Title: Wakenhyrst
Author: Michelle Paver
First published April 4, 2019
368 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781789540604 (ISBN10: 1789540607)
Rating: 3.88
Overview
Wakenhyrst, the latest offering from Michelle Paver, is a spine-chilling tale of mystery and imagination. Set in Edwardian Suffolk, the story follows Maud, a lonely child growing up under the strict and repressive rule of her father.
When her father discovers a painted medieval devil in a graveyard, a malevolent force is unleashed, and Maud finds herself thrust into a world haunted by witchcraft and the ancient legends of her beloved fen. As she battles to survive against the demons of her father’s past, the story takes us on a journey spanning five centuries, exploring themes of murderous obsession and one girl’s longing to fly free.
With shades of Mary Shelley and Bram Stoker, Wakenhyrst is a modern gothic masterpiece that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
About the Author
Michelle Paver was born in central Africa and moved to England as a child. She followed a path into biochemistry by earning a degree from Oxford University and later became a partner in a city law firm.
However, her passion for animals, anthropology, and ancient history led her to leave the law firm and pursue writing as a full-time career.
Her Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series has been a tremendous success, and it originated from an unforgettable encounter with a large bear in a remote valley in southern California. To write her books, Michelle has traveled extensively to Finland, Greenland, Sweden, Norway, Arctic Canada, and the Carpathian Mountains.
During her travels, she has slept on reindeer skins, swam with wild orca, and come face-to-face with polar bears and wolves. Her love for adventure and exploration has undoubtedly influenced her writing and captivated readers worldwide.
Editoral Review
Michelle Paver’s “Wakenhyrst” is a thrilling Gothic tale that transports readers to the heart of the English countryside in the early twentieth century. Published on April 4, 2019, Paver’s novel explores a range of complex themes including madness, obsession, and the supernatural, all while drawing inspiration from the traditions of classic horror and mystery genres.
The plot follows the story of Maud Stearne, a young woman living in a remote manor house with her father, a reclusive scholar with an obsession for medieval art. As she uncovers the secrets of her family’s past, Maud must confront the demons that haunt her father’s mind and threaten to destroy their entire family.
Paver’s writing is masterful, drawing readers in with her vivid descriptions of the eerie landscape and haunting atmosphere of the story. The pacing is slow and atmospheric, building up the tension gradually until it reaches a chilling and satisfying climax.
The characters are complex and fully fleshed out, with each one having their own motivations and secrets that drive the story forward. Maud, in particular, is a fascinating protagonist, whose journey touches on themes of identity, family, and the dangerous allure of the arcane.
One of the strengths of Paver’s novel is its historical accuracy and attention to detail. The story is set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing England, with references to real-life events such as the suffragette movement and the rise of spiritualism.
This adds depth and richness to the story, giving readers a sense of the time and place in which the events unfold.
However, one of the weaknesses of the novel is that it can be slow-paced at times, which may not appeal to readers looking for quick-paced thrills.
Additionally, some of the supernatural elements may be predictable or familiar to readers who are well-versed in the horror genre.
Overall, “Wakenhyrst” is a haunting and spellbinding novel that will leave readers grasping for answers until the very end.
It is a must-read for anyone who loves Gothic horror or historical fiction, and it is sure to satisfy those looking for a story that is both well-crafted and deeply engaging.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
