The Familiars: The spellbinding Sunday Times Bestseller and Richard & Judy Book Club Pick

The story keeps the reader engrossed. Iam half way and loving it.

I love historical fiction, especially historical fiction set in medieval, Tudor or Stuart England.I often wondered what was it like for willful and stubborn women hundreds of years ago, when most gentlewomen were only allowed to sew or mend in the parlor with a few women attending them.How did they live, the ones unsuited for such life?This novel presents us with two strong heroines from different backgrounds.Fleetwood Shuttleworth, seventeen years old and expecting her first child, an heir to Gawthorpe Hall after three miscarriages.Alice Gray, a young midwife, with an uncertain prospect and in a grave danger for being poor and different.Both women bond over a common mission: Ensure that Fleetwood delivers her child safely and survives the birth.The reason for Fleetwood's anxiety is that she accidently came upon a letter from a doctor, predicting her death in case of another pregnancy.The story unfolds as the arrests of the suspected Pendle witches happen.The characters of Fleetwood and Alice are equally fascinating and multilayered.Both women try to survive in a male dominated world as best as they can, encountering betrayal and deceit on every turn.The topic is grave, but the entertainment value is very high and this is a book I enjoyed immensely, therefore, I recommend it for historical fiction fans and for any reader who would like to be transported to a different period and escape his daily problems...Other recommended books about strong women heroines in 17 century England (and not only England):1. The King's General by Daphne Du Maurier (an absolute all-time favorite)2. The Traitor's Wife by Kathleen Kent3. Midnight Blue by Simone van der Vlugt

In spite of the fact that I got lost at some stages, I really enjoyed the book. The historical facts about the witch hunts were very well researched but I couldn’t decide if Fleetwood was witch as well as Pug seemed to be her familiar.

This book is just as beautiful as its cover! The story revolves around the friendship of two women born worlds apart but with so much in common. Fleetwood and Alice somehow create a sense of female empowerment despite the oppressive and frightening world around them

Really enjoyed all of this. I really looked forward to reading it and was quite sad when i readvthe last page. Need more books like this.

I'm sure those who enjoy these kinds of books would be able to read this book. Not my kind of book so didn't finish it.