Lead Review (The Plague Charmer)
- Book: The Plague Charmer
- Location: Porlock
- Author: Karen Maitland
This is immersive historical fiction novel, plunging the reader into the atmospheric setting of 14th century England (Porlock Weir, Somerset) during the Black Death, which is passing through the country for the second time. With vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to historical detail, the author successfully transports readers to a time of fear, superstition, and impending doom.
It is set in the small village of Porlock Weir and the reader is immersed into the lives and struggles of several characters, looking out for their own interests. The plot line is cloying and dark.
There is no doubt that the research is thorough and at the back of the book are historical notes, riddles pertinent to the era and a glossary. At the beginning there is a map is sketched out. The story and development can feel a little slow at times, as the characters cleave their way through extraordinarily difficult times.
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