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The Mercies

16 replies

agapanthus1979 · 24/11/2021 21:23

I'm just coming to the end of this, and I'm loving it. Trying to string it out because I'm not ready to come to the end of it yet!!
Does anybody have any recommendations for something of a similar ilk? I've really loved the brooding tone, the era, the setting, the witch element, and would really like to line something up for when I'm finished.
Thanks,
Ags

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agapanthus1979 · 25/11/2021 13:32

Hopeful bump...

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CaptainChannel · 28/11/2021 18:04

I'm just about to start it!
I bought it because I absolutely loved Burial Rites by Hannah Kent - also historical setting in Scandinavia. If you haven't read it already I would recommend it

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agapanthus1979 · 28/11/2021 19:47

Thanks @CaptainChannel - that sounds perfect!
I loved The Mercies. I hope you do too!

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SamhainToImbolc · 29/11/2021 10:10

For the witch element, I have read and enjoyed Practical Magic, The Rules of Magic, and Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman. The third one is set around the time of the witch hunts in the 1600s in England and also in Salem. The fourth in the series is out next year.

Also just bought (but not yet read) The Manningtree Witches. Also set at time of Matthew Hopkins and the Essex witch hunts.

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agapanthus1979 · 29/11/2021 16:34

Thanks @SamhainToImbolc (your name and nook choices definitely match!! Smile)
I read The Manningtree Witches in the summer and really enjoyed it.

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Saucery · 29/11/2021 16:54

The Witchfinder’s Sister by Beth Underdown.

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agapanthus1979 · 29/11/2021 17:37

Thanks @Saucery. I read that some time ago and really enjoyed it.

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IntermittentParps · 03/12/2021 16:36

The Sealwoman's Gift. Not as good as The Mercies but worth reading.

Also The Glass Woman. Set in (if I remember right) 16th-C Iceland.

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agapanthus1979 · 03/12/2021 17:51

Thanks @IntermittentParps Loved The Glass Woman but haven't read the other one.

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Dontslamit · 03/12/2021 18:03

Another one for Burial Rites
Also The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey and The Unseen by Roy Jacobsen .
Neither set in Iceland but definitely wintry and atmospheric

Zerogravity · 03/12/2021 18:08

Following as I loved it too although I was really disappointed to learn that the author took her witchhunting a bit too seriously and had another author cancelled for saying that JK Rowling shouldn't receive death threats. Disappointing.

IntermittentParps · 03/12/2021 19:13

Oh yes, The Snow Child is so gorgeous.

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agapanthus1979 · 03/12/2021 20:17

Yes, I loved The Snow Child too. Wonderful writing.

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AuntieDolly · 05/12/2021 09:44

The snow song is also a lovely read

Cindercat · 07/12/2021 14:45

Wish I'd felt the same! Really wanted to love The Mercies but had to abandon it. Found it so hard going and didn't like the characters very much either ...

KobaniDaughters · 08/12/2021 07:10

Was going to say Burial Rights too but also The Good People also by Hannah Kent

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