Gallows wedding

Gallows Wedding #1

by Rhona Martin

A strange, haunting story of two ill-starred lovers, set against the backdrop of the religious upheaval of Henry VIII's time. Hazel, a peasant girl marked by the witches' brand and a dangerous beauty, loves Black John, an outlaw and aristocrat, whom she rescues from the gallows. Together they struggle to survive a world in which brutal death awaits at every corner, and stumble along a fateful collision towards a harrowing climax.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Tudor Period, Fiction

Hardcover

First published October 1, 1978

Reviews

[Sarah Mac · Rating 0.25 out of 5]

Well, guys. It finally happened. I never thought it would, but it did. This book is the new champion of Most Depressing Thing I’ve Ever Read. Worse than THE AWAKENING. Worse than THE YELLOW WALLPAPER. Worse than GIRL FROM STORYVILLE, GRAPES OF WRATH, IN THE MIDST OF EARTH, CRIME & PUNISHMENT, BLOODROOT, or HEART OF DARKNESS. This gem manages to supplant even THE PAINTED BIRD. And believe me, I never thought I’d meet a book that pushed THE PAINTED BIRD off that golden pedestal.

…Wait, scratch that. Upon consideration, it doesn’t displace THE PAINTED BIRD so much as nudge it over to make room at the top. 😶 I hope they’ll be very happy together in their unrelenting misery.

At any rate, I can say with 100% certainty that this is the most depressing (or rather, co-most-depressing) read I’ve ever had the dubious blessing to encounter.** I hated every scene. Every page. Every second. Everything about it, period. Then I made the mistake of skipping to the end & now I hate it even more than I did before. How is that even possible?

I hated this so much that I literally threw it in the garbage. I can count on one hand the times that’s happened (two of which were THE AWAKENING & THE PAINTED BIRD). It goes against all my principles as a dead-tree advocate, but I simply couldn’t subject the other Goodwill detritus to such negativity. Not even they deserved that company in their little shopping bag o’ doom. I feel like I should light a sage stick & hold a purification ceremony for my bookcase. 🦨

And so, here’s a memo to my remaining books: I apologize. From the bottom of my heart, I’m sorry that GALLOWS WEDDING sat on the shelves with you, touching your spines & covers, casting a pall of depressive misery over your lives for so long. Forgive me, my little friends. I didn’t know! I swear I didn’t know! *sobs*


**NB: I’ve never read A LITTLE LIFE, which is supposedly one of the blackest holes in literature. I will not be trying it to compare. 😬

[The Inked Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Do you want to read something without any joy in it? This book is for you.

I've won this book through a giveaway on Goodreads and I'm grateful I was able to read it for free. Unfortunately, my gratefulness stops there.
Now, I won't judge the writing per se, but I will say it was a little bit confusing in some parts, jumping from one thing to another and I was like: "Wait, one second ago we were talking about this and now how did she end up here?" etc etc....

But the story...I'm gonna have to say a few things about this joyless read.
The story follows Hazel for two years (more or less) and when it ends she's just 14 years old. Now, when I read the back of this book it was clearly sold as a historical fiction based mainly on a romantic story. Now that I've actually read it, I would say that marketing this as a romance is a huuuuuuuuuge misunderstanding (and kind of offensive towards all the romance novels out there).

Two stars and not less cause it reads quickly.

From the very cruel beginning (which if you're pregnant as I was while reading this book I would say: DON'T READ THIS! PUT THIS BOOK DOWN NOW! TRUST ME!) to the following year and a half of Hazel's life this book is a cringe scene after the other...

Now, the following paragraphs could be considered "spoilery" so be aware....

I really disliked the way all the Tom thing was handled 'til the very end....I mean, after what he did to her, in the end, she considers to go away with him and she actually behaves towards him like what he did was nothing.???.. C'mon woman! (well, I should say: Very young girl) where is the respect for yourself? You go around all the book addressing everybody with your peasant language (accurate maybe but very annoying after a while...) and sharp tongue and then you cannot even say to him to go f**k himself?

Black Jack is not only very old for her (and remember she's 13\14 years old so yes, it gets creepy, not romantic!), but he also kind of refuses her for most of the book and she falls for him because....Who knows? At one point in the book she just says she loves him and that's it. How? Why? When? And more important: Are you nuts????!!! After that she just follows him around, he doesn't seem to care too much and he is actually trying to get back to his first wife so he can have his lands back........As I said: shittiest. love. story. ever......

I could analyze chapter after chapter of this book and write a whole page for each of them about what didn't work for me.

And the end.......I mean, not that I was expecting a great ending, probably not even a happy or decent one but this ending....Oh man. This ending was bad, probably worst even of the rest of the book.
I mean, after 300 pages I wanted to have at least some redeeming closure. But no, it was just miserable. I mean, what this book was supposed to give me? Not joy for sure, not even suspense or desire to find out what happened next. It didn't give me any emotion worth mentioning and it didn't make me cry. Was it suppose to disgust me? Oh, it did that all right!

[Susan Dexter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost every review of this title suggests it was come upon or acquired by accident, or in mysterious circumstances: I bought mine at a Friends of the Library book sale. I’ve just finished re-reading. This is a powerful book I have never forgotten—even when I could recall neither title nor author.
It’s not a jolly book. Not for the faint or tender of heart. Happiness in it is hard come-by, and fleeting at best. I do, though, seem to be a fan of the tragic ending: Wuthering Heights, Ursula LeGuin’s Rocannon’s World, the original ending of Cecila Holland’s Rakossy, Gillian Bradshaw’s In Winter’s Shadow. Nobody gets out alive, you know?
This is a world which is dirty, nasty, smelly, messy—and real. Uncompromisingly real. These characters live. They don’t know they’re made up.

[venla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sain tän kirjan tutun kirppistavaroista, en ehkä olisi muuten tarttunut tähän. Kannen, esittelytekstin ja markkinoinnin perusteella tää on Tudorien ajan Englantiin sijoittuva jännittävä rakkaustarina ripauksella yliluonnollisuutta. Yllättävän paljon toimintaa tässä kyllä oli, ja hauskojakin kohtia. Jostain syystä lainit "He shrugged philosophically" ja "Could this turbulent wench never stay where she was told?" nauratti ihan hirveesti.

Muttaaaa ei tää kyllä (hyvä) romanssi ole. Päähenkilö on 14-vuotias ja love interest sitten ainakin kolme kertaa sen verran. Hyi hele. Koko kirja oli vaan päähenkilön kokemaa traumaa trauman perään. Ja yliluonnollisuus jäi siihen, että noituudesta epäiltyjä vainottiin. Kerrontatyyli oli myös jotenkin sekava, ei aina ollut selvää kenen näkökulmaan nyt oli hypätty.

Harmi että tää oli näin surkea, koska kansi on kaunis ja gallows marriage -konseptista sais kyllä todella hyvän romanssin kirjoitettua.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books set in the Tudor period and this one is no exception. The author mentions Henry VIII and the dissolution of the monasteries but the book is more about ordinary people surviving in the late middle ages. It is absolutely haunting and the character of Hazel will stay with me forever. The tension of fighting for survival is tempered by the romance that runs through it but the book is authentically gritty - none of the romantic happy ever after ending in this case. I don't want to spoil the book by saying more but I found it fascinating and the attention to detail is second to none. A really moving book that will stay with you long after you finish the last page. I really didn't want it to end and even though I love this period, I found out lots about local customs and traditions that I didn't know before.

[gottalottie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great example of historical fiction - it is about a girl who is shunned her whole life (due to a physical quirk) as a witch in Tudor England. Realistically speaking, do you think this would be a happy story? Reviewers are upset that bad things happen to her, seriously? Like come on! It’s not romantic either, but it is deeply moving. Originally published in the 70s, I stumbled upon it while working in the library decades ago and I’ve never forgotten it.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Utterly depressing from beginning to end.

[Rabspur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction set during the reign of King Henry Viii, well researched, fast paced with a lot of interesting characters, felt sorry for the main character Hazel, down on her luck to put it mildly, this was a choice from our Book club and was glad I read it. I would recommend it no matter what your favourite genre may prefer.

[Marie Rouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second time I have read this book.

I remember reading it for the first time more than 25 years ago. Profoundly affected by the ending. Staring at the pages, not wanting to believe what had happened, then re-reading the final paragraphs, hoping the ending would be different.

An absorbing read. Character led, gritty and eventful.

You find yourself rooting for the strong-willed Hazel, a young girl fighting for survival during desolate times and trying to avoid persecution for witchcraft.

You question how Black John really feels about Hazel, his motives for being with her, but by the end you come to understand him and the lengths he will go to to protect her.

I can see why this book won the Georgette Hayer historical novel prize. To my knowledge, the author has only written one other novel. It is a shame she has not published more.

Gallows Wedding is one of those books and has an ending you will never forget.

[Donni Hakanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book in my earl teens and loved it. Almost thirty years have passed and I have not forgotten the main characters. I finally tracked down a copy and just finished it. Not often a book can reduce one to tears and Rhona Martin weaves such a spell. The story line is quite tragic and gut-wrenching, and I am guessing, authentic regarding the times of the 1500's. This book won the first Georgette Heyer Fiction award and deservedly so. If you are fascinated by the times of the witch hunts, or just love to immerse yourself in pathos, you would love this tale!

[Helen Hollick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel has been reviewed by Discovering Diamonds a new historical fiction review blog. Thoroughly enjoyable, the two major characters are ably supported by a number of 'road folk' whose actions and dialogue are all perfectly believable and the ending is [no spoilers!] let’s just say ‘unexpected’. A Discovered Diamond read!

[Anthonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about danger at every step and turn. This book delivers it all death, danger, facing issues, religion, faith, honor, loyalty, trust, love, and hope. A must read. I enjoyed reading this book.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book when I was fifteen and I've never forgotten it, a really good story.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhona Martin's "Gallows Wedding" is a haunting journey through Tudor England, weaving a tale of ill-starred lovers amidst the tumult of Henry VIII's reign. Set against a backdrop of religious upheaval, the story follows Hazel, a peasant girl marked by the stigma of witchcraft, and Black John, an outlaw aristocrat, as they navigate a world fraught with peril and brutality.

One of the most striking aspects of this novel is its unflinching realism. Martin immerses readers in a dirty, gritty, and authentically portrayed historical setting where life is precarious and happiness fleeting. The characters feel vividly alive, their struggles and sorrows palpable on every page. While not a tale for the faint of heart, "Gallows Wedding" captivates with its raw portrayal of human resilience amidst adversity.

The narrative's strength lies in its exploration of complex relationships and the harsh realities of survival. Hazel's journey, marked by tragedy and hardship, elicits both empathy and admiration for her unwavering spirit. Despite the bleakness of her circumstances, she embodies resilience and determination, making her a compelling protagonist.

While some readers may find the story lacking in joy, it is precisely this lack of sentimentality that lends "Gallows Wedding" its power. Martin doesn't shy away from portraying the harshness of life in Tudor England, resulting in a narrative that is both poignant and thought-provoking.

However, the novel is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the pacing uneven, with occasional confusion arising from abrupt shifts in narrative focus. Additionally, certain aspects of the romantic subplot may be divisive, particularly regarding the age difference between Hazel and Black John.

Overall, "Gallows Wedding" is a noteworthy contribution to the genre of historical fiction, deserving of recognition for its compelling storytelling and immersive historical detail. While not without its detractors, it remains a haunting and memorable tale that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

[Nessa’s Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gallows Wedding by Rhona Martin is a dark and captivating tale that transports readers to the turbulent times of Henry VIII, where love and survival are intertwined with danger at every turn. Warning, this is a heart-wrenching read that will make you cry. I know I did!

Martin Cleverly blends history and gothic romance to create a story that’s as unsettling as it is compelling.

Hazel, marked by a witches' brand and carrying the weight of her dangerous beauty, is an unforgettable heroine. Her love for the outlaw aristocrat, Black John, pulses with both passion and desperation, as they navigate a brutal world where death is a constant threat. Their love feels raw, wild, and doomed from the start, which adds to the tension that carries you through the book.

The historical setting of religious upheaval only intensifies their struggles, making each moment feel charged with both personal and societal stakes.

Martin's writing is both haunting and lyrical, pulling you into the dark, dangerous world that Hazel and Black John inhabit. The vivid descriptions of the harsh realities of peasant life, the ever present threat of the gallows, and the creeping sense of foreboding all work together to create an atmosphere that is rich with tension and mystery.

While the pacing can be uneven at times, the book's gothic allure and its fated love story more than make up for it.

The journey Hazel and Black John undertake is filled with tension and angst, but it's the emotional depth of their relationship, and the fierce loyalty they have for each other, that makes Gallows Wedding stand out.

This debut is a dark gem for fans of historical fiction with a twist of the supernatural. If you're drawn to ill starred lovers, eerie settings, and stories drenched in historical intrigue, Gallows Wedding is a must-read. Just keep in mind that this is not a happy read, but one that will rip your heart from your chest.


Thank you to the Publisher Romaunce for providing me with this beautiful title in exchange for an honest review.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

An earthy, gritty novel of witchcraft, desperation, and obsessive love, "Gallows Wedding" is the story of Hazel. Born into poverty in a superstitious village near Buxford, England, in the final years of Henry VIII's reign, Hazel loses family, home, and nearly her life by the time she's fourteen. What she doesn't lose is her will to survive, despite every degradation that life can throw at someone with nothing. When she comes in contact with Black John, an outlaw who has similarly lost his home, Hazel seizes at a chance for happiness—but happiness is not always possible when you have no power in the world. Full of gritty detail, an unsentimental tone and a pace that gathers as it rushes towards an unforgettable conclusion, "Gallows Wedding" is an extraordinary, memorable historical novel.

[Elayne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book many years ago and I find it hard to define my emotions about this novel. I've given it one star because I found it hard to rate it! Although I did enjoy most of the book, I felt anxious for the main characters and I absolutely hated the end. So for anyone who wants to read this book I won't give anything away, but my star rating is because of how I felt when I finished! Don't be put off by this, I'd be interested to know how it affects anyone else. Bearing in mind its a very long time since I read it, couldn't bring myself to read it again and am just now writing a (sort of) review!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This started out as a typical, slightly overblown bodice-ripper, so I settled myself down for a couple of hours of unchallenging if guilty pleasure. But it turned out to be much more interesting than that, and not at all as expected. It savagely inverted the plot of the 'traditional' women's historical romance in its treatment of love, parenthood, class and power, and this made it extremely hard to put down. Ultimately however, I found it a bit over-written, the characterisation unsubtle and the plot, with its numerous chance meetings and coincidences, wore my credulity paper-thin. So four stars for the subversion and bravura but only two for plot and execution.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book for the third time, it's one one of my favorite books. That being said, only read this book if you are prepared to have your heart broken, ripped out of your chest and stomped on repeatedly. It is dark and heavy and sad, but so so good. I have never read anything else like it. Something about the writing causes you to form a strong connection to Hazel and feel every heartbreak along with her. I recommend this book, but be prepared, it's not a happy story, enter at your own risk.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads Win Copy

A young girl with a witch birthmark watches her mom killed during childbirth. She learns to survive in the wilderness with the people she meets on the way.

She saves a man from being hang in the gallows by as marrying him. He is an outlaw who steals as they fall in love but their love is not easy as they struggle to be together.

Sweeping saga in King Henry VIIi days where witchcraft was feared.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gallows Wedding was a wonderful book, full of twists, love, intrigue, adventure and a surprise ending. I felt swept away in emotions as I read. The story follows a young girl, Hazel, on her life path. She was born with the sign of a witch and her parents tried to hide her and protect her. I highly recommend this book. It is very enjoyable and engrossing.

I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.

[Rebecca Kamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

The true measure of a really well written book with characters that feel like real human beings, is one that stays with you throughout your life and you never forget it or the people in it. I still remember how it moved me when I was a girl and I am now in my mid 50s. I can no longer read and long for this book to come out on audiobook so I can revisit the story that had so much impact on me, so long ago.

[Sara Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a book that i wasn't sure if i liked it while i was reading it. it is different from most books i have ever read. some of the characters grow on you, while others are disturbing. At the end you realize that it was a great story and you will always remember hazel.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Good Reads.

I found the subtitle "A dark novel of witchcraft and forbidden love set against the backdrop of religious upheaval in Henry VIII's times" the most intriguing idea. It is very well written, I enjoyed it very much....except for the end.

[Sheba Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

You should really want to read this! Highly intense, captivating; anticipation of what is going to happen next. Excerpt: “Do you want to tell the world where you are. She looked at him…It’s warmth, she faltered, protection…you have me.”

All I can say is wow!

[Lisa Chapmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book and found it really easy to read and really enjoyed the story of a young girl born with a witch birthmark. After seeing her mum killed it follows her life. Her encounters, struggles and happiness and you get easily engrossed

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book....if you haven't read it you are slighting yourself!

[Julie]

hated it dont even bother