38 pages • 1 hour read
Kiran Millwood HargraveThe Mercies
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, published in 2020, is a historical fiction novel set in a 1618 Norwegian Arctic town after a storm kills the town's men, leaving the women to rebuild. As imperialist forces impose laws and start a witch hunt, Ursa, the wife of a Scottish commissioner, forms a deep bond with Maren, a local woman, challenging societal norms and exploring themes of mob mentality, gender roles, and fear. This book includes sensitive topics such as witch hunts, executions, and violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Kiran Millwood Hargrave's The Mercies impresses with its atmospheric setting and rich historical detail, immersing readers in a 17th-century Norwegian village. Critics praise its compelling characters and vivid prose, though some find the pacing slow at times. Overall, it's lauded for its emotional depth and exploration of themes like suspicion, power, and resilience.
Who Should Read The Mercies?
Fans of historical fiction like The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton and The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman will be captivated by The Mercies. With its gripping tale of survival, complex characters, and atmospheric setting, it appeals to readers who appreciate richly detailed narratives and powerful emotional storytelling.