Review: ‘The Manningtree Witches’ by A. K. Blakemore
England, 1643. Puritanical fervour has gripped the nation.
In Manningtree, depleted of men since the Civil War began, the women are left to their own devices and Rebecca West chafes against the drudgery of her days. But when Matthew Hopkins arrives, asking bladed questions and casting damning accusations, mistrust and unease seep into the lives of the women.
Caught between betrayal and persecution, what must Rebecca West do to survive?
REVIEWED BY GABBY HUMPHREYS (@HUMPHREADS)
The Manningtree Witches is how it sounds; it’s a book telling the story of some witches in Manningtree. To be a little more specific, these ladies have not claimed themselves as witches. Instead, they have been accused by self-proclaimed witch hunter, Matthew Hopkins. It’s the 1600s too so you really do not want to be accused of this. With this year comes a really great method of testing accusations. That is to examine one’s body and see if they have any moles or freckles, which sets the tone of how much power these ladies have.
The 1600s also brings a charming, folky style of language that almost feels like a bed-time story narration. Language is bouncy and rhythmical, but just the right amount. I say that as somebody who struggles with classics due to their flowery riddles, but really approves of this book. Let’s look at the opening, for example; ‘A hill wet with brume of morning, one haw berry bush squalid with browning flowers. I have woken up and out on my work dress, which is my only dress’. See. I told you – delicious.
The themes covered in this book are also top notch. We’re obviously talking about a lot of feminist topics due to the Manningtree supposed witches being all female. Ageing, motherhood, dating, virginity, sex, rape. That’s all covered. Then there’s poverty, classism, imprisonment and lots of reflections on death.
As you’ve probably picked up, this is not a happy book in terms of its plot. But, and I might sound a little mad saying this, it’s one I enjoy a great deal. It’s slow-paced and sombre tone make it peaceful and comparable to an all-time fave; I Who Have Never Known Men. I must say, as with all slow burners, this book requires patience. The first third of the book is pretty much just setting the scene, then comes action, and then, comes ACTION. This is me officially telling you to stick with it because The Manningtree Witches is an exceptional read.