Reviews tagging 'Violence'

Cunning Women by Elizabeth Lee

7 reviews

amyableamy's review against another edition

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adventurous dark 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? Yes

4.5


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natmorrall's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5


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emkam's review

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lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0


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baileybooks's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense 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? Yes

4.0


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bookchatwithbeth's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0


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taylahmay's review against another edition

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tense slow-paced

1.0

PLEASE NOTE: this review is for my own reflection and I in no way aim to offend with my rambling thoughts.

While the story has intriguing characters, not much is done with them. There’s a lot of teasing re the source of their magic and even the actions of the mother in the past that we never get a full explanation of. With a slow burn to start and a rush of events to end, it struggled to keep my attention and interest. 

However, the historical world that’s built is wonderful and feels well fleshed out. With historical references to day to day life, celebrations, society, and beliefs, it puts you in the environment of the story and aids understanding of the characters.

I felt let down with the end after hoping for strong character development of the main male character, just to have him half heartedly own up for a portion of his actions and simultaneously act as a martyr which seemed unnecessary. Without spoiling it, I felt there was a way for all of them to leave. Or at least have that option voiced and considered and then dashed if need be. 

My biggest gripe is the tag line of “feminist tale”. Yes, the main character is a female and it deals greatly with her station in life as a result, but the story doesn’t call negative attention on the sexism of the time or have any character voice it. Actually, the sexism and misogyny of the characters become more outspoken and dangerous towards the end. This doesn’t make the book bad, but considering I chose to read this book under the assumption I would be met with a strong female character making waves or at least having her strength make an impact, I felt doubly disappointed. I was met with
female characters turning on each other and pointing fingers, extreme jealously that turns dangerous, a matriarch who wants to protect but actually ignores all logic and pleas to place her family in direct danger and then ultimately weakens to the point of becoming a ward herself, male characters sexually assaulting female characters and getting away with it completely with no mention of their crime except the derision pointed towards the women (at least one of which is a child), and and a main character who ultimately holds her tongue in the end so as to save her family and get by in a mans world
. I think the feminist tag line is not appropriate. Actually, the more I think on it, the more I feel lied to, & the angrier I get.

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happyladyjadereads's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

3.75

 A strong and engaging debut, this tale of star crossed lovers in Lancashire England in 1620 is reminiscent of Bridget Collins’ The Binding with young people trapped by their circumstance in poverty and magic rooted in pagan belief. It is heartily enjoyable, with a strong narrative throughout and a love for readers to root for. It really got me thinking about cult mentality and the power one loud voice has over others, so I now can’t wait for her follow up novels. 

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