The Wise Woman: A Novel by Philippa Gregory
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Book Reviews of The Wise Woman: A Novel
Book Review: Good Plot, Bad Characters, Awful Ending, Altogether... Eh, 2 1/2 Stars
Summary: 3 Stars
I love Philippa Gregory, but this, not so much. Granted, it's one of her earlier books, but I don't understand how such a talented writer suddenly produced this train wreck.
First, let's talk about anti-heroines. I'm a not a huge fan of Gregory's WIDEACRE, but Beatrice Lacey was an excellent anti-heroine. Alys is no Beatrice Lacey, and not, in my opinion, a very effective anti-heroine, either. And unlike Beatrice (or a more famous anti-heroine, Scarlett O'Hara), Alys does not inspire hatred or even deep dislike in the novel's readers, which is what a good anti-heroine should do. Instead, Alys leaves you somewhat irritated and incredulous at her sheer stupidity. The reader can plainly see that her choices throughout the novel do nothing but cause damage to herself, and Alys seems to be completely blind to her own folly. She's not smart, cunning, crafty, shrewd; she's not anything a good anti aspires to be. She's just stupid and greedy and annoying. I don't mind it when main characters are selfish or malicious or spiteful, but I cannot abide annoying characters.
None of the other characters are particularly likable either. Again, I will reference WIDEACRE and say that at least that novel had its share of likable supporting characters. In fact, reading this novel makes me appreciate Wideacre much more than I did before, and you know there's something wrong if WIDEACRE suddenly starts looking good to you. Alys is surrounded by people who are just as off-putting as she is. Lady Catherine is revolting, so pathetic that she's not pitiable (though, in fairness, that might have been Gregory's intent). Hugo is a confusing character, one who seems to be dominant and cruel and powerful at the beginning of the novel, but becomes nothing more than an empty character as the book moves on. Morach was colorful, but, again, as the book wore on, her actions became puzzling as well. Hildebrande was strangely grating, and her pretense of motherly love seemed like some sort of cruel irony to me. Not convincing.
However, the book does have its strong points, as well, because despite these God awful characters, Gregory somehow manages to keep the story interesting. You still find yourself wanting to find out what happens, and THE WISE WOMAN's macabre setting is perfect for horrific suspense. The whole story has a feeling to it that I can't quite explain, something sort of like suffocation, as if the reader is in a claustrophobic space during the entire read. That sounds terrible and depressing, but it's actually a perfect setting for the story. The passages about witchcraft are especially engrossing, and I only wish there was more magic and less Alys in this story. The story's ending is a disappointment, as it leaves some loose ends and is, in general, absurd. I had the sense, even as I was reading the last paragraphs, that the ending was a little too melodramatic for my taste.
If you don't mind being stifled in darkness for a while, and you think you can put up with Alys, rent this novel from your local library if you can (mine didn't have THE WISE WOMAN in stock, or I would have). But the ending will surely disappoint, the characters are unconvincing, and you'll find yourself not really caring what happens to them. THE WISE WOMAN is not a terrible story, but you need a will of steel not to become aggravated with it.
Book Review: Admittedly a 'page turner'
Summary: 3 Stars
"The Wise Woman" is a far cry from some of Philippa's other, first rate historical novels, but indeed can hold one's interest. I found myself eager for the next chapter to see what Alys' turning point or fate would become. Unfortunately, there was no resolution - and Alys is not a 'wise woman' by any standard.
Whether this was intentional or not, the book's over-riding theme was how a desire for power, with ample doses of envy and avarice, leads to overwhelming hatred. Alys is a sympathetic figure at first - a teenager, used to the life of an abbey where she was safe, contented, and under the wise guidance of a superior whom we shall see is highly learned, loving, and of impeccable ideals. One can see Alys' fear and confusion, in an era where the life for which she was bred has become treason. Mordach, the 'wise woman' whose path is very different from that of the abbess, yet who is compassionate, dedicated, and loving in her own way, has been the closest equivalent Alys had to a mother before she entered the abbey - and one can equally sympathise (at first) with Alys' repugnance at returning to Mordach's cottage in desperation, though she initially intends to keep her vows and return to monastic life.
However, sympathy for Alys cannot last long. Without providing spoilers, I shall comment that her scheming, overwhelming jealousy, and eventual evil which rejoices in others' grave misfortune (even murder) seems demonic as the plot progresses.
There are many sexual references - degrading and manipulative rather than in any way romantic or affectionate. The only two characters who are indeed wise, poles apart though their approaches are, remain Mother Hildebrande and Mordach, and Alys is the cause of their destruction. Every other character is a power hungry, deceitful sort, and there is no sense of any humanity in most. Though there are references to the Tudor era which are basically valid, the changes in religious approaches actually have little to do with the novel's action, save by indirect reference. Indeed, Alys initially is a nun who is exiled because of an attack on her monastery - but the attacker is so scheming and wicked in himself, and her downfall so totally evil, that Henry VIII seems nearly amiable by contrast. The few historical references are forced. Indeed, the clergyman who sends both witches and heretics to their deaths is one of few sympathetic characters, with the slightest integrity, in the entire novel.
Though this is not a 'fantasy novel,' there are several outcomes of witchcraft which Alys practises which are utterly ridiculous (and which figure hugely in the plot development.) Since the rest of the book's content is presented as natural happenings, the entire 'wax doll' theme is so utterly fantastic as to be more laughable than ominous. Alys goes from understandable to wicked to both evil and mad - and the reader will discover that the symbolism of wax candles becomes so bizarre and dominant that it in no way fits in with the otherwise credible, if upsetting, plot.
It is an enjoyable book if one is looking for a few hours' entertainment, and it vaguely captures elements of the period. Nonetheless, readers will be highly disappointed if they expect anything like what Philippa produced in some later novels of the period.
Book Review: Dat Ol' Black Magic
Summary: 3 Stars
I wasn't prepared for the considerable suspension of disbelief required to read this novel. About half way through, a startling scene makes it clear that we have left the realms of reality and taken a turn to the fantastical. (Those who have read the book will recognize the moment referred to.) From that point forward, what had been a fairly standard work of historical fiction became a work of fantasy. Just be ready.
Gregory does her usual good job creating the world of the 1500's and I appreciate her efforts at historical realism. Her characters are essentially believeable and human, including Our Heroine, a young nun, Alys, who has fled her convent as it is burned down around her ears by Our Anti-Hero who later becomes the object of her sexual obsession. The underlying theme of the entire work is Alys's ambitious determination to become the Lady of the Manor, despite not being nobly born and there being a rival already occupying that position. Alys's skill with healing herbs shortly morphs into perilous experiments with dark magic in order to achieve her aim. She scruples at nothing in performing magical operations to enthrall Our Hero and disadvantage her antagonists. It is a truism that such magical acts most often rebound against the conjurer, as they do here, to her ultimate undoing.
I appreciated Gregory bringing the narrative full circle with the final scene mirroring the opening events. The action moves briskly, the dialogue rings true and I remained interested in the plot development throughout. Unlike others, I was not in the least offended by the sexual descriptions which were necessary to advance the plot. Despite the fact that Alys is an unscrupulous, grasping, ruthless protagonist, I was still interested in finding out what happened to her and felt the conclusion to be quite satisfactory. This is not a serious work of historical fiction a la Penman, for example, but not a trashy bodice ripper either. Entertaining, but ultimately silly.
Book Review: Disturbing on some levels
Summary: 3 Stars
This is the first Philippa Gregory novel I've read, and although I wouldn't class it as a great novel, it hasn't put me off the author and I shall read her other books.
I agree with many of the less favaourable reviews here, in that some of the witchcraft content - particularly the wax dolls - verge on the completely ridiculous, and I do think that this element of the plot could have been written with more subtlety, which I think would have made it darker and more suspenseful. I too was disappointed by the ending, which was abrupt, and seemed totally out of character for Alys considering how she had changed during her time at the castle.
What kept me reading, though, and what has made me give this book 3 stars, is the disturbing attitudes towards women that were presented, and how these influenced Alys and contributed to her downward spiral. The notion that some women are fit to be a 'lady' and others can only be regarded as 'whores' is something that sadly lingers to this very day. I could understand how Alys who, as an innocent but skillful 16 year old, considered herself to be as good as anyone else, might feel betrayed, and ultimately be corrupted, by the prevailing belief that she was a whore to be used in any way, and at just about any man's whim. I found myself thinking about this aspect of the book long after I had finished reading, and it bothered me far more than the sex.
Book Review: Historical Fiction (Emphasis on the FICTION)
Summary: 3 Stars
As with many previous reviewers, I also am a fan of Gregory's work. This particular title caught my attention because I am a modern day Wiccan (a genuine Witch and Wise Woman). As such, I was utterly intrigued by the idea of Gregory taking up Wise Women in historical context.
While the reality of the setting - both time and place - are striking, I was amazed at Gregory's trivialization of her own work by turning the protagonist's "witchcraft" into nothing more than a Hollywood-style "magic and horror" show. All of Gregory's efforts to be true to the era were sadly washed out by the lack of any care or concern for what Wise Women were - and are today. Instead of focusing on the talent of these herbalist, mid-wife women (among their many talents), Gregory once again makes Witchcraft nothing better than a side-show with Hollywood horror style.
I was disappointed. While not looking for Gregory to support my Spirituality nor to vindicate those persecuted in the past, it certainly would have been nice to have her historical research delve into not only the conditions of the people at that time, but also to be as real about Wise Women as she is in all other areas of her research and writing.