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The Witchfinder's Sister

Beth Underdown

Start date: September 1, 2017

Finish date: September 30, 2017

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Sep 27, 2017 Candi rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

"These last months, I have learned that the acknowledged history that belongs to the daylight, that is not the only history. Turn over the stone and you will find another history, wriggling to escape."

It is the seventeenth century in England, and while Civil War occupies the minds of both soldiers and citizens, one man has the opportunity to follow his own agenda without interference. Termed the Witchfinder, Matthew Hopkins has a list of names and scours the countryside of Essex and Suffolk in s "These last months, I have learned that the acknowledged history that belongs to the daylight, that is not the only history. Turn over the stone and you will find another history, wriggling to escape."

It is the seventeenth century in England, and while Civil War occupies the minds of both soldiers and citizens, one man has the opportunity to follow his own agenda without interference. Termed the Witchfinder, Matthew Hopkins has a list of names and scours the countryside of Essex and Suffolk in search of those accused of witchcraft. It is a time of suspicion and fear, and author Beth Underdown effectively conveys the tension through her skillful writing. This is a fictional story, but with roots embedded loosely in true accounts of the time. Matthew Hopkins was a real person, but it is unknown whether he in fact had a sister or not. In this novel, Alice Hopkins is both narrator and sibling to the witchfinder, and it is through her that we learn of a year full of accusations and darkness.

Alice has just returned to her hometown of Manningtree following her husband’s death. She, along with her unborn child, seeks refuge with her brother with whom she hopes to reconcile after five years of disagreement and silence. While Matthew quickly takes her in and provides shelter, Alice soon comes to realize that it will be at a great cost to her. Murmurs of a book of names as well as hushed gossip about certain women of the town swiftly reach her ear. Upon settling down at the inn where her brother currently resides, Alice learns that it is from these headquarters, so to speak, that Matthew conducts his loathsome business. Before long, Alice will be unwillingly induced to assist with his acts of questioning and testing the accused. "Suddenly I felt the low simmer of threat."

I can only imagine the terror of that day and age. In particular, if you happened to be a woman that was unconventional in any way, shape or form – independent, mentally unstable, promiscuous, or just plain eccentric – it seems you were not safe from being labeled as a witch. Perhaps your neighbor didn’t like you, or you gave another woman’s husband a second glance – witch! Through Alice, we also glimpse a piece of Matthew’s past. They were very close siblings at one point in time, with Alice likely being Matthew’s only real friend. Alice understood him and nurtured him; he depended on her devotion. But there is a secret lurking in the background as well, and Alice tries to put together small pieces of a puzzle that she never before questioned as being incomplete - until now. Perhaps she can make sense of the madness. Maybe she can convince Matthew to cease his accursed mission.

I thought that this was a very well-written, interesting piece of historical fiction. Underdown’s writing is suspenseful and engaging, and seemed to be a well-researched and realistic portrayal of the witch hunts of this period. The book is in no way melodramatic; rather a thread of unease and a haunting tone are woven throughout. This is not a gruesome, hide-under-the-covers sort of a read, but a chilling reminder of what can go wrong when paranoia, prejudice and abuse of power get into the minds and hands of misguided and wicked human beings.

"For it is a choice, I think, to close the heart, just as it is a choice to open it. It is a choice to look at what distresses you, and a choice to shut your eyes."
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82 likes · Like · see review

Sep 09, 2017 Tasha rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Eerie and creepy. I think this story gives a great feel of what it must have felt like to live during those times. The fear, uncertainty and the vulnerability these women must have felt comes through in this story.

9 likes · Like · see review

Oct 31, 2016 Kris (My Novelesque Life) marked it as to-read

Sep 16, 2017 Sharmon rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, 2017, rcc-selection

Feb 21, 2017 Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Jenn Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Schu marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

Nov 01, 2018 Amber K marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: witchy, horror

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