A Rollercoaster of Emotions // The Familiars by Stacey Halls

AMAZON — GOODREADS — BARNES & NOBLE — BOOK DEPOSITORY

After I saw how much Olivia @ Olivia’s Catastrophe enjoyed this book, I thought I’d give it a go. And I must say, I have no regrets! The Familiars made me feel so many things, including:

AWE

At the author’s impressive descriptions. Even though things start out quite slowly, and it took me a while to get into the story, the dark atmosphere is set up from the beginning of the story, so that it draws the reader in until the end.

SADNESS

At Fleetwood’s plight. It’s been a while since I read a story that discusses miscarriages and infertility in such a frank manner. Fleetwood has hope that she’ll keep this pregnancy to term, with Alice’s help. But she’s also aware that she might not. In fact, she might die.

*

“I wouldn’t wish a girl’s life on anyone.”

*

ANGER

At so many people. I’m aware that the times were different, and in the 1600s, women were seen as breeders and not much else. This view is portrayed quite clearly in how Fleetwood is basically told that “God’s gift” of motherhood hasn’t stayed with her because she’s not behaving well enough. It’s also portrayed in how the authorities of the land have it out for women who are probably just medicine women, because there’s no way a woman can do great things except through witchcraft.

AMAZEMENT

At the stupidity of humans. When I think of how this book was inspired by the real Pendle Witch Trials, I get so baffled at the “proof” that was used to justify ending the lives of innocent women. Just wow.

*

“My mother says never trust someone with black hair because they usually have a black soul to match.”

*

INTRIGUE

At the choices Fleetwood makes that seem small today but are quite radical for her time. Feminism isn’t a thing in Fleetwood’s time, and it shows. And because Fleetwood was born into the kind of atmosphere that doesn’t favour women, a few of her thoughts end up being quite misogynistic. But what can one expect from a girl whose greatest achievement, according to what she’s been taught, is that she’s married?

MORE ANGER

I won’t spoil it for you, but know that people really are scum in this book.  

CURIOUSITY

King James plays a very minor but noticeable part in this story, and being the curious person that I am, I got to work Googling the dude. I had no clue that King James of the KJV bible is the same King James that accused women of witchcraft with glee. Mind = Blown

*

“I think that it is remarkable how with his Bible, the king has a presence in every household, and on every bookshelf. He encourages us to not condemn others, yet seems to do little else.”

*

FRUSTRATION

Fleetwood has been treated quite badly in this book, and it’s not until much later that we figure out just how badly. My beef isn’t with the fact that the people around her are assholes. It’s just that everyone seems to get away with it.

I know that based on the time this story is set in, a young woman like Fleetwood could only hope to get an apology from all her wrongdoers. But it seems at odds with her newly developed strong will that she takes all the silly excuses and questions nothing at the end of the day. I don’t buy it.

SO MUCH INTEREST

It’s scary how consumed I was by Fleetwood’s story. My heart raced at every bit of suspense, and I couldn’t rest until all my questions were answered.

I really enjoyed this book. The only let down was the ending, but I’d say The Familiars is definitely worth a read.

What’s the last book you enjoyed?