This engaging examination of superstition, suspicion and misogyny in a small village in early 18th century England is absolute dark perfection.
On one level, there's beautiful and evocative nature writing that conjures up a tranquil pastoral scene. This soons turns rotten and sinister when the Thames dries up in a heatwave and fish are dying on the riverbed.
On the next level is the village itself , burdened by poverty, male violence and drunknesd. It's an oppressive society, dicated to by the chiurch and by tradition where people are expected to fit onto ascribed roles.
Then there are the young women and girls who are rumoured to be morphing into dogs.
The five sisters of the story are vividly drawn and unforgettable, as are the whole cast of characters. The grotesque foibles and insular notions of the area and its people are cleverly depicted. The sense of time and place is engaging and immersive.
This is a deeply atmospheric book with a riveting storyline. I loved this. What a stunning debut.