The Hangman's Daughter

I didn't know too much about this book before I started it, and I probably should've researched it a little more thoroughly. I like historical fiction a lot, and while crime thrillers aren't my favorite type of books, I don't dislike them. But I really struggled to finish this book.

Despite the English title, the hangman is the main character here, and he is an unbelievably tough guy. I understand some people like that in a hero, and I used to seek out books like that too, but it just isn't my thing anymore. I would not say he's one-dimensional or even totally sympathetic. One of the things I do like about the book is that most of the major characters are a bit morally grey. He's just overpowered.

The plot is pretty good; it kept me guessing, and some of the revelations really surprised me, even near the end. The hangman's daughter, Magdalena, is important and has some point-of-view sections, but her suitor Zimon is much more central to the plot. He isn't a tough guy type of character at all, which does help to balance out the narrative, but he comes across as kind of whiny, compared to the hangman. Magdalena's in peril several times (threatened with rape), and I know it's a common plot device in thrillers that things are serious because female characters are in danger. But it's a little irritating to read, especially since I'm not really used to this genre.

I also feel like this translation needed one more pass by an editor who was a native English speaker. The phrasing is so often awkward that it took me out of the story.

It's interesting that the author wrote about his ancestors, and overall, I'm glad I read this book. I learned a lot about the function of hangmen, as well as doctors and midwives, in this time and place. It would make a good movie or TV show. I can understand why it's such a popular book, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to readers who have slightly different tastes than my own.

I spent my entire day at the Maryland Renaissance Festival yesterday. (And man, do my feet hurt!) But it was an absolute blast; we watched the three sirens of “Sirena” sing some haunting melodies (and “steal” my husband's soul and eat it as part of their act!), watched a couple of hilarious comedy shows (Fight School slayed me) and watched the final round of jousting. Did you know jousting is Maryland's official sport? How cool is that?

On the way to the fair I finished The Hangman's Daughter. The Hangman's Daughter was originally written in German by Oliver Pötzsch, but my version was translated to English by Lee Chadeayne. I didn't realize until I read the “About the Author” followed by “About the Translator” that it wasn't written originally in English! It flowed exceptionally well. The story revolves around the mysterious deaths of three children, the midwife the town wants to pin it on, and a mystery surrounding the sabotage of the leper house being built just outside the walls of the town. The Hangman is actually one of the most sympathetic characters in the story, which I found unique. Usually the executioner/torturer is painted as evil. Along with his daughter and the town doctor's son, an accomplished doctor himself, they attempt to solve the mystery of who's killing children before the town can convict and sentence the midwife.

I REALLY enjoyed this book, and I will probably try to track down other English translations of this author's work. I don't read too many mysteries (though I do have a few more in the queue at the moment) but this book really swept me up and carried me along for the ride. It's set in 17th century Bavaria, 70 years after the last witch craze. Jakob Kuisl is the town's Hangman, and, as it turns out, one of the author's ancestors! The author apparently wrote the novel as a way of connecting with his roots; he is descended from the Kuisls, who were Hangmen for generations.

You can find all my reviews at Goddess in the Stacks.

Absolutely gripped for 3/4 of the story, but the ending left me dissatisfied. Also, I don't understand why it's called “The Hangman's Daughter” when she doesn't do anything except serve as sexual interest to other characters. So 4 stars is a little high, really more like 3.5, but a galloping plot really counts for a lot with me. Also, I like the postscript where the author recounts his connection to this tale.