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557 pp.
| Candlewick |
October, 2013 |
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-6694-1$22.99
(3)
YA
In this taut, fraught (and not for the squeamish) story of court intrigue in a fictional 1570s Scandinavian city, three women brought together by bad events realize that men are at best self-interested "users of women." Diseases (especially STDs), poisons, and cruelty abound; Cokal is clearly fascinated by Renaissance medical remedies. Vivid writing and a coldly intelligent narrative voice suit the clever plot and fiercely drawn cast.