I have to be honest and say that I had never heard of sin eaters before this book. Woah. After reading I did a bit of further reading and was amazed and appalled all at the same time!
This book takes place in a fictional but very recognizable world. It's a time of kings and queens, and our main character is doomed to the life of a sin eater, a person who eats foods that are assigned to certain sins in order to absolve the dying of the sins. The sin eater is then the holder of those sins, freeing the dying to leave this earth unburdened by them. I really enjoyed this read, and was drawn into this well-designed and believable world. I empathized with the characters and loved the vivid imagery! Yes, it's a bit dark. Yes, it's not light or uplifting. But I will say, it's complex and thought-provoking and worthy of a read!

Atonement for one's sins comes not by way of a priest's blessings or forgiveness, but by the eating of specific foods. A Sin Eater leads an unusual life - when one is on his or her deathbed, the Sin Eater is summoned so that the dying might confess their sins and the Sin Eater puts together a list of foods so that the Sin Eater (and the family?) might eat away the sins so that the dying person can go to meet the Maker free of the burden of sins. For those who pass on before they can confess their sins, a general meal is prepared. But other than this one moment in a person's life, a Sin Eater is shunned and avoided. Touching a Sin Eater is bad luck. And except for the Sin Eater's prayer and requesting first a confession and then call for the foods, a Sin Eater does not speak.

Fourteen year old May, living in 16th Century England, is arrested for stealing some bread. She sits in prison for many weeks, having already seen the judge, and she watches others come and receive their punishments while she lingers behind bars. Finally her punishment is pronounced. She is to become a Sin Eater. Not knowing anything about how to become a Sin Eater, she goes to the home of a Sin Eater, shows the "S" brand on her collar marking her, and becomes an apprentice to an old, slovenly woman.

The pair are summoned to the Royal Court where they hear the confession of the former governess to the Virgin Queen and the older Sin Eater refuses to eat one of the confession foods and May is embroiled in a mystery of lies and murder within the Royal Court. But what can a Sin Eater, not allowed to speak, do about it?

I was not aware of the concept of sin-eating, but I realize now that this is an actual, historical concept. So at first I was thinking 'what a great concept for a story' but realized later that it was a great find for a story concept.

But the first third or so of this book was about this concept. Identifying our protagonist and being a sin-eater. The plot to the story doesn't show up until nearly half way through and by that time we think the story is about being a Sin Eater. It is not. It is about being privy to a dangerous secret at the highest level of society and how the lowest level in society can fight to avenge a wrong.

Author Megan Campisi's writing is luscious and the book is easy to fall into. Only two characters stand out - May, and the old Sin Eater - but there really aren't many others that get much page time.

The first half of the book was interesting and I looked forward to reading it. But the second half grew boring for me. That's the second half with the actual plot. I enjoyed reading this ... moderately well, but I would define this as a 'must read.'

Looking for a good book? Sin Eater, by Megan Campisi, is a historical fiction mystery that is worth reading for the beautiful writing, but the story slows it down.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

The concept of Sin Eater was fascinating and the story brought it to life. An excellent tale based on the roots of a dark, historical profession. Will be purchasing for the library's collection.

After several chapters I knew it would not appeal to my students and do not plan to purchase it. Thank you for the opportunity to read it for preview purposes.

I also tried reading this book multiple times. I read that first chapter at least three times, but I couldn't get into it. It just wasn't for me. That's why I waited so long to write a review. I hate to be negative. about someone's hard work.

2.5 stars rounded upward.

Sin Eater is a one-of-a-kind work of historical fiction, and I was invited to read and review it by Atria Books and Net Galley. Though other reviewers seem to appreciate it, I have a difficult time bonding with any part of it, and so eventually abandon it. I check out a copy of the audio version from Seattle Bibliocommons, but sadly, I find I don’t want to listen to it, either.

When I read historical fiction, I expect to learn something. The best of the genre are those that convey an event that actually occurred, and that are presented as fiction so that the author can add dialogue and an inner narrative. Historical fiction that is a bit looser, perhaps telling a story of an actual place, person, and time but adding elements that are fictional, perhaps because of gaps in what is documented, or even because the author just plain feels like it, are sometimes excellent if the characters are compelling and immediate, and the writing particularly strong.

When I accept the review copy of this novel, I do so partly because of this cover (though others have also been used,) but mostly because I am intrigued by the notion of a sin eater, and I want to learn more. However, the author’s notes tell me that there’s no information available about it, save for the phrase that popped up somewhere; what a disappointment.

Then there’s the plot, one that starts grim, then becomes grimmer, followed by a brief (very brief) flicker of hope, followed by persecution, death, and misery, misery, misery.

Campisi is a competent wordsmith, but the characters never gel for me, and maybe that’s just as well, since they are doomed. I am a passionate feminist, and the promise of that element is an additional lure, but in the end, I see no message that hasn’t been done elsewhere better.

If you consider yourself to be the sort of reader that might like this story, based on the promotional description, you may be right; but as a reviewer, all I can offer is my own take on it, and I cannot tell anyone that I am impressed, because I am not.

A new author to me and she writes a great book. The job of the sin eater is a thankless job and it is such a grizzly thing to have to do. Megan brought it to us in this book in a very interesting and mysterious way! Great job Megan! Thank you!

Bleak, stark, and full of subtle, simmering rage, Sin Eater is expertly constructed and beautifully written. Part coming-of-age story (á la Charles Dickens), part royal drama (it’s very loosely based on the court of Elizabeth I), part murder mystery (think a more grisly Agatha Christie), if you’re willing to sign up for the moments of grit and gore, this novel has something for everyone.

Sharp and shrewd, @megancampisiauthor weaves in feminist theory in a way that doesn’t disrupt the continuity of this historical fiction. Rather than letting the harsh reality of May’s life overwhelm the story, she incorporates stunning moments of compassion, tenderness, and beauty.

I had a really hard time getting through this book but it was still entertaining in the end. Obviously there were some pacing issues for me throughout. However, I did enjoy the premise and the way that Campisi built humanity into May, someone who hold this job that is "untouchable" in this world. Cool idea, wish the plot moved faster.

I've never heard of sin eaters before and I am blown away... And maybe that's why I wished the book was longer, I wanted to know MORE! Totally fascinated. Even so, I'm really impressed by this fictional take. I went into it blind and wasn't sure what to expect, but it was so different, and that alone kept me hooked.

I had high hopes for this book and I enjoyed it, for the most part. I really liked the alternate-universe style of Elizabethan England, and, in general the writing was good. However, the last 10% of the book (where the big plot twist, as it were, is revealed) made very little sense and really soured me on the book as a whole.

Venturing into a not oft-traveled genre for me, I picked up Sin Eater with it's historical 16th-century England setting and medieval vibes. The hook for me was the interesting main character and the author did indeed deliver the goods. May, caught stealing bread to survive, is punished by being branded a Sin Eater. Sin Eaters must listen to the final confessions of the dying and eat ritualistic foods that represent the sins the dying have confessed to so that they may be accepted by the Maker in heaven. This was a very interesting and fascinating story that focused on May and how she copes with this dramatic change in her role in society.

The mystery that is teased in the book blurb for this title does indeed play a part of the story as it drives the character through the plot, but I found myself much more interested in May's evolution as a character. The author does a wonderful job of putting on the main character's skin and letting us see on the ground level the brutal, unrelenting daily life the young woman endures throughout the novel. This is not a happy story. This story does not hold back in it's stark, raw outlook of life during this time period. No sudden reversals of bad fortune or miraculous happy ever after here. But, that's what made this book all the more interesting to read. The author doesn't ask you to suspend your belief for plot points such as the previous mentioned. Here is the story, this is how it is. I admired that. I also admired the growth of May and how she finds her footing in the brutal world she walks through.

If you like a medieval setting with a major focus on the daily trials of the main character who just happens to have an unusual role, this would be a pick for you. The murder mystery aspect of the story is not a major focus and is not spoken of as much as I thought it would be, but it is an extra element of the plot to enjoy. Interesting main character, moody atmosphere, satisfying ending. Would have liked more Country Mouse, but alas, twas not realistic, I understand.

I give this a 4 out of 5 stars. Kudos to the Sin Eaters for eating some food items that sounded terribly disgusting. I guess that was the least of their problems, to be honest.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC of this title.

What keeps me turning the pages of Sin Eater by Megan Campisi is the character of May herself - a fourteen year old who is on her own and relegated to a fate out of her control. Yet, she manages with courage and resilience, and that makes for an engaging fictional heroine. The concept and the fact of this oddity of history is the most fascinating aspect of the book. As Atlas Obscura calls it, being a sin eater was "the worst freelance gig in history."

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2020/01/sin-eater.html

Reviewed for NetGalley.

I tried to pick this one up two separate times and I just couldn’t get into it either time. Unfortunately I was only able to make it about half way before I gave up again. Thank you to the publisher for sending a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book is great! Would definitely recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Sin Eater is the story of May who is punished to become a Sin Eater after stealing bread, her responsibilities include listening to the confessions of those who are about to die and then eating various foods that are associated with the confessed sins. This was an actual medieval spiritual practice that ensured people will be absolved of their sins and granted passage to heaven as the Sin Eater took all these sins on. Because of this, Sin Eaters are outcasts – no one is allowed to touch them, speak to them unless it’s during a confession which definitely made May feel angry and isolated.
I had such huge expectations for this book - I was certain it would be a five stars read, but somehow it managed to let me down. My huge expectations came from its promising plot-line - the book focuses on May who becomes a Sin Eater after she's caught stealing some bread. A Sin Eater is a woman who eats the sins confessed by people on their death beds, basically taking those sins as hers and giving them free way to Heaven, unburden by what they've done. The Sin Eater is also not allowed to speak or be spoken to, nor touched - and only if they respect those rules, they can expect to go to the 'Maker'. As a consequence, this book has quite a few religious themes and also gets into history - the twist is related to Queen Elizabeth I and some rumors about her. I thought it was a bit clumsy how this book was obviously about Elizabeth I and different people from that era, yet the names were changed (but still very similar to the real ones) in an attempt to make it obvious that it's a fictional story. I also had some issues with the pacing, I was very intrigued by the first half of this book, but gradually lost interest in it as things started getting repetitive with May doing the same things all over again.
The plot-lines were definitely intriguing, but the execution was lacking.

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this so much. I really enjoyed this so much. Such a flawless easy read.

This was an easy read! I blew right through it.
I loveee the cover! It is absolutely GORGEOUS! I really loved all the subplots!

Thank you kindly to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this review copy.

I always hesitate to pick up a fantasy book. Sometimes they work for me, but more times than not, they don't.

I'm happy to say, this one did work for me! Dark and twisted, it was so well-written that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Even though the gore factor was high, it was still such an intriguing read!

I didn't realize there was such a thing as a sin eater - and I feel for the people that were forced into this lifestyle. At times, Campisi made me feel like I was experiencing this story firsthand; her writing was incredible!

This isn't normally the type of book I would recommend, but Campisi presented a unique story that is quite compelling!

Life was harsh in the 16th century, and it was even more harsh for sin eaters. Shunned, despised, feared, it was a lonely, despairing life for those condemned to the life of a sin eater. As way of background, sin eaters aren’t fictional - they were people (in this book, women) who consumed a meal in order to spiritually take on the sins of a dying person, thus the sins of the dying were absolved. There are specific foods to be eaten for specific confessed sins. It was believed that sin-eaters took on the sins of all people whose sins they had eaten, and were therefore condemned to hell to be with the original sinner, Eve.
This book is alternate historical fiction - there are many parallels to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (the Virgin Queen) but the names have been changed (to protect the sinners?). Our sin eater is May Owens, who at 14 is convicted of stealing bread and sentenced to become a sin eater. When she believes her sin eater mentor has been murdered she’s determined to find who killed her. It’s truly a harsh, dark life that May lives and Campisi describes. This is an atmospheric book filled with characters both at the top and the bottom of the social ladder. May hears all their sins. There’s no joy in this life - every person she comes across in the fulfillment of her duties is having a very bad day. But while May might be uneducated, she’s intelligent and resourceful, and manages to carve out something of a life for herself. It’s this journey that Campisi takes us on.
It’s difficult for me to rate this book - I didn’t love it, yet I did find it compelling, and I wanted to know what would become of May. I listened to much of it, and the narration was excellent, so I’ll round up what would be a 3.5 for the book alone to a 4 with the narration bonus points. (And in honestly, I realize that in a year other than 2020, during election season, I may well have enjoyed it a good bit more.)
My thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

This is really good, although from the description I thought it was going to be more fantasy, it was historical fiction. I enjoyed it and the mystery was great, I think I would’ve just liked it if they’ve been a little fantastical element to it