As a Lancastrian I know quite a bit about the Pendle witches and their trial. I also have visited Gawthorp Hall which is still very much like it is described in the book. The author being a local herself has described both the area and the characters how I would have expected. The background is true but the story is fiction. Fleetwood is very believable and you are hoping that all will go well for her pregnancy after many miscarriages. Her husband Richard is a more complex character without giving the story away you love him and loathe him. Then there are the witches if they are witches of course or are they just poor misunderstood women. A good read With or without knowledge of the history. I would definitely recommend.