I’m judging the L.A. Times 2020 and 2021 fiction contest. It’d be generous to call what I’m doing upon my first cursory glance—reading. I also don’t take this task lightly. As a fellow writer and lover of words and books, I took this position—in hopes of being a good literary citizen. My heart aches for all the writers who have a debut at this time. What I can share now is the thing that held my attention and got this book from the perspective pile into the read further pile.

“Because they knew. They knew what was out there in the wilds, and what was inside them that was, arguably, wilder still.” (5)

Absolutely fascinating historical fiction story of a woman in the 1600s who decides to divorce her abusive husband. This fast-paced books reads like a thriller. Another must read title from Chris Bohjalian.

Boston in the 1660s was a horrible time to be a woman. Because of the Puritan beliefs, your life and even your thoughts were not your own. This novel really makes the time period come to life with strong female characters and openly exposes the double standard between men and women. (And how much has changed in 460 years?) I loved that Mr. Bohjalian wrote this with all of the “thee’s” and “thou’s” intact—it greatly contributed to the feeling of time and place.

Thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Publishing for the ARC to read and review.

Mary is a devout Puritan woman married to a horrible, abusive, drunk of a husband. When he finally steps too far, Mary seeks deliverance from a culture who thinks women should have no voices and be obedient. Set just as witch hunting was starting to be a New England sport, this historical fiction reads like a thriller as Mary fights to survive her brutal marriage and the hysterical hypocrisy of witch hunting .
Bohjalian has another hit out of the ballpark with this one. Loved it.

Chris Bohjalian takes readers to Boston, Massachusetts in 1662 and 1663. Mary Deerfield, 24, the daughter of a prominent and well-to-do merchant, is the second wife of Thomas Deerfield. Thomas, 25 years older than Mary, has a married daughter, and owns a large gristmill. He is also verbally and physically abusive towards Mary, and has been since the early days of their marriage.

When the abuse intensifies in both frequency and severity, Mary decides to file for divorce, something almost unheard of in Puritanical America. The first half of the book tells of the events leading up to her petition for divorce, and the hearing. The second half of the book is about the events after the hearing. I can't divulge more without diminishing your enjoyment of the book.

The story is well-paced, intense, and captivating. It is fascinating to look back and be forced to face the reality of a woman's life in those times. A husband had virtually total control over his wife, "disciplining" her at will and as he saw fit, couching the often brutal abuse as fulfilling his responsibility to train her in the ways of the Lord to save her soul. Women who dared to speak up were punished privately and publicly, and often accused of being a pawn of the devil, or a witch.

A must read for lovers of historical fiction, early American life, feminism, witch hunt genres.

My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for allowing me to read a review copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.

Our country’s history is packed with stories. And while some of those stories are generally familiar, even those that we’ve dug deeply into time and again have new nuances waiting for us to explore. Take the Salem Witch Trials, for instance. It’s one of those vividly bleak moments in time with which the majority of Americans bear at least a passing familiarity.

But those trials, as horrible as they were, were not the beginning of the story. Those terrible acts didn’t take place in a vacuum, but were rather the culmination of a decades-long period of repression and hysteria.

Chris Bohjalian’s new book “Hour of the Witch” takes us further back, some 30 years before the horrors of Salem. It’s a look at one woman’s efforts to reconcile her religion and her beliefs with the pain and suffering – emotional and physical – inflicted on her by those around her. It’s the story of what it means to stand up for oneself, even in the face of a society that has little interest in protecting her.

Blending historical events with page-turning thrills, “Hour of the Witch” offers a propulsive and powerful tale of what can happen when a person who is pushed to the brink simply refuses to accept the status quo and pushes forward in a quest for justice – even if that person knows deep down that justice is almost certainly not forthcoming.

The year is 1662. The city is Boston. Mary Deerfield is a young woman of just 24. By all measure, she is a beautiful woman, the sort of woman who in most circumstances would not want for suitors. But while her family is wealthy, the truth is that in the midst of the strict Puritan religiosity of this corner of the New World, there are precious few suitable options for a match.

And so it is that Mary was married to Thomas Deerfield, a much older man. He was a widower – his first wife died after being thrown from a horse – but he was also a very successful miller, one of the more prominent businessmen in the community. And so, the match was made.

But behind closed doors, Thomas Deerfield is far from an upstanding citizen. For years, he has been emotionally and at times physically abusive toward his wife, all in the guise of “correcting” her flaws in the eyes of the Lord. Hiding behind the notion of godliness, Thomas makes Mary’s life an unending circle of misery.

One night, a drunken Thomas drives a three-tined fork – an item imported by Mary’s merchant father and viewed by some as ungodly – into the back of Mary’s hand. This grievous injury leads her to petition the local magistrates for divorce on the grounds of “cruelty,” or what we would call domestic violence.

If only it were that simple.

In a community where fear of God’s wrath triumphs over all and everyone is constantly on the lookout for signs of the Devil’s presence, someone like Mary, a woman who has the temerity to question her perceived betters, is going to become the focus of many suspicions. And there are plenty of people out in the world with agendas of their own – agendas for which they are more than happy to commit whatever heinous acts of deceit and treachery to achieve.

And so it is Mary Deerfield who is left to stand alone against a system designed to keep her and those like her in her place. She understands that her actions will have consequences, though she is unprepared for just how far-reaching those consequences might be.

“Hour of the Witch” is Bohjalian at his best. He’s drawing from real history while endowing it with his own propulsive storytelling touch. The resulting narrative is intense and intimate, allowing us into the headspace of a woman trapped by circumstance and searching for a path – any path – out.

Mary Deerfield is one of the most fascinating characters to spring from Bohjalian’s pen (and there have been a lot of them). His gift for crafting well-rounded and compelling female characters is a rare one; in Mary, we get a prime example. And in watching this intelligent and thoughtful woman struggle to find justice or peace in a culture where she’s not allowed either is both heartbreaking and incredibly engaging.

Bohjalian’s gifts as a researcher are front and center here as well. His ability to recreate this particular place, both in the nuts-and-bolts scene-setting and the cultural attitudes, is unparalleled – the reader is fully dropped into this world, left to be equal parts fascinated and frustrated by the myriad differences between that time and this one.

And of course, there is the prose. When Bohjalian is really cooking, there’s a kinetic energy to his storytelling that is unlike anything else in the realm of popular fiction. He brings a brightness to the page that illuminates the entire narrative, creating a powerful glow. But with light comes darkness, and the shine he creates also contributes to pockets of sinister shadow. It’s a combination that is ideally suited for telling a tale such as this one.

“Hour of the Witch” is another exceptional offering from Chris Bohjalian, one that features the hallmarks of his best work while also breaking new ground. Vividly realized thanks to solid research and captivating characterization, it’s a book that will likely prove difficult for you to put down. And once you’ve read the story of Mary Deerfield, well … you won’t soon forget it.

what a book! From the little I know the boo seems to be quite historically authentic. I shudder to think that people lived under those conditions, but then again, of you don't know any better. The book is riveting if stomach churning in spots. I would recommend it highly to all you want a really good book.

Absolutely fantastic!,,

Thus book grabbed me right at the beginning and kept me coming back for more and reading well past my bedtime!

Great story, great characters and told in a way that kept you on your toes. Have already told numerous co workers to pick this up!

I found this plot to be unique, refreshing and original. Bohjalian obviously did a great deal of research to ensure historical accuracy, which I appreciated. There aren’t very many books of this genre set in this time period. (The only other one I can think of his Beheld by TaraShea Nesbit). Whatever Bohjalian writes about, and he can boast a wide range of fiction, it works and thus is why he’s one of my favorite authors.

I am not one to usually enjoy books that are set before the 1800’s, but I couldn’t resist one of my favorite authors. So glad I branched out for this amazing story! Poor Mary....I imagine her story was somewhat common during those times, but that does not make it any easier to swallow. The gallows are always close for women who don’t conform. They must be a witch, right?

3.5 Stars

It’s 1662 in Boston. Mary Deerfield is twenty-four years old and is the second wife of Thomas Deerfield. Thomas is mean and a drunk. He is cruel to Mary and when he injures her by driving a fork into her hand, that is the last straw. Mary goes to the magistrate for a divorce, a rarity in the 1600s.

She goes to the trial for the divorce and when Devil- like objects are found outside of Mary’s home by her servant girl, her neighbors and friends start to question on whether or not she is a witch. All Mary wants is a life of peace, away from Thomas. Instead, she has to convince everyone that she is an innocent woman to escape the gallows and her husband is a very different man behind closed doors.

Let’s first start off by saying this is not a thriller. It’s more of historical fiction with an element of suspense. With that being said it was very slow and it took me a while to get into. Also, the dialogue between the characters was in Old English (“Thou art thou…”), which at first, I really didn’t like, but by the end of the book it didn’t bother me.

What I did like was Mary’s character, with it being the 1600s and women not having a voice, she wasn’t a conformist. She was a strong woman who spoke her mind. I also really liked reading about the time period and how the most mundane things were considered “devilish” (e.g., a fork with three tines). And the ending…it was perfect.

It you enjoy reading about the Puritan times and specifically about witch trials, this one is for you.

A huge thank you to Netgalley and Doubleday Books for an advanced copy in exchange for my review.

REVIEW • Hour of the Witch • thanks to the publisher for the eARC, all opinions are my own

Oof, this was a rough one for me. I thought it sounded like a super interesting book - a "historical thriller" set in 1600s Boston in the backdrop of the fears of witches among the Puritans. Let me say, I realize that it's not the author's fault that the book was marketed as a thriller, but given that was what I was expecting, this did not fit that bill at all. However, even if I hadn't thought it was a thriller, this book was just soooo s l o w. Basically the first half of the book was just what was in the jacket synopsis. I spent the entire book just waiting for something to actually happen, and then when there was a bit more in the ending, it fell way short for me. I also found the trial testimony quotes at the beginning of each chapter to basically take out any element of surprise we may have gotten at how things were going to go. Overall, this one just really missed the mark for me, but for those who are fans of the author or go in with different expectations, it may be a better fit.

I loved everything about this book! The suspense was great, but the story of one woman’s journey to freedom while facing superstition and a male-governed society is what makes the story.

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY: A young woman risks everything, including her life, in 1662 Massachusetts when she decides to divorce her abusive husband.

BRIEF REVIEW: Having grown up in Massachusetts where tales of witchcraft were plentiful, Hour of the Witch, felt very different. At the heart of the novel is Mary Deerfield, the 24 year old daughter of well-to-do Puritan parents and wife toThomas Deerfield, a widower twice her age. The couple has been married for five years and Mary has not been able to conceive. Thomas is a mean and physically, verbally and sexually abusive spouse and, Mary has the bruises to prove it which she has tried repeatedly to cover up. The worst of the abuse comes when Thomas has been out drinking. One night he drives a 3-tined fork through her hand breaking her bones.
One night he drives a 3-tined fork through her hand breaking her bones. Mary is determined to flee her five-year marriage by filing for divorce and heading back to the home to her parents.

The cards seemed stacked against Mary once testimony from witnesses is heard and evidence associated with witchcraft is introduced and used against her at a trial.

I loved the story and I especially loved Mary's character - a strong woman who was not afraid to take a stand and speak out against her prominent husband despite the risks and possible consequences of doing so at that time in history. The author did his homework and the story felt rich in period and historical detail but, I did have issues while reading this. The story itself was excellent but, I almost gave up early on because of the constant use of the Old English over and over again --- "Thy thou didst leave?" "Hast thou pondered?" "Doust thou sayest?" This really annoyed me and as a result the book took me much longer to read as once I put it down I was less enthused about picking it up again. I am glad I persisted, the payoff was worth it.

This would be a good book to discuss for book groups - the silencing of non-conforming women, public shaming, spousal abuse etc. I do recommend this book if you are not bothered by the writing style.


RATING: 3.5/5 stars
https://bibliophilebythesea.blogspot.com/2021/05/2021-75-hour-of-witch-chris-bohjalian.html

I absolutely LOVED this book. I was transported to the 1600s in Massachusetts. I was captivated from the first pages. Hour of the Witch is a totally different story than Salem witch trials. Mary Deerfield wants to divorce her husband something unheard of in those times. Chris Bohjalian really captured the essence of a woman in a difficult situation being in an abusive relationship and wanting out. There’s so much that can still be relevant today

Hour of the Witch


“Hour of the Witch”, a historical fiction novel, is set in Boston, Massachusetts in 1662, before the Salem Witch Trials. This was a period in which people were searching for signs of the devil. In this book, Mary Deerfield is married to Thomas, a widower twice her age. A very well respected man in his community, Thomas does not respect Mary.

She notices a pattern. Her husband drinks too much, comes home and hits her, sleeps it off and apologizes the next day. One day he stabs her with a fork but he is not drunk. In 1662, men are allowed to discipline their wives, but Thomas is a little too brutal. Mary has had enough and wants a divorce. I really grew to sympathize with Mary and her struggles.


The book’s time period is intriguing. The reader gets a feel for the traditions and lifestyle, especially when Old English is used in dialogue among the characters. Aside from the accurate depiction of the time period, it is a bit of a slower read while the book lays the groundwork for the story and historical setting. “Hour of the Witch” touches on how women were treated centuries ago.

The trials Mary underwent were tense but so interesting. I truly enjoyed this book and loved the ending. The “Flight Attendant”, another book by the same author, has been sitting on my shelf for a while. I think it is going to move up on my TBR.

Once again, Chris Bojhalian has written a book with an ending I did not even contemplate. His newest book Hour of the Witch opened up my eyes to so much New England’s heritage (including its name). I can’t decide if I am just appalled at how cheaply women were seen or just resigned to the knowledge.

Mary Deerfield is married to Thomas. In Boston in the year 1662, she is considered lucky in that they have a servant and enough money. Mary is also lucky that her father as an importer often can supply her with some luxuries to make the doom and gloom of a Boston winter more bearable. In reality though, Mary’s life is difficult. Thomas is difficult, especially when he drinks. He has in the past hit her causing bruising. He calls her names and demeans her. All this is done under the cover of night and is not witnessed by anyone.

Thomas’s cruelest act yet was to take a three tined fork and jam it into her left hand causing an open wound, severe bruising and broken bones. Mary left the next morning and moved back in with her mother and father. She was determined to divorce her husband as marriage is a civil union (not that of the church). So opens a story with twists and turns, threats of witchcraft and just plain horror.

To me, the book was an eye opener for many reasons. To name a few: forks being seen as items of the devil, the ease of accusing people, the distrust of any who are different, and the constant burden of being a woman - who is both barren and intelligent. I was also very disappointed in her family’s help. (You’ll understand when you get to that point in the book.)

I do not know why I presumed that the puritans in Boston were less callous and cruel than in other places but I did. The novel Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian is a well crafted, interesting and fascinating journey into the life and trials of Mary Deerfield.

"There were people in the world who were good and people who were evil, but most of them were some mixture of both and did what they did simply because they were mortal."

Mary Deerfield, a 24-year-old married Puritan woman, is accused of perfidy and witchcraft in Boston, 1662. Her husband, Thomas, beats her and taunts her but he crosses a line when he stabs her in the hand with a fork. When Mary attempts to divorce him, she finds that the men and women she lives around won't hesitate to condemn and malign her despite their professions of faith. Those righteous people will bully and accuse her of horrible things in order to justify their pitiful colonial lives. NO SPOILERS.

This novel was not a thriller, and it thoroughly made me furious at least once on every page. I can hardly stand to read about the treatment of Mary (and women) during that era. History tells us that many left England and Europe for the New World to escape religious persecution, but it seems that mistreatment came along with them and continued. What everyone really needed was freedom FROM religion and relief from the misogyny that was part of every women's life wherever she lived. The hypocrisy of the men was (is) astounding and, though I like to think things have improved over the last several hundred years, I'm afraid it persists in some hearts and souls to this day. Mary's life was horrible in my eyes and the injustices she faced are nearly intolerable to ponder. The way that religious beliefs are twisted, and when women are burned or hanged as witches, makes me wonder how much has really changed in thoughts and minds of those in powerful positions. All Mary wants is to escape a violent husband but there is no mercy to be found. Her disobedience must be punished and the men will stop at nothing to retain their authority.

Chris Bohjalian is a very talented author and I've read all of his books -- liked some more than others. He typically handles subjects that give the reader something to think about long after finishing the novels he writes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for this e-book ARC to read and review.

Thanks Netgalley for an early copy of Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian.
This book was different than I expected , although it was initially hard to get into I ended up enjoying this book. 3 1/2 staars

Mary is the second wife to Thomas. Thomas is not an easy husband nor is their marriage based on love. Thomas is an abuser. After Thomas breaks her hand with a fork, Mary decides to divorce him. In the 1600s…this is not easy.

Well! Chris Bohjalian has done it again. This is probably his best one yet! The time period, the setting, the history and OMG …the characters are just amazing!

There is so much captured in this novel. The cruelty is one that stands out. Not only between Mary and her husband, Thomas, but also between Mary and the church. The hypocrisy is another…How times have changed…and how they remain the same.

This is a story you will not soon forget! I am still thinking about it!

Need a book you can’t put down…THIS IS IT!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.