- Format: Kindle Edition
- File Size: 1122 KB
- Print Length: 352 pages
- Publisher: Picador (6 Feb. 2020)
- Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
- Language: English
- ASIN: B07WHDK1WW
Synopsis
On Christmas Eve, 1617, the sea around the remote Norwegian island of Vardø is thrown into a reckless storm. As Maren Magnusdatter watches, forty fishermen, including her father and brother, are lost to the waves – the menfolk of Vardø wiped out in an instant.
Vardø is now a place of women.
Eighteen months later, a sinister figure arrives. Summoned from Scotland to take control of a place at the edge of the civilized world, Absalom Cornet knows what he needs to do to bring the women of Vardø to heel. With him travels his young wife, Ursa. In Vardø, and in Maren, Ursa finds something she has never seen before: independent women. But Absalom sees only a place flooded with a terrible evil, one he must root out at all costs . . .
Review
Kiran Millwood Hargrave is known for he children’s books and for being a poet and playwright, The Mercies is her first novel for adults. Based on real events, this book is starts on Christmas Eve 1617 on the remote Norwegian Island of Vardø. Whilst the men are out at sea fishing, a huge storm comes out of nowhere killing all forty men. The women find themselves alone, sons, fathers, brothers and husbands all killed. The women have to fend for themselves, but this comes to the attention of the church and Absalom Cornet, from Scotland is made a commissioner, his job to take control of the Island, bring them back to the church as there is suspicion in the actions. As the community begins to crumble, and the women turn on each other to save themselves, the book takes a darker turn. This is a story of courage, strength, love but also suspicion and prejudice.
The Mercies tells the story of a set of courageous and resourceful women, who had to learn to look after themselves and take control of their Island and their own lives. Maren is one of the main characters in this book. She has lost her father, brother and the man she was due to marry. In her grief she has to look after her mother and sister-in-law Diina and her baby, especially when their relationship begins to falter. It is her relationship with Kirsten, who takes charge of the women, that takes her out of her comfort zone and sees her going out fishing to feed the community; an act her mother thinks is wrong. I enjoyed reading the developing friendship between Maren and the Commissioner’s wife, Ursa, who has come from a comfortable home to live on the wild and cold island. On the surface they have nothing in common, but as the book progresses so does their friendship and Ursa’s respect and admiration of the independence of the women. These three women, Maren, Kirsten and Ursa, all face prejudice amongst some of the women, and in the case of Maren and Kirsten also the Commissioner, when all they are doing is trying to survive.
Kiran Millwood Hargrave brilliantly captures the story of these women, and the suspicion fuelled by fear of witches spreading across Europe. Her writing brings the cold and wildness of the island to life, the rugged landscape and the spray of the sea. The characterisations are wonderful, full of life and endearing, except for the Commissioner with his religious fervour and his casting suspicions and fear in the community. He is the catalyst that sees the community turn on each other, where as his wife, Ursa, is the opposite in her friendship with Maren and wanting to be part of the community. Community spirit, friendship and difference are at the heart of this book, and how these can falter when questioned.
The Mercies is a brilliant read, that captures the spirit of the women, their courage and independence. The book captured my attention from the first page and didn’t let go. The fact that this based on a true story, of the men killed in the storm, adds to the impact of this book; I can’t imagine what those women went through. With well drawn characters, descriptive prose and and a gripping plot, and the dark undercurrent of malice and mistrust make this a must read for historical fiction fans. Beautiful and shocking in equal measure, the story of these women will stay with me.
