A fantastic historical fiction novel, with a touch of gothic witchcraft too. The storyline is based upon real people and events within the era of the Pendle Witch Trials, however the events within this particular story and the plot itself are fictional.
An enchanting tale set within the early 1600's, we follow 17 year old Fleetwood and her journey through pregnancy, at which she wants to successfully gift her husband the heir he so desperately wants. Sadly, following three previous miscarriages during four short years of marriage, Fleetwood is determined to carry this baby to full term. In doing so, she embarks on a journey to find a wise woman, which leads her to Alice. Alice becomes an unlikely friend, and when she is accused of witchcraft. Without Alice's unconventional medicinal remedies, Fleetwood and her unborn child are facing death as certain as Alice's own death penalty.
The novel shares an enlightening glimpse of what life was like for women in this era, and the lengths of which brave individuals would go to, in order to protect their loved ones. Fleetwood is a strong, independent woman, and is instantly likeable. I thoroughly enjoyed The Familiars, and highly recommend it to those who enjoy adult fiction, historical fiction and fantasy.
An enchanting tale set within the early 1600's, we follow 17 year old Fleetwood and her journey through pregnancy, at which she wants to successfully gift her husband the heir he so desperately wants. Sadly, following three previous miscarriages during four short years of marriage, Fleetwood is determined to carry this baby to full term. In doing so, she embarks on a journey to find a wise woman, which leads her to Alice. Alice becomes an unlikely friend, and when she is accused of witchcraft. Without Alice's unconventional medicinal remedies, Fleetwood and her unborn child are facing death as certain as Alice's own death penalty.
The novel shares an enlightening glimpse of what life was like for women in this era, and the lengths of which brave individuals would go to, in order to protect their loved ones. Fleetwood is a strong, independent woman, and is instantly likeable. I thoroughly enjoyed The Familiars, and highly recommend it to those who enjoy adult fiction, historical fiction and fantasy.