georgi_lvs_books's review against another edition
2.0
Cunning Women is a historical fiction/witches story.
I personally was not blown away by this one. It took me a while to finish it and it only got good in the last 30% of the story.
It just seemed to drag quite a bit and didn’t engage me much, and when I stared to enjoy it, it was over.
Although this was not much to my liking, if you do enjoy historical fiction and witches, this is one to check out.
I personally was not blown away by this one. It took me a while to finish it and it only got good in the last 30% of the story.
It just seemed to drag quite a bit and didn’t engage me much, and when I stared to enjoy it, it was over.
Although this was not much to my liking, if you do enjoy historical fiction and witches, this is one to check out.
wafflepolly's review against another edition
4.0
"When they treat us this way I become the very creature they fear me to be."
Forbidden love in a 1620s Lancashire fishing village, set amongst the moral panic of Puritanism and witch-hunts; Sarah Haworth and her family live in desolate poverty. A family of outcasts due to their witching ways, they are feared and hated by the same villagers who hypocritically turn to them for balms, salves, and occasional curses.
When Sarah meets Daniel, the gentle farmer's son, the pair quickly bond. However, Daniel wonders how much his feelings for her are genuine, or how much they are due to a bewitchment. Meanwhile, Sarah is dealing with the hold that her powers have over her, and how they can be unleashed by her fury. Fuelled by fear, the villagers soon turn on each other, with the Haworths a handy scapegoat for crimes that the harsh new magistrate seeks retribution for.
The clash of genres — low fantasy meets historical romance — made this an interesting read. The forbidden romance, the "wrong side of the tracks" romance, is such a well-worn trope but the witching element gave it a new life. Sarah and Daniel, although wildly different in most ways, share subtle similarities that made their push-pull relationship fascinating to read.
There are questions left throughout to keep the reader guessing. Some are answered explicitly, some more implied by the historical setting. I'm always a big fan of stories set in small towns where seeds of distrust and suspicion have been sown, and this story is full of that trope. The fear and isolation that the villagers cast upon the Haworth family is mirrored in the growing fear that they have for each other, and a growing willingness to throw each other under the bus to save themselves.
I found some of the paragraph structuring to be slightly disjointed. This may be due to the format of the ebook, but on several occasions I began a new paragraph and was taken out of the story slightly by the realisation that a passage of time had passed since the previous one, with no clear indication of that happening.
3.5 stars, rounded up.
Forbidden love in a 1620s Lancashire fishing village, set amongst the moral panic of Puritanism and witch-hunts; Sarah Haworth and her family live in desolate poverty. A family of outcasts due to their witching ways, they are feared and hated by the same villagers who hypocritically turn to them for balms, salves, and occasional curses.
When Sarah meets Daniel, the gentle farmer's son, the pair quickly bond. However, Daniel wonders how much his feelings for her are genuine, or how much they are due to a bewitchment. Meanwhile, Sarah is dealing with the hold that her powers have over her, and how they can be unleashed by her fury. Fuelled by fear, the villagers soon turn on each other, with the Haworths a handy scapegoat for crimes that the harsh new magistrate seeks retribution for.
The clash of genres — low fantasy meets historical romance — made this an interesting read. The forbidden romance, the "wrong side of the tracks" romance, is such a well-worn trope but the witching element gave it a new life. Sarah and Daniel, although wildly different in most ways, share subtle similarities that made their push-pull relationship fascinating to read.
There are questions left throughout to keep the reader guessing. Some are answered explicitly, some more implied by the historical setting. I'm always a big fan of stories set in small towns where seeds of distrust and suspicion have been sown, and this story is full of that trope. The fear and isolation that the villagers cast upon the Haworth family is mirrored in the growing fear that they have for each other, and a growing willingness to throw each other under the bus to save themselves.
I found some of the paragraph structuring to be slightly disjointed. This may be due to the format of the ebook, but on several occasions I began a new paragraph and was taken out of the story slightly by the realisation that a passage of time had passed since the previous one, with no clear indication of that happening.
3.5 stars, rounded up.
lucyp747d4's review
4.0
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Cornerstone/ Penguin Random House UK for approving me for an audio ARC of this book.
I’m making more of an effort to read historical fiction and trying to dabble in the darker side of history. When I saw the synopsis of this one I was intrigued and wanted to dive straight in. The narration by Taj Atwal is done superbly, she captured all the passion and emotion, behind Sarah’s story in particular, and it made the listen all the more enjoyable.
To begin with I found the story a little slow to get going. I liked the short chapters, as this made it really easy to pick up and put down throughout the day but I felt there was a lot of groundwork laid and quite a few characters introduced that I sometimes got mixed up. It also took me a little while to get used to some of the old language that was used.
I’m pleased to say though that the story soon picked up and it was a lot easier to follow. I found the cures and curses fascinating and loved learning more about the early witchcraft. I thought this part was realistic and it was easy to see why the Haworth family were feared. It was brilliant to have the story told from both sides of the village, I often found myself siding with Sarah’s family though, as to me they just seemed like normal people who were trying to survive. Surely if you had mouths to feed you’d do anything to feed them? What made me laugh most about the villagers was how they were happy to take the curses and cures in private but out on the street they treated the Haworth’s like dirt. The villagers really showed their true colours in the final scenes.
I had a lot of admiration for Sarah, she was kind, thoughtful and desperate to have a better life for her and her family. Despite the reputation her family had she strove to change the village’s view of them but she wasn’t a pushover. I loved the relationship she had with Annie and the motherly role she took on. I often felt that Daniel never felt he was good enough and was quite happy to be Gabriel’s shadow. Daniel lacked self esteem but he had a heart of gold which would explain why he was so well matched to Sarah. He was quite naïve in his plan but he definitely didn’t lack courage. Gabriel was the most cunning of them all and his actions were despicable. I found myself squirming at his remarks and overall manor, he took bad boy to a whole new level.
Poor Daniel and Sarah were doomed from the minute they set eyes on each other. They strove to surpass anyone’s expectations and were determined to not let their roles in society keep them apart. I found myself rooting for them even though I knew they were star crossed. Their final decision was a true moment of undeniable love. What hit me the most was the relationship between Sarah and her family. Her loyalty to them and how she tried to protect them was beautiful. The final scenes packed a punch that really hit me in the gut and my heart broke for Sarah, her family and Daniel.
This was a beautiful tale full of hope, desire and ambition. I’m so excited to see what Elizabeth Lee writes next!
I’m making more of an effort to read historical fiction and trying to dabble in the darker side of history. When I saw the synopsis of this one I was intrigued and wanted to dive straight in. The narration by Taj Atwal is done superbly, she captured all the passion and emotion, behind Sarah’s story in particular, and it made the listen all the more enjoyable.
To begin with I found the story a little slow to get going. I liked the short chapters, as this made it really easy to pick up and put down throughout the day but I felt there was a lot of groundwork laid and quite a few characters introduced that I sometimes got mixed up. It also took me a little while to get used to some of the old language that was used.
I’m pleased to say though that the story soon picked up and it was a lot easier to follow. I found the cures and curses fascinating and loved learning more about the early witchcraft. I thought this part was realistic and it was easy to see why the Haworth family were feared. It was brilliant to have the story told from both sides of the village, I often found myself siding with Sarah’s family though, as to me they just seemed like normal people who were trying to survive. Surely if you had mouths to feed you’d do anything to feed them? What made me laugh most about the villagers was how they were happy to take the curses and cures in private but out on the street they treated the Haworth’s like dirt. The villagers really showed their true colours in the final scenes.
I had a lot of admiration for Sarah, she was kind, thoughtful and desperate to have a better life for her and her family. Despite the reputation her family had she strove to change the village’s view of them but she wasn’t a pushover. I loved the relationship she had with Annie and the motherly role she took on. I often felt that Daniel never felt he was good enough and was quite happy to be Gabriel’s shadow. Daniel lacked self esteem but he had a heart of gold which would explain why he was so well matched to Sarah. He was quite naïve in his plan but he definitely didn’t lack courage. Gabriel was the most cunning of them all and his actions were despicable. I found myself squirming at his remarks and overall manor, he took bad boy to a whole new level.
Poor Daniel and Sarah were doomed from the minute they set eyes on each other. They strove to surpass anyone’s expectations and were determined to not let their roles in society keep them apart. I found myself rooting for them even though I knew they were star crossed. Their final decision was a true moment of undeniable love. What hit me the most was the relationship between Sarah and her family. Her loyalty to them and how she tried to protect them was beautiful. The final scenes packed a punch that really hit me in the gut and my heart broke for Sarah, her family and Daniel.
This was a beautiful tale full of hope, desire and ambition. I’m so excited to see what Elizabeth Lee writes next!
bibliobethreads's review
4.0
Cunning Women is described as a book for fans of The Essex Serpent (one of my favourite books) and The Mercies (on the TBR) so I was excited to get to it with the #HFBOOKCLUB
Packed full of atmosphere and tension, this novel follows a small fishing community in the early 17th century. Our female lead, Sarah has a birthmark that marks her as a witch, just like her mother. Torn between her desperation to just be an “ordinary girl,” and her curiosity for what her powers could bring her, Sarah hopes that her younger sister, Annie is not marked by witchcraft. On meeting a farmer’s son Daniel, she begins to hope of a normal life with the potential for love.
However, the family are already shunned by many of the community for their strange ways and when a new magistrate is appointed, determined to root out all evil and ungodly ways, Sarah’s dream (and the lives of her family) are in real jeopardy.
I had so many mixed emotions regarding this book. I loved the setting, and thought some of the characters incredibly intriguing, specifically Sarah who wasn’t your atypical “perfect” female lead. Saying that, I couldn’t really connect with the relationship between Sarah and Daniel. The connection between them seemed to accelerate so quickly that it made it difficult to believe in. I’m quite particular with romance in novels - it has to feel authentic and sadly in Cunning Women, it didn’t quite hit the mark.
That isn’t to say though that I wouldn’t read anything else by this author. I liked the writing style, the setting and the obvious research that Elizabeth Lee has undertaken to write this novel.
3.5 stars
Packed full of atmosphere and tension, this novel follows a small fishing community in the early 17th century. Our female lead, Sarah has a birthmark that marks her as a witch, just like her mother. Torn between her desperation to just be an “ordinary girl,” and her curiosity for what her powers could bring her, Sarah hopes that her younger sister, Annie is not marked by witchcraft. On meeting a farmer’s son Daniel, she begins to hope of a normal life with the potential for love.
However, the family are already shunned by many of the community for their strange ways and when a new magistrate is appointed, determined to root out all evil and ungodly ways, Sarah’s dream (and the lives of her family) are in real jeopardy.
I had so many mixed emotions regarding this book. I loved the setting, and thought some of the characters incredibly intriguing, specifically Sarah who wasn’t your atypical “perfect” female lead. Saying that, I couldn’t really connect with the relationship between Sarah and Daniel. The connection between them seemed to accelerate so quickly that it made it difficult to believe in. I’m quite particular with romance in novels - it has to feel authentic and sadly in Cunning Women, it didn’t quite hit the mark.
That isn’t to say though that I wouldn’t read anything else by this author. I liked the writing style, the setting and the obvious research that Elizabeth Lee has undertaken to write this novel.
3.5 stars
hwebb88's review against another edition
3.0
An historical fiction book with a witchy backstory.
Set in Lancashire 8 years after the Pendle witch trials this is a story of a poor family live in an old plague house just outside a village. Rumours of a devil child and curses surround the family and when the new magistrate arrives this brings a new fear to the family.
I really enjoyed the start of this book and then it just got a bit...boring. The ending picked up again but I just wanted more. The writing style was hard to follow at times and it all just became a bit of a fluffy love story.
Don’t get me wrong the ending pulled at my heart strings but it didn’t get the ending I wanted and felt the characters deserved.
If you are a fan of historical fiction then you should give it a try but for me I felt it was lacking something extra.
I received this book from Net Galley in return of an honest review.
Set in Lancashire 8 years after the Pendle witch trials this is a story of a poor family live in an old plague house just outside a village. Rumours of a devil child and curses surround the family and when the new magistrate arrives this brings a new fear to the family.
I really enjoyed the start of this book and then it just got a bit...boring. The ending picked up again but I just wanted more. The writing style was hard to follow at times and it all just became a bit of a fluffy love story.
Don’t get me wrong the ending pulled at my heart strings but it didn’t get the ending I wanted and felt the characters deserved.
If you are a fan of historical fiction then you should give it a try but for me I felt it was lacking something extra.
I received this book from Net Galley in return of an honest review.
thereadingparamedic's review against another edition
5.0
I love historical fiction, I love books with strong female characters & I’ve got really into anything witchy in the last few years so I had high hopes for Cunning Women & I wasn’t disappointed!
It is superbly written, well researched & tells the tale of a forbidden love. It is highly emotional, with events of sadness & grief. I absolutely loved it & highly recommend!
It is superbly written, well researched & tells the tale of a forbidden love. It is highly emotional, with events of sadness & grief. I absolutely loved it & highly recommend!
mhairimc's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
hookandbookclub's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to the audiobook version of Cunning Women and I was gripped.
Sarah lives with her mother, brother and little sister at the top of a hill in Lancashire in the 1620s.
The Haworth family are ostracised by the community as Sarah’s mother is a ‘cunning woman’, feared and mistrusted, although the villagers are more than happy to go to her for cures and remedies, although they wouldn’t openly admit it.
When a spate of crimes shake the village, the inhabitants are quick to point their hypocritical fingers but are they looking at the wrong culprits?
Meanwhile, we closely follow Sarah in her quest to protect her family, while also listening to her own heart and what she wants for her future. Will she continue the cunning women line or will she escape for a more respected lifestyle when she gets the chance?
Sometimes it was difficult to keep up with all the names of the characters, particularly the male ones as there are several. (I think it’s just a problem I have with audiobooks because when I see a name written down it’s more memorable?!) But the narrator did an excellent job of bringing the story to life with emotional range that suited such a deep tale of struggles.
I love this historical witchcraft type of genre and have actually learnt a lot from novels like this. This story as well as The Familiars is set near Pendle Hill, the site of many real historic witch trials in England. I went to university in Lancaster and have continued to be fascinated by the area and its history.
Thanks to @netgalley and @hutchheinemann for the ALC!
Sarah lives with her mother, brother and little sister at the top of a hill in Lancashire in the 1620s.
The Haworth family are ostracised by the community as Sarah’s mother is a ‘cunning woman’, feared and mistrusted, although the villagers are more than happy to go to her for cures and remedies, although they wouldn’t openly admit it.
When a spate of crimes shake the village, the inhabitants are quick to point their hypocritical fingers but are they looking at the wrong culprits?
Meanwhile, we closely follow Sarah in her quest to protect her family, while also listening to her own heart and what she wants for her future. Will she continue the cunning women line or will she escape for a more respected lifestyle when she gets the chance?
Sometimes it was difficult to keep up with all the names of the characters, particularly the male ones as there are several. (I think it’s just a problem I have with audiobooks because when I see a name written down it’s more memorable?!) But the narrator did an excellent job of bringing the story to life with emotional range that suited such a deep tale of struggles.
I love this historical witchcraft type of genre and have actually learnt a lot from novels like this. This story as well as The Familiars is set near Pendle Hill, the site of many real historic witch trials in England. I went to university in Lancaster and have continued to be fascinated by the area and its history.
Thanks to @netgalley and @hutchheinemann for the ALC!
whatbritreads's review against another edition
5.0
*Thank you to Penguin for sending me a copy of this book to review!*
I can’t even express to you how much I loved this book, it was phenomenal. A must read for 2022.
From the start I knew this book was going to be highly rated from me, within the first few sentences I was absolutely hooked. An enchanting, brilliantly crafted writing style coupled with an eerie and mysterious atmosphere. You’ll immediately get sucked into this novel and never want to leave.
It was honestly written with such tenderness, you can’t help but feel empathetic to these characters and their struggles. Romance wasn’t the be all and end all of the plot, but it was so well done. I was obsessed with their plight and their chemistry, I loved the way they interacted with each other. It felt so realistic and raw, I was fascinated by them. If you’re a fan of any sort of forbidden romance, this book will hit you right where it hurts.
It felt so magical and immersive, yet dark and bleak at the same time. Lee really created the most beautiful world and set of characters to really bring it to life. Though it wasn’t necessarily fast moving, I ended up reading it so quickly because I wanted to know more. This book was extremely hard to put down. The plot twists had me on edge and I spent the whole time reading in some state of tension.
I loved every minute of reading this, it was excellent.