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A review by elle_reads
The Familiars by Stacey Halls
3.0
Instagram @elle_reads
BOOK REVIEW
[The Familiars] The Pendle witches are about to be hung with Fleetwood’s midwife among them.
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WHAT I LIKED
Witches. Familiars. Curses. Small children with eerie magical knowledge. This book is perfect for spooky season (even if you can’t watch horror movies like me)! The Familiars stems from true events - and I think that’s the most horrifying part. There actually was a 17 year old mistress of a manner named Fleetwood at the time of the trials. I would tell you more, but I don’t want to spoil the ending! Fleetwood is pregnant throughout the entire storyline. I love how Halls showcased a pregnant woman as hero!
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WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
I wish Fleetwood had more personality. Her small idiosyncrasies were stereotypical. I was rooting for her because of the events in question, not just for her. I felt the same way about the setting. It wasn’t very concrete. Yes - the rugs are Turkish, but what do they ACTUALLY look like?
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Missed opportunities is this book’s greatest weakness. Fleetwood’s personality could have had more oomph. The setting was almost concrete. I was sad to see all the missed opportunities to really hit home with social commentary. Halls had great discussions about gender roles, ostracizing outsiders, and the effects of parenting. Unfortunately, each one only encapsulated the tip of the iceberg. I consumed this book. It was entertaining, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression.
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The Familiars (by Stacey Halls) ⚡️⚡️⚡️3/5
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BOOK REVIEW
[The Familiars] The Pendle witches are about to be hung with Fleetwood’s midwife among them.
//
WHAT I LIKED
Witches. Familiars. Curses. Small children with eerie magical knowledge. This book is perfect for spooky season (even if you can’t watch horror movies like me)! The Familiars stems from true events - and I think that’s the most horrifying part. There actually was a 17 year old mistress of a manner named Fleetwood at the time of the trials. I would tell you more, but I don’t want to spoil the ending! Fleetwood is pregnant throughout the entire storyline. I love how Halls showcased a pregnant woman as hero!
//
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
I wish Fleetwood had more personality. Her small idiosyncrasies were stereotypical. I was rooting for her because of the events in question, not just for her. I felt the same way about the setting. It wasn’t very concrete. Yes - the rugs are Turkish, but what do they ACTUALLY look like?
//
Missed opportunities is this book’s greatest weakness. Fleetwood’s personality could have had more oomph. The setting was almost concrete. I was sad to see all the missed opportunities to really hit home with social commentary. Halls had great discussions about gender roles, ostracizing outsiders, and the effects of parenting. Unfortunately, each one only encapsulated the tip of the iceberg. I consumed this book. It was entertaining, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression.
//
The Familiars (by Stacey Halls) ⚡️⚡️⚡️3/5
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