06/29/2026 Guest Reviews by Kerry E.B Black: WAKENHYRST by Michelle Paver

Candace Nola

Jun 29

1 min read

Today, we have another guest review from local Pittsburgh author, Kerry E.B. Black! Check out her thoughts on her most recent read below! I just added this one to my TBR. You should too!

WAKENHYRST

by Michelle Paver

In the early 1900’s, a dreadful man rules his little United Kingdom dominion outside of the fen with little regard for his family or staff in Michelle Paver’s Gothic coming-of-age novel Wakenhyrst. The lead is a Maud, who reveals the story through innocent eyes.

This novel’s villain is undoubtedly the misogyny of the time, encapsulated in the father who becomes obsessed with a discovery in the parish church and the work of an ancient, female mystical thinker. Learning his justification for his behaviors sickened me, but Maud is an intelligent character who perseveres despite heartbreaking and horrifying circumstances.

The story is partially told through epistolary entries as well, lending insight into madness and menace.

Get it here:

https://www.amazon.com/Wakenhyrst-Michelle-Paver/dp/1788549570

More about Kerry E.B. Black

Kerry E.B. Black writes from an over-stuffed little house situated along a fog-enshrouded river in the land where Romero's Dead roamed. Her children think she's dull, and their dogs agree, but the family cats, Poe and Hemingway, feel differently. The felines find a kinship with their nocturnal buddy and encourage Kerry to write.

3 Comments

TAO WANG

a day ago

The observation that the novel's true villain is the misogyny of the era, embodied in Maud's father, is a compelling way to frame a Gothic story. It makes me wonder whether the epistolary entries function mainly to expose his descent into obsession, or whether they also give Maud a voice that the patriarchal setting otherwise denies her. That tension between inherited prejudice and a young woman's quiet perseverance seems to be what gives the horror its staying power.

See also: https://stealanegg.net/

firecerrt2331

Jul 07

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Korry Worie

Jul 07

Replying to

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