Back in the early days or in this case 1648 women were defined by their husbands; women didn't have the platforms they now have to voice their opinions against injustices.
This is one of the main reasons Philippa Gregory tackled this subject matter with regards to how far we've come but I would dare note how far we still have to go.
For example:
“The tutor requested a companion for Master Walter,’ he went on urbanely. ‘I suggested your boy. This comes to you as a favour from his lordship, to help you since your husband is missing. This is what it is to serve a good lord. Remember it.’ She dropped a deep curtsey. ‘I’m very grateful.’ He gave her a hard look. ‘If anyone asks, you will tell them that his lordship is generous to poor tenants.’ She dipped a curtsey again. ‘Yes, Sir. I know, Sir.’ She turned and walked to the lich-gate with Alys on one side of her, Rob on the other. The two women, mother and daughter, kept their eyes on the ground, and their white capped heads bowed, the picture of submissive obedience. ‘He doesn’t know about the rabbit then,’ Alys said with satisfaction.”
Many probably still feel that women can't accomplish anything being single or with child or children.
How often as a single parent am I myself asked where the father is and why I don't currently find myself someone to attach myself upon.
It's revolting and disgusting because of the movements and revolutions and current placement of women in all walks of life yet the issues are still at the front.
I will note I absolutely loved these well orchestrated set of characters who completely took this book by storm and went off in their own directions.
Alinor and her children are enamored in their surroundings off the South coast of England.
The mother is a healer using medicinal herbs while the father is missing or shall we say he abandoned his family and called his wife a whore.
In other news, we have a family struggling to get by until a priest crosses their paths in more ways than one.
In fact, upon a new revelation of bringing in new life to the world, we are introduced to another soul crushing blow.
It appears that Alinor is believed to be a witch and has been put through the mill -literally and figuratively resulting in almost sudden death.
That was the marker at which I felt the tide shift as it became no longer a story about poverty, injustices, or even single parenting but now it became a novel about life and death and the collapse of women having a voice after being silenced through fear, intimidation, humiliation, and threats.
I'm a fan of strong feminine characters and I cannot fathom all this dowry for marriage, being sold off, and being complacent in a marriage especially to someone who seeks to harm.
It was quite an eye opener as it was very well written with substantial twists and turns and a book that I hope brings upon discussion for years to come.
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