The Village Healer’s Book of Cures
England, 1646. Mary Fawcett, widow and caregiver for her eight-year-old brother, provides healing recipes for her village. Mysteriously, she is also able to feel what her patients are feeling—an ability she doesn’t fully understand. Suddenly, everything in her small world changes with the arrival of Matthew Hopkins, Witchfinder General. When a wealthy man, Henry Chamberlen, is found dead with strange symbols carved into his flesh, Matthew is quick to raise suspicion against Mary and her mentor, Agnes. As Agnes is jailed and put on trial, Mary must uncover the truth fast before she is next to face the gallows.
The author starts each chapter with a historical recipe, deftly setting the tone for what is coming. The various characters have secret connections and hidden motivations, which unknowingly put Mary and her brother in greater danger. The character of the witchfinder easily evokes communal fear; Hopkins twists the facts to fit his desire of prosecuting women. This is a harrowing glimpse into the torment many cunning women underwent, vividly explored as Mary feels her neighbor’s suspicions building against her.
As if that wasn’t enough suspense for readers, the plot goes beyond the witch hunts and delves into the uncertain realm of alchemy, similar in many ways to healing recipes. The author brings in the character of Robert, an alchemist literally scarred by his past, who assists Mary in uncovering the truth of Chamberlen’s death. It explores the obsession that concepts like the philosopher’s stone could arouse in people. Of note: there is some gore.
I highly recommend this book. The multiple plot threads keep tensions high, the plot twists will keep readers guessing, and the characters (both good and ill-intentioned) are nuanced and well-written. All this, along with its immersive historical details and a sprinkle of fantasy, have conjured up an entrancing read.
