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heather_lt's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The Familiars is set during the frenzy of the witch hunts in the 17th century, specifically the Pendle witch trials in Lancashire. The story isn't necessarily about the witch trials, but rather follows a desperate young woman who happens to befriend one of the women accused of witchcraft and from there the author brings to life a fictional explaination for why Alice Gray was the only accused witch to be acquitted.
This book held me firmly in its grip from start to finish. I enjoyed so much about it - the general sombre atmosphere with that fantastic creeping sense of dread, the descriptive writing giving a sense of otherworldliness, and the relationships the main character has with her husband, her mother, and her friend.
4.5 stars because I have a slight issue with the ending... Everything was wrapped up a little too neatly for my liking, everything explained with everyone at peace. Too picture perfect.
Graphic: Miscarriage, Misogyny, and Blood
Moderate: Child death, Blood, Medical content, Grief, and Medical trauma
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
crispywings's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Miscarriage and Misogyny
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
evelum's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
5.0
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal death, Child death, Infertility, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Sexism, Blood, Medical content, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
louisegraveyard's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Miscarriage and Misogyny
Minor: Child abuse and Pedophilia
andrea_carroll123's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Genocide, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Terminal illness, Blood, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Confinement, Gore, Pedophilia, Medical content, and Death of parent
laurenparham's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy
lillyhill's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Graphic: Infertility and Miscarriage
Moderate: Misogyny
nataliaf4's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
TW: descriptions of miscarriage and stillbirth, animal death, gaslighting, blood, and mentions of sexual abuse of a minor.
Graphic: Animal death, Miscarriage, Sexual assault, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Infertility, Misogyny, Sexism, and Gaslighting
Minor: Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Toxic relationship, and Pregnancy
bybookandbone's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Throughout the book, Fleetwood has to deal with being seen as nothing more as an interactive uterus in an expensive dress.
I don't want to say much more than that without spoiling the story, though I wish it had ended with the violent murder of her husband, Richard, and his friend Rodger.
Alice is one of the women accused of witchcraft and Fleetwood's only friend, as well as the only midwife who has actually helped her with her difficult pregnancy.
Don't be fooled into thinking this book is about the Pendle trials, it's set around them but at the end of the day, it's Fleetwood and Alice's story.
Graphic: Animal death, Misogyny, Sexism, and Blood
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, and Sexual assault
Minor: Body horror, Confinement, and Abandonment
nikkibee's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Miscarriage and Misogyny