Questions About The Witchfinder's Sister

by Beth Underdown (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (3)

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Tyra

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Does this book have any gothic/horror in it ? Or is just lovey dovey ?

Kymberli Ward It's definitely not "lovey-dovey." It's a fictionalized account of an historical figure, about whom little is actually known. I don't believe it would…moreIt's definitely not "lovey-dovey." It's a fictionalized account of an historical figure, about whom little is actually known. I don't believe it would fall into "gothic/horror" either. It is horrifying, at times, but that's more my reaction to what actually went on in the 1640s England witch hunts, and the way people lived; the fear, superstition, and women as chattel. It's an excellent book, but if you're looking for gothic horror such as Shirley Jackson, et al, this doesn't fit the bill IMO.(less)

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Is it just me, and being now almost at the end book, but I find the language a bit too modern for the era that is being written about. I doubt back in the 1600s that a lady like Alice and her background would use the terms s**t and p**s, seems also to be lacking in thorough content research considering that it is based on fact!?

Carlene-Joy Authors often no incorporate the full language of the time period. Reads would find it difficult reading things like "Are thou a witch", etc. As an En…moreAuthors often no incorporate the full language of the time period. Reads would find it difficult reading things like "Are thou a witch", etc. As an English major, I've had to read poetry written in this period (and a bit before) and it's difficult to get through. It's like reading Shakespeare. To make it more accessible to a large audience, I think the author made a good choice in making it more "modern".
As for the foul language Alice used, I don't see any fault in it. She went from an upper-class household being raised by servants to marrying a lower class man. You could pick up this language in being with someone for a couple hours, let alone a few years in London.
I don't often read historical fiction (which may romanticize the time period for some), but fiction written in that time period. And personally, don't see an issue. Alice herself was likely not a real person since little is known about Hopkins. She merely took the idea of the witch trials in Essex and went with it. (less)

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