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Wakenhyrst summary
Brief summary
Wakenhyrst by Michelle Paver is a gripping gothic novel set in the early 20th century. It follows the dark and disturbing secrets of a wealthy family and the eerie happenings in their remote manor house.
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Wakenhyrst
Summary of key ideas
Exploring The Mysterious Wakenhyrst
In Wakenhyrst by Michelle Paver, we are introduced to Maud Stearne, a young girl growing up in the early 1900s in the remote manor of Wake's End. Maud's father, Edmund Stearne, is a historian with a passion for medieval art and a dark obsession with a painting that he discovered in a local church. The painting, known as the Doom, depicts a terrifying vision of hell and seems to have a malevolent hold over Edmund.
As the story unfolds, we learn that Edmund is a controlling and abusive father. He has isolated Maud from the outside world, forbidding her to attend school or even to leave the grounds of Wake's End. Maud, however, is intelligent and curious, and secretly teaches herself to read and write by studying her father's books. Despite the oppressive environment, she finds solace in the company of her mother's former maid, Clemmie, who becomes her only friend.
The Sinister Influence of The Doom
The narrative of Wakenhyrst takes a chilling turn when Edmund becomes increasingly obsessed with the Doom. He believes that the painting is cursed and is convinced that it is responsible for the strange occurrences happening in Wake's End. These include the persistent stench of the nearby Fen, which he associates with the smell of hell, and the eerie scratching sounds that he hears at night.
Edmund's obsession with the Doom leads him to take extreme measures to protect his family from the alleged curse. He isolates Maud even further, and his mental state deteriorates as he becomes consumed by his belief in the painting's sinister power. As a result, Maud finds herself trapped in a house ruled by her father's paranoia and violence, with no means of escape.
The Unraveling of Dark Secrets
Amidst these unsettling circumstances, Maud discovers her father's secret diary, which reveals a shocking truth about the murder of a young woman named Alice. The diary entries, written in the years leading up to Maud's birth, detail Edmund's descent into madness and his obsession with Alice, whom he believed was a witch. He becomes convinced that she is responsible for the curse he perceives in the Doom painting, and murders her in a fit of delusional rage.
As Maud delves deeper into her father's disturbing past, she realizes that the true source of the evil that has plagued Wake's End is not the Doom, but her father himself. She also uncovers evidence that could exonerate Alice of the witchcraft accusations that led to her tragic fate. This revelation further fractures Maud's already strained relationship with her father and propels the story towards a chilling climax.
The Haunting Conclusion
In the final act of Wakenhyrst, the tension between Maud and Edmund reaches a breaking point. As Maud confronts her father with the damning evidence from his diary, Edmund's grip on reality slips further, and he becomes increasingly violent. In a harrowing sequence of events, Maud is forced to take drastic action to protect herself and finally break free from her father's abusive influence.
The novel concludes with Maud reclaiming her autonomy and leaving Wake's End. She takes with her the damning evidence from Edmund's diary, determined to expose the truth about his crimes and clear Alice's name. Despite the horrors she has endured, Maud emerges as a resilient and courageous young woman, ready to face the world beyond the confines of her haunted home.
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What is Wakenhyrst about?
Wakenhyrst by Michelle Paver is a chilling gothic novel set in early 20th century England. It follows the story of a young girl named Maud who uncovers dark secrets within her family home, Wakenhyrst. As she delves into the history of the house and its former occupants, the novel explores themes of madness, superstition, and the supernatural.
Wakenhyrst Review
Wakenhyrst (2019) by Michelle Paver tells the haunting story of a young girl in Edwardian Suffolk and the dark secrets surrounding her family estate. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Explores themes of madness, isolation, and the supernatural, creating a chilling atmosphere that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
- With its complex characters and intricate plot twists, the book offers a rich reading experience that will surprise and captivate you.
- The novel's gripping narrative and historical detail ensure that boredom is never an option as you unravel the mysteries of Wakenhyrst.
Who should read Wakenhyrst?
Readers who enjoy atmospheric and haunting historical fiction
Those interested in psychological thrillers with a touch of the supernatural
People who appreciate complex and morally ambiguous characters
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Book summaries like Wakenhyrst
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Wakenhyrst FAQs
What is the main message of Wakenhyrst?
Discover the haunting tale of obsessions and secrets in a gothic setting.
How long does it take to read Wakenhyrst?
The reading time for Wakenhyrst varies, but the Blinkist summary can be read in a short time.
Is Wakenhyrst a good book? Is it worth reading?
Wakenhyrst is a captivating read, perfect for lovers of mysteries and historical fiction.
Who is the author of Wakenhyrst?
The author of Wakenhyrst is Michelle Paver.
What to read after Wakenhyrst?
If you're wondering what to read next after Wakenhyrst, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher