Used Book – The Wise Woman, Philippa Gregory, Mathias Lefort

“A powerful novel that highlights the difficulties faced by women in the 17th century.” Daily Mirror England, 1648. A perilous time for any independent woman… On the eve of the summer solstice, England is torn apart by a civil war between Charles I and the insurgent parliament. This struggle rages throughout the kingdom, and even troubles the island of Sealsea, where Alinor lives. Descended from a family of healers, the young woman is daily confronted with poverty and superstitions. One full moon night, she meets James Summer, a Catholic nobleman whose mission is to save the king. Very quickly, the two fall in love. But the young woman's ambition and determination make her stand out a little too much from her neighbors. This is the era of witch hunts and Alinor, a woman without a husband, who knows about plants and who suddenly escapes poverty thanks to James, attracts the jealousy of her rivals and awakens the fear of the village. Everything accuses her…

“A story about the condition of women in the 17th century… Readers will be delighted.” Daily Express “Philippa Gregory tells with brilliance and never disappoints. This novel is a captivating and very powerful portrait of a woman fighting to survive in a hostile world.” The Times

“The author works with words with ease and naturalness. Her knowledge of the customs of the time is astounding, the plot is plausible and the documentation is, as always, very serious.” Daily Mail

“Gripping and enchanting! Philippa Gregory at her best.” woman&home