The Hour of the Witch is a historical fiction novel written by Chris Bohjalian. Set in 1662 in the Puritanical colony of Massachusetts Bay, the story revolves around the life of Mary Deerfield, a young woman accused of witchcraft. Mary Deerfield is a deeply religious woman, married to an abusive husband named Thomas. After suffering years of physical and emotional abuse, Mary decides to file for divorce, a decision that is highly unusual and frowned upon in the rigid society of the time. As she fights for her freedom, she becomes the victim of small-town rumors and accusations of witchcraft. The novel explores the themes of misogyny, religious extremism, and the brutal reality of life for women in that period.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the acclaimed author of The Flight Attendant: “Historical fiction at its best…. The book is a thriller in structure, and a real page-turner, the ending both unexpected and satisfying” (Diana Gabaldon, bestselling author of the Outlander series, The Washington Post).
CHRIS BOHJALIAN is the 1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-three books, including Hour of the Witch, The Red Lotus, Midwives, and The Flight Attendant, which has been made into an HBO Max limited series starring Kaley Cuoco. But in a world where every neighbor is watching for signs of the devil, a woman like Mary a woman who harbors secret desires and finds it difficult to tolerate the brazen hypocrisy of so many men in the colony soon becomes herself the object of suspicion and rumor.
The novel explores the themes of misogyny, religious extremism, and the brutal reality of life for women in that period. As Mary navigates the chaos and danger that unfolds around her, she encounters various characters with conflicting motives and secret agendas. The author effectively highlights the hypocrisy and double standards prevalent in society through the characters' interactions and the events that unfold.
Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian: A Book Review
I checked “Hour of the Witch” by Chris Bohjalian out from my local library app on the 5th day I had Covid. I was too sick to hold a book, so I downloaded the audiobook and listened as I regained the strength to sit up in bed and hold a phone and book again. I’m going to fully recover, but even vaccinated, I had a terrible time of COVID-19. Listening to this book was a wonderful escape from a terrible sickness.
I’ve been a fan of Chris Bohjalian since my brother gave me a copy of The Double Bind for Christmas about 13 years ago. I really enjoyed the book, and throughout the last decade I’ve picked up a few books by this author and found them to be mostly good. I really enjoyed The Guest Room and The Sleepwalker. I read The Flight Attendant before it was a television series and I did not enjoy it, but it appears that a lot of people love the show so don’t let me discourage you.
I’ve always enjoyed books about the Puritans and early New England colonies. You generally know going into most of these books that the end is never a good one for the woman, who were believed to be inferior physically and intellectually and certainly subordinate to all men. Bohjalian captures the struggles and frustrations of women at the time, and this is what makes the book a good one.
Bohjalian's meticulous research is evident in the vivid description of the setting, giving readers a glimpse into the daily life, customs, and beliefs of the Puritans. The story also sheds light on the Salem Witch Trials, a dark chapter in American history, showcasing how fear and hysteria can lead to unjust accusations and devastating consequences. Despite the heavy subject matter, the novel offers moments of hope and resilience. Mary's strength and determination to survive and protect her young daughter make her a compelling protagonist. The author skillfully builds tension and suspense, keeping readers engaged and guessing until the very end. The Hour of the Witch is not only an enthralling tale of a woman's fight for freedom but also a timely exploration of themes that are still relevant today. It serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of intolerance and the importance of questioning societal norms. Chris Bohjalian's storytelling prowess makes this novel a captivating and thought-provoking read..
Reviews for "The Fan Community of 'Hour of the Wotch"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was not impressed with "Hour of the wotch." The story felt disjointed and had several plot holes that were never resolved. The character development was shallow and the dialogue seemed forced. Overall, I found it difficult to connect with the story or the characters, and it ultimately left me disappointed.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars - I found "Hour of the wotch" to be a confusing and poorly executed novel. The writing style was choppy and inconsistent, making it difficult to follow the storyline. The characters lacked depth and their actions often felt forced and unrealistic. Additionally, the world-building was lacking, leaving many unanswered questions. I would not recommend this book to others.
3. Ashley - 2/5 stars - "Hour of the wotch" was a disappointment for me. The pacing was slow and there were several instances where the narrative became unnecessarily convoluted. The lack of clarity in the story made it hard to maintain interest. Additionally, the relationships between the characters felt underdeveloped, causing a disconnect with the reader. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and not worth my time.
4. Michael - 2/5 stars - I was not a fan of "Hour of the wotch." The plot lacked originality and failed to hold my attention. The writing style felt amateurish and the dialogue was stilted. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to invest in their journey. Overall, I found the book to be predictable and uninspiring.