A review by bookwormione
The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

dark reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

3.75

Maren's village has been stricken by a catastrophe: a sudden storm has killed forty men, almost all the male population of this remote part of Norway. Their absence forces the women to replace the men in their usually reserved tasks, such as fishing, which eventually draws attention. A governor is therefore appointed to this place, and he brings along his newly wed wife Ursa, who has to leave her life behind to follow him up North.

I liked this book, but reading the blurb first has altered my enjoyment of it. The pace is quite slow: in particular what was mentioned in the blurb, namely

the witch trial and the sapphic relationship

, happens near the very end of the book. I found myself just waiting for that and having a hard time enjoying the story as it unfolded, always wanting to know what's next. I did like the writing though, the atmosphere of the village and some of the characters sounded just alive. I also find it interesting that this book is based on historical events.