrealistic, but then upon considering the ‘business of childbearing’ in those days (and the longing for male heirs), I reconsidered. In some ways, our main character is a sorry one; her predicament is horrible and she has already suffered a great deal of grief. However, she is also strong, wanting to protect herself and her baby - though the methods by which this is attempted may seem unorthodox to those unfamiliar with notions of witchcraft. On the theme of witchcraft this is well researched - though as a small personal aside, many books about witchcraft are set in Lancashire, while understandable, I’d have liked a ‘fresher’ setting.