"Hour of the Witch" is a historical fiction novel written by Chris Bohjalian. Set in the 17th century, the story follows Mary Deerfield, a young woman in the Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony who finds herself accused of witchcraft. As a dutiful wife and mother, Mary tries to navigate the oppressive society and uphold her religious beliefs while facing false accusations and a hostile community. The book captures the intense religious fervor and paranoia of the time, as well as the position of women in the Puritan society. Mary's actions and choices challenge the restrictive norms of the era, making her a target for suspicion and condemnation. As she fights to prove her innocence, Mary's courage and resilience shine through.
“Absolutely riveting historical fiction that reads like the most pageturning of thrillers, driven by its compelling heroine Mary Deerfield, a young wife who finds the physical and moral courage to stand up for herself in a time when women could be hung as witches. Hour of the Witch is a woman’s story, a romance, a history lesson, and a legal thriller, all of a piece. I haven’t read a novel like it in recent memory, and I doubt that I will for years to come.”
—Lisa Scottoline
Bohjalian s smart stylistic choices ensure that the reader is well and truly transported back to 17th-century Puritan New England, and Hour of the Witch is a finely-wrought and emotionally-charged historical drama. But in the New World, where every woman is under suspicion for being a witch, her desire to escape her marriage may end up sending her to the gallows if she isn t careful.
As she fights to prove her innocence, Mary's courage and resilience shine through. The novel not only delves into the thrilling trial and its implications on Mary's life, but it also explores themes of gender inequality, patriarchal control, and the vulnerability of women in a society dominated by men. Bohjalian adeptly portrays the oppressive atmosphere and fear that permeated the era, emphasizing the fragile position of women and the dangerous consequences of deviating from societal expectations.
Hourof the witch book
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May 20Bohjalian's storytelling captivates readers, providing a compelling and suspenseful narrative that keeps them engaged till the very end. Through the protagonist's struggles, the author raises questions about the nature of justice, women's rights, and the power dynamics in society. "Hour of the Witch" is a thought-provoking and evocative novel that sheds light on a dark period in history while highlighting the enduring strength of women. It serves as a reminder of the importance of challenging oppressive systems and standing up for one's truth, even in the face of overwhelming adversity..
Reviews for "The Role of Fear in Hour of the Witch Book"
1. Jane - 2 stars - "I was really disappointed with 'Hour of the Witch'. The plot was predictable, the characters lacked depth, and the pacing was incredibly slow. The historical setting was interesting, but it felt like it was just superficially thrown in without adding much to the story. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and struggled to stay engaged until the end."
2. Mark - 1 star - "I cannot express how much I disliked 'Hour of the Witch'. The writing was convoluted and filled with unnecessary descriptions that dragged the story down. The protagonist was unrelatable and made decisions that were frustratingly illogical. The supposed twists and turns were anything but surprising, and I found myself skimming through the pages just to finish it. I regret wasting my time on this book."
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "I had high hopes for 'Hour of the Witch', but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The suspense promised in the synopsis was lacking, and the resolution felt rushed and anticlimactic. The historical backdrop could have been interesting, but it was overshadowed by a lackluster plot and forgettable characters. The potential for a gripping historical thriller was there, but it was not executed well in this book."
4. Tom - 2.5 stars - "While 'Hour of the Witch' had its moments, overall, it failed to fully captivate me. The plot had some intriguing aspects, but it lacked cohesiveness and was often confusing. The pacing was inconsistent, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. Additionally, the characters felt one-dimensional and lacked development. It had potential, but it ultimately fell short of my expectations."