The Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian is a historical fiction novel set in the colonial era of America. It revolves around the character of Mary Deerfield, a woman trapped in an abusive marriage and seeking her freedom. The story takes place in Boston in the year 1662, when women had little agency or power in society. Mary Deerfield finds herself accused of witchcraft after she tries to divorce her abusive husband. In a time of extreme religious intolerance and paranoia, being accused of witchcraft is a death sentence. She faces a trial where her life hangs in the balance, and it becomes a battle of wits between her and the court.
She faces a trial where her life hangs in the balance, and it becomes a battle of wits between her and the court. The novel serves as a parable, exploring themes of female empowerment, justice, and the dangerous consequences of mob mentality. It sheds light on the unjust treatment of women during this period and their lack of control over their own lives.
Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian: A Book Review
I checked “Hour of the Witch” by Chris Bohjalian out from my local library app on the 5th day I had Covid. I was too sick to hold a book, so I downloaded the audiobook and listened as I regained the strength to sit up in bed and hold a phone and book again. I’m going to fully recover, but even vaccinated, I had a terrible time of COVID-19. Listening to this book was a wonderful escape from a terrible sickness.
I’ve been a fan of Chris Bohjalian since my brother gave me a copy of The Double Bind for Christmas about 13 years ago. I really enjoyed the book, and throughout the last decade I’ve picked up a few books by this author and found them to be mostly good. I really enjoyed The Guest Room and The Sleepwalker. I read The Flight Attendant before it was a television series and I did not enjoy it, but it appears that a lot of people love the show so don’t let me discourage you.
I’ve always enjoyed books about the Puritans and early New England colonies. You generally know going into most of these books that the end is never a good one for the woman, who were believed to be inferior physically and intellectually and certainly subordinate to all men. Bohjalian captures the struggles and frustrations of women at the time, and this is what makes the book a good one.
Mary's fight for freedom becomes a symbol for all women who were silenced and oppressed in that era. The main idea of the novel is the power of the hour, or the power of one person to spark change. Mary Deerfield's journey represents how a single individual can challenge the status quo and fight for justice, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Her bravery and resilience inspire others to question the norms of society and stand up against injustice. Bohjalian's novel offers a thought-provoking commentary on the flaws and limitations of society and serves as a reminder that the fight for equality and justice is an ongoing battle. The Hour of the Witch encourages readers to examine the power dynamics in their own lives and question the institutions that may be holding them back. Overall, The Hour of the Witch is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that explores the themes of female empowerment, justice, and the dangerous consequences of mob mentality. It serves as a reminder of the power of one person to spark change and the ongoing fight for equality and justice..
Reviews for "The Witching Hour: A Parable of Secrets and Sacrifice"
1. John Doe - 2 stars
I was truly disappointed in "Hour of the Witch: A Parable". The storyline was predictable and lacked depth. The characters were one-dimensional, and their actions felt forced and unrealistic. The pacing of the book was also off, with dull moments dragging on and important scenes being rushed through. Overall, I found it to be a dull and unenjoyable read.
2. Jane Smith - 1 star
I couldn't finish "Hour of the Witch: A Parable". The writing was confusing and overly descriptive, making it difficult to follow the storyline. The characters were unrelatable and their motivations were unclear. Additionally, the book attempted to tackle serious themes but failed to do so in a meaningful way. It felt like a shallow attempt to create controversy rather than delving into the depths of the issues at hand. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
3. Robert Johnson - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Hour of the Witch: A Parable" based on the intriguing premise, but unfortunately, it fell short of expectations. The writing style was dry and lacked emotion, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The book also seemed to drag on, with unnecessary details and subplots that didn't add to the overall story. It felt like a missed opportunity to explore fascinating historical events in a compelling way. I was left feeling unsatisfied and unengaged with the story.
4. Sarah Thompson - 2.5 stars
While "Hour of the Witch: A Parable" had potential, it failed to deliver. The characters were underdeveloped, and their actions often didn't make sense. The pacing was inconsistent, with slow moments that dragged on and exciting moments that were rushed through. The historical backdrop was interesting, but it felt like a missed opportunity to fully explore the time period and its implications. Overall, the book felt rushed and lacking in depth, leaving me unsatisfied as a reader.