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chevelyn's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of the best works of historical fiction I have ever read. Extremely well researched, down to particular dates and details, The Brewer’s Tale brings medieval England to life. I was constantly intrigued by the plot, and marveled at the way Brook’s balanced historical accuracy with her carefully planned storyline; the plot twists and turns in many unexpected ways and I could not put it down once I started. I became very attached to the novel’s characters, especially the women, who are a central element to the themes of the novel. At its heart, The Brewer’s Tale is a celebration of women, of their strength and tenacity and their remarkable ability to overcome hardship; this is explored through the novel’s heroine Anneke’s expertise in brewing, the challenges she faces and the friendships that she discovers along the way.
The Brewer’s Tale is an inspiring, considered and empowering work of historical fiction and one that I would highly recommend.
The Brewer’s Tale is an inspiring, considered and empowering work of historical fiction and one that I would highly recommend.
michelehoward's review
5.0
Can't go past a good historical fiction and this was. Good characters and well told.
aqsa_ayman's review
2.0
I love it when the author shares a bit about their inspiration at the end, and for this book it was evident that a lot of time and effort was put into creating an authentic setting with characters, laws and of course, the brewing process of the time. I really liked what the brewing brought to this story, with well thought out and researched descriptions of the process, and the little quirks that made Anneke's brew special, like the pagan corner crones. The author mentions that after all their research, her husband was even inspired to start his own craft brewery!
I've seen this described as a romance primarily, but that doesn't feel accurate. Besides the brewing, there is a lot to do with family heartache, gender divides, business acumen, the loyalty of friends. Romance is one of the main themes too, but unfortunately I didn't feel invested in it at all. There are too many damsel in distress scenes, and the love interest is one of those too perfect, flat personality types. I can quite vividly remember one 15 minute description of him that had me cringing.
There is also a heavy dose of cruelty and betrayal, which was quite hard to get through at times. Anneke was brave and wouldn't back down based on what others expected of her, and she endured through all her hardship. But I really can't stand one sided villains, and that's what I found in a character that took a very surprising turn with hardly any justification. I just could not understand his behaviour based on how he was introduced, and those questions weren't satisfied by the end.
I've seen this described as a romance primarily, but that doesn't feel accurate. Besides the brewing, there is a lot to do with family heartache, gender divides, business acumen, the loyalty of friends. Romance is one of the main themes too, but unfortunately I didn't feel invested in it at all. There are too many damsel in distress scenes, and the love interest is one of those too perfect, flat personality types. I can quite vividly remember one 15 minute description of him that had me cringing.
There is also a heavy dose of cruelty and betrayal, which was quite hard to get through at times. Anneke was brave and wouldn't back down based on what others expected of her, and she endured through all her hardship. But I really can't stand one sided villains, and that's what I found in a character that took a very surprising turn with hardly any justification. I just could not understand his behaviour based on how he was introduced, and those questions weren't satisfied by the end.
melissa_bookworm's review
4.0
The Brewer's Tale is a well researched and lovingly told historical fiction set in the 1400s. Following Anneke Sheldrake and her quest to keep her family together after her father dies, she decides to take up brewing ale (one of her late mothers talents) to keep the family home afloat. Trigger Warning: rape.
This reminded me a lot of The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton, although they are set in different countries. Both stories are about industrious women put into difficult situations, trying their best to think a way out.
Although, I really enjoyed it there were some points where it was tough to believe that Anneke was having such a hard time. She gets shut down so many times for different reasons, she can't catch a break. And when she does have a win its because a friend is bailing her out. Without Leander and Captain Stoyan she definitely wouldn't have got far. It also frustrated me that the church was so wicked - there are perhaps 2 people I can remember that were associated with the church that didn't completely screw the Sheldrake's over. This may be completely historically correct though, so I suppose I shouldn't complain. It just surprises me that when that many terrible people are supporting the church that people still have faith in their god.
A very strong historical fiction novel - looking forward to reading more of Karen Brooks.
This reminded me a lot of The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton, although they are set in different countries. Both stories are about industrious women put into difficult situations, trying their best to think a way out.
Although, I really enjoyed it there were some points where it was tough to believe that Anneke was having such a hard time. She gets shut down so many times for different reasons, she can't catch a break. And when she does have a win its because a friend is bailing her out. Without Leander and Captain Stoyan she definitely wouldn't have got far. It also frustrated me that the church was so wicked - there are perhaps 2 people I can remember that were associated with the church that didn't completely screw the Sheldrake's over. This may be completely historically correct though, so I suppose I shouldn't complain. It just surprises me that when that many terrible people are supporting the church that people still have faith in their god.
A very strong historical fiction novel - looking forward to reading more of Karen Brooks.
kellygoesgeocaching's review
4.0
Harrowing, upsetting, enthralling. This book taught me much about the art of brewing whilst wrenching my emotions around and around.
shelleyrae's review against another edition
3.0
When Anneke Sheldrake's father is lost at sea she is horrified to learn that she and her younger siblings have been left with nothing. Desperate to keep what remains of her family together, she strikes a bold bargain with her father's employer and, armed with her late mother's family recipes, daringly chooses to go into business as a brewer of ale. Despite being ostracised by most of her family and friends, and repeatedly harassed and intimidated by the local Abbot and his cronies whose monopoly of the ale trade is threatened, Anneke's brew steadily wins favour amongst the community. Just as success seems within her reach, Anneke is targeted in a malicious attack that razes nearly everything she holds dear. Forced to flee for her life, Anneke is nevertheless determined to begin again and finds an unlikely ally in a London brothel owner. With courage and hard work, Anneke, taking the name Anna de Winter, slowly rebuilds her life and business, until the horrors of her past once again threaten to destroy her.
A saga of betrayal, love, tragedy, courage and triumph, The Brewer's Tale is an ambitious historical drama by author, Karen Brooks.
Anneke is strong protagonist, with spirit and convictions uncommon for her time. Despite harrowing personal tragedy she finds the strength to rise above it and carry on, refusing to be cowed by her persecutors. Her courage, loyalty and determination are admirable qualities and ensure the reader is firmly on her side, willing her to triumph.
Anneke's loyal cast including her sweet sister, Betje, the brash Alyson, and the dashing hero, Lord Leander Rainford, are eminently appealing. The villains, including Anneke's spiteful cousin, a raft of spiritually corrupt monks, and her inescapable enemy are infuriating and often terrifying.
Though set in medieval England, the story begins in 'The year of Our Lord 1405 in the sixth year of the reign of Henry IV', I didn't get a true sense of the period. It seemed not that much different from Georgian or Victorian times, though to be fair it mattered little as the details were consistent and the setting well grounded. I was surprised at how interested I was in the history of the brewery industry, and I finally discovered the difference between beer and ale. (I don't drink either so had never thought about it before)
The writing is articulate and the first person perspective works well. The pacing was reasonable but I did feel the story, at well over 500 pages, was too long overall. I was tempted to skim at times, particularly as the plot was, though well thought out, generally predictable, with the second half of the story essentially mirroring the events of the first.
Nevertheless, The Brewer's Tale was a satisfying read and I'd recommend it to readers who enjoy the drama and romance of sweeping historical fiction driven by a strong heroine.
emosheeran's review against another edition
4.0
This book had me gripped to my seat up until 50% of the way through. I did not expect going into this what a stressful journey this book would end up being. From 50-70% this book slowed down a fair bit and did lose my interest somewhat. But it picked up the pace afterwards for which I am glad for, as I was really invested in it at the start. I do have to say I am surprised a character acted so naive when it came to another character, when if anything they should’ve been extra paranoid of everyone and everything. That just seemed super out of character to me. Either way, was a stressful but very interesting book. Knowing the author spent a lot of time researching this era and brewing to make this book as accurate as a historical fiction book can be, makes it extra special. Will definitely be checking out more books by this author!
rey_therese07's review
3.0
3.75 Stars: I've finally decided on my rating for this book. I only finished it in January, but it seems so long ago.
CW: Rape, misogyny, sexual assault, grief and murder
I really loved the main character Anneke Sheldrake. She goes from a respected merchant's daughter to a scandalized brewer with no certain future. I was rooting for her and watching her development and transformation into a powerful woman. I really like this quote from one of Anneke's servants, Saskia, "you're servant, you're not a mother, you're not a wife. You're queen of your own empire." I think it really encapsulates what this book is about, a disgraced girl becoming a powerful woman who can look after herself is in charge of her life. The side characters also had depth and well developed backstories. I loved seeing how loyal and supportive the servants were to Anneke and how mentally strong Betje (Anneke's younger sister) was throughout the novel.
The setting of medieval England was rich, well developed and seems well researched. My main issue was that it was denser than what I'm used to a reading. I found it hard to stay invested in the story at times felt it could've been condensed a little. That said, I still enjoyed it and thought it was worth the read. I still want to read some more of Karen Brooks' books in the future after my reading comprehension improves and I can appreciate them for what they are.
CW: Rape, misogyny, sexual assault, grief and murder
I really loved the main character Anneke Sheldrake. She goes from a respected merchant's daughter to a scandalized brewer with no certain future. I was rooting for her and watching her development and transformation into a powerful woman. I really like this quote from one of Anneke's servants, Saskia, "you're servant, you're not a mother, you're not a wife. You're queen of your own empire." I think it really encapsulates what this book is about, a disgraced girl becoming a powerful woman who can look after herself is in charge of her life. The side characters also had depth and well developed backstories. I loved seeing how loyal and supportive the servants were to Anneke and how mentally strong Betje (Anneke's younger sister) was throughout the novel.
The setting of medieval England was rich, well developed and seems well researched. My main issue was that it was denser than what I'm used to a reading. I found it hard to stay invested in the story at times felt it could've been condensed a little. That said, I still enjoyed it and thought it was worth the read. I still want to read some more of Karen Brooks' books in the future after my reading comprehension improves and I can appreciate them for what they are.
thealienamongus's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Murder
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Incest, Infidelity, and Death of parent
carolhoggart's review against another edition
3.0
This is a tale of beer and the subjugation of women in 15th-century England.
Anneke Sheldrake is a wealthy merchant’s daughter until her father drowns and it is revealed that he has deprived his children of their inheritance. Desperate to keep her household together, Anneke turns to brewing ale to make ends meet – thus irredeemably lowering her social standing in the eyes of the townfolk and her brother. But social slippage is soon the least of Anneke’s worries for, as a woman with no male protector, she is vulnerable to attack from those threatened by her superlative brewing skills and her beauty. Anneke must battle corrupt officials, evil monks, a lecherous knight, and a vindictive cousin simply to make a living from her craft.
I feel conflicted about this book. On the one hand, I can appreciate its many good points. Brooks brings the craft of the medieval brewer to vivid life. The historical setting feels utterly authentic, and characters display convincing medieval mindsets. Further, the introduction of that notorious figure from medieval literature, the Wife of Bath, adds colour to the second part of the ‘Tale’. Often interpreted as a medieval feminist, this Canterbury Tales character takes Anneke under her capable wing and supports her in her fight for feminine self-determination. Cleverly, Brooks also makes the catalyst of The Wife of Bath’s Tale – rape – central to The Brewer’s Tale.
Unfortunately, however, I did not enjoy this novel. I found Brooks’ at-times tangled syntax and habit of beginning sentences with a participle grating. The bad guys were far too one-dimensionally bad. Finally, almost every possible evil that could befall Anneke came about, to a degree that not only made it hard to read on (if we empathise with a character, we can only deal with so much hopelessness), but also hard to believe.
Anneke Sheldrake is a wealthy merchant’s daughter until her father drowns and it is revealed that he has deprived his children of their inheritance. Desperate to keep her household together, Anneke turns to brewing ale to make ends meet – thus irredeemably lowering her social standing in the eyes of the townfolk and her brother. But social slippage is soon the least of Anneke’s worries for, as a woman with no male protector, she is vulnerable to attack from those threatened by her superlative brewing skills and her beauty. Anneke must battle corrupt officials, evil monks, a lecherous knight, and a vindictive cousin simply to make a living from her craft.
I feel conflicted about this book. On the one hand, I can appreciate its many good points. Brooks brings the craft of the medieval brewer to vivid life. The historical setting feels utterly authentic, and characters display convincing medieval mindsets. Further, the introduction of that notorious figure from medieval literature, the Wife of Bath, adds colour to the second part of the ‘Tale’. Often interpreted as a medieval feminist, this Canterbury Tales character takes Anneke under her capable wing and supports her in her fight for feminine self-determination. Cleverly, Brooks also makes the catalyst of The Wife of Bath’s Tale – rape – central to The Brewer’s Tale.
Unfortunately, however, I did not enjoy this novel. I found Brooks’ at-times tangled syntax and habit of beginning sentences with a participle grating. The bad guys were far too one-dimensionally bad. Finally, almost every possible evil that could befall Anneke came about, to a degree that not only made it hard to read on (if we empathise with a character, we can only deal with so much hopelessness), but also hard to believe.