This is an incredibly interesting historical fiction. You will not regret reading this novel!
I was skeptical of a book that was originally written in another language (German) and then translated to English. I had been concerned that it would be too literal, that certain turns of phrase would not read well in another language. I had been completely wrong!
Even after purchasing the book, I was undecided about reading it. I gave it the first chapter test. If after one chapter, I did not want to know what happened next then I wouldn't read on. Well... the beginning of the book pulled me in immediately! I wanted to know what happened next for Jacob Kuisl, the hangman's son, who witnesses his first beheading.
The book continues decades later. Jacob is now the hangman of his village. He is married and has a daughter and much younger twins. The physician's son frequents the hangman's home despite the fact that most villagers avoid even eye contact with him. Hangman were considered to be dishonorable, it was considered bad luck to cross path with one.
The plot unfolds after a young boy is pulled from the river with the mark of the witch on his shoulder. The midwife is blamed, but Jacob and the physician's son believe her to be innocent. Something shady is going on in the village. While most of the town would be happy to explain this tragedy and the others that follow away as witchcraft, Jacob wants to uncover the hidden secrets and let the truth speak for itself.
Read the story of the Hangman's Daughter, you will not be disappointed. Supposedly, Oliver Pötzsch intended for this to be the first novel in a series. Unfortunately, these tales have yet to be translated into English, but when they finally hit the American market, I'll be at the bookstore grabbing them up!
Coffeetable Conversation:
Have you read this book? How did you feel about it? Would you read the next in the series?
What book or books would you like to see reviewed here?
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