Oliver Pötzsch: The Hangman's Daughter

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Err
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Oliver Pötzsch: The Hangman's Daughter

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Oliver Pötzsch: The Hangman's Daughter translated by Lee Chadeayne

Author Oliver Pötzsch is the decedent of the Kuisl family who made their living in the German town of Schongau as executioners. He uses this family and town as a backdrop for his story set in 1659 Bavaria where a midwife has been accused of witchcraft after a dying boy was pulled from the river and found to have a symbol painted on his shoulder. The midwife is immediately thrown in jail and it is now the job of the town's Executioner, Jakob Kuisl, to make her confess. However, Jakob doesn't subscribe the the period's superstitions and knows she couldn't have hurt the boy. She was at another house assisting with a birth when the boy was hurt. Two things against her are the mark found on the boy, who so happened to visit the midwife regularly, and the town Clerk, who is leading the town. He wants to have this woman confess before another witch hunt Occurs. About 60 years prior, approximately 60 women were put to death at the hands of Jakob's grandfather for the crime of witchcraft. The Clerk is afraid if the matter isn't taken care of quickly, history will repeat itself so he pressures Jakob to make her confess.

Simon is the town physicians son and studying to become a doctor. He, like Jakob, also doesn't believe that the midwife is a witch or harmed the boy. Simon was on the scene when the boy was found and while he also saw the symbol, he also saw several stab wounds. Simon and the Jakob team up to help clear the midwife.

Adding a bit of romance and tension to the story is Jakob's daughter Magdalena. Being an executioner's daughter, she is shunned by most of society and will most likely have to marry into another executioner's family. She is in love with Simon and has created quite a stir in the town because they have been frequently seen together. Magdalena also helps her father prepare herbal concoctions that are Jakob's side business and is well leaned. This appeals to Simon as most women of the period can't read.

The Hangman's daughter is a well crafted historical showing the struggle of superstition vs. science as Jakob and Simon race the clear the midwife. The is a good story and a recommend it. Those who own a Kindle can pick this up for $3.99.
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