The Hemlock Cure: "A beautifully written story of the women of Eyam" Jennifer Saint, author of ARIADNE

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I was hoping so much that Mae would make it through the plague and away from her father and I have whizzed through the last chapters as I had to know the end. Of course I can’t tell you but you will find out when you read the book. The writing is rich and beautiful and I liked the fantastic descriptions of the healing arts employed at that time, from herbal draughts to bezoar stones. The smells, flavours, flora and potions transport you to this tiny village in the darkest of times. An interesting history of apothecary and witchcraft interspersed with family loyalty and friendship. I really enjoyed the relationship between Mae and Isabel - they had such a connection from the time of Mae’s birth and I loved how they supported eachother. The relationship between Mae and her father was more difficult to read about though - his thoughts on women generally, including his daughter, were harsh and controlling. Isabel Frith, the village midwife, walks a dangerous line with her herbs and remedies. There are men in the village who speak of witchcraft, and Isabel has a past to hide. So she tells nobody her fears about Wulfric, the pious, reclusive apothecary.

The Hemlock Cure | Book by Joanne Burn | Official Publisher

In the autumn of 1665, a delivery from London of clothing and cloth arrived at the tailor’s house in Eyam, bringing with it rat fleas and the bubonic plague they carried. Within a few days, the tailor’s journeyman, George Viccars, had fallen ill and died. As the disease spread steadily from house to house, the wealthier villagers were able to escape, having other homes to flee to. But tenant farmers, lead miners and labourers had nowhere else to go, and couldn’t afford to leave their livelihoods behind.

An intricate, detailed and beautifully written story of the women of Eyam. It's vivid and poetic, powerfully building tension as their secrets unravel.” This book also follows Isabel and Johan who know something is wrong with Wulfric (Maes father) and that Mae is in danger. When the plague hits their village, Mae's father, the apothecary becomes more powerful. Mae tries to be helpful, but despite her keen intellect, she is limited by her gender. During the story we are also introduced to Isabel, the local midwife who feels a strong attachment to Mae. As Isabel was Mae’s mothers friend she too feels protective of her and is constantly worried for her safety. As a woman in the 1600’s though there is little she can do without causing too much distress on her own family. I adored the relationship between these two women and it was my favourite part of the story.

Hemlock | The Wildlife Trusts Hemlock | The Wildlife Trusts

Mae lives alone with her father, the village pharmacist, in the English town of Eyam after her mother and sister Leah both died. Mae’s father Wulfric is strict and doesn’t know that his daughter is secretly visiting Isabel, the village midwife. Isabel was Mae’s mother’s best friend and does not trust Wulfric at all. She has even been branded a witch by him. And then the plague threatens to come to Eyam… I could not help but feel for Mae throughout the story. I was constantly worried what was going to happen to her and did not trust her father at all. At points I was almost scared to read on for fear of Mae’s life! This was a slow burning read where all the small events lead up to a dramatic finale. I kept hoping and praying that Mae would finally be free of that dreadful home but I hadn’t quite imagined events to unfold as they did. It also focusses on the tensions that have been created by the plague. The distrust, and the sense of hopelessness. Not sure if or how you should help your neighbours. When Mae makes a horrifying discovery, Isabel is the only person she can turn to. But helping Mae will place them both in unimaginable peril.Meanwhile another danger is on its way from London. One that threatens to engulf them all. . . When Mae makes a horrifying discovery, Isabel is the only person she can turn to. But helping Mae will place them both in unimaginable peril.While I believe this book was marketed as “female friendship” to survive, I found this was much more of a lesser theme to this book. I found most of this was book was about Mae’s independence and actions, as well as her interactions/issues with her father. Dig out all the plant(s), including the long taproot, (alternatively, glyphosate treatment can be used to eradicate the plant).