The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
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Author: Kiran Millwood Hargrave Publisher: New York : Little Brown Book Co. 2020 |
This novel takes on history with a modern voice - this is the story of men given absolute power, protecting patriarchy at any cost. Inspired by real events, this book draws out the story of how a village of widows became the victims of a Norwegian witch-hunt.
Set in early 1600s Norway, aftermath of a brutal storm has left the fishing village of Vardø with a huge loss: forty men dead, and the remaining only very old or very young. For three years, Maren and the women of her community work together, ensuring their own survival, until a stranger arrives: Absalom Cornet, recently returned from burning witches in Scotland. Where Cornet sees an island filled with godless heathens, his wife Ursa sees a village of independent women made strong.
Absalom's iron-fisted rule over Vardø (and his wife) is juxtaposed with the tentative relationship between Maren and Ursa, which blossoms in spite of the fear and violence threatening their lives.
The Mercies is a compelling and beautifully detailed narrative, about powerful women, that transcends its historical context.
Filled with modern relevance, the book addresses bigotry, religious propaganda, and institutional violence as well as resilience and courage, as well as the power of relationships - romantic and platonic - between women.
For fans of historical accuracy.
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