The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis

 

Around the World in 80,000 Pages - Book 8

The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis

You can read about my Around the World in 80,000 Pages challenge here.

Miles travelled: 452
Pages read: 2,933

Disclaimer: I'm rather behind on my reviews, so they will be super brief until I get caught up again.

The Hounding follows a group of sisters in rural 18th century Oxfordshire. The sisters do not conform easily, and the suspicious locals spread rumours about ungodly and unnatural behaviour. 

There is little in the way of period detail, and indeed some aspects are slightly anachronistic (such as the diminutive 'Pete'). This gives the novel has a timeless, almost fairy-tale-like quality, making it clear the themes of systemic misogyny apply well beyond this time and place. The downside to this approach is that the atmosphere felt a bit thin, and the characters less alive than they could have.

Overall, The Hounding scored 112/140 giving it a high ★★★★☆. The suggested choice of accompanying music is Died for Love by The Unthanks, and the flag is that of Oxfordshire.