You will not regret reading this novel

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑  The Mercies is a beautifully constructed novels but also, in parallel, it holds the distinction of being one of the most brutal, too. This story of the women of Vardo, a remote Norwegian fishing village set in the 1600s, is a real test of fortitude. After a freak storm kills all 40 able-bodied adult men, the women must fend for themselves. It goes pretty well for them until trouble raises its ugly head in the form of newly arrived commissioner, Absalom Cornet, who begins his hunt for witches. In this instance 'witches' seems to mean any capable woman who does not fit within the social constructs as set out by the Christian leaders of the time. This time period must be a painful one in Norway's history as this was only the start of many innocent women losing their lives in horrific ways.

In the Mercies we follow Maren Magnusdatter a young woman who was engaged to marry one of the men who died in the storm. She also lost her father and brother leaving her to manage her elderly, cantankerous mother, her Sami sister-in-law and her young nephew, Erik. Things change dramatically in Vardo with the arrival of commissioner Cornet and his new wife, Ursa. Ursa has her own story to tell and is relieved to make friends with Maren as both navigate the treacherous waters of the village.

I could not read this lyrical book fast enough. The sense of time and place kept me transfixed as the story unfolded. I felt pride for the women as they found their way without the help of men and felt horror as they were tortured for their free will and ability to get on with traditional male tasks. The blooming friendship between Ursa and Maren was a balm during the difficult time but led them down a path they could not foresee. My heart was in my throat as I read the last quarter of the novel. Thoroughly shocking but captivating all the same. A brilliant book!