Scan barcode
A review by melissa_bookworm
The Brewer's Tale by Karen Brooks
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.