As a social studies teacher, I can appreciate historical literature. Unfortunately, most historians don’t present the story as a narrative, but as a slew of dates with difficult-to-follow information. They read like a dull textbook and I can begin to understand what my students mean when they say they hate history. All of that to say, Hangman’s Daughter is definitely no such book. Oliver Potzsch used the inspiration of his own heritage as a member of one of the leading dynasties of Bavarian executioners. Potzsch used his research into his own family to create an incredibly accurate depiction of 17th century Bavaria.
Characters
One of the main characters is the Schongau town hangman, Jakob Kuisl, whose childhood opens the book to help set his character’s hesitance to adopt the family trade. Despite his horror of hangman life, the prologue is followed by Kuisl as a hangman with a rather stubborn and strong-willed daughter, Magdalena. True to the times, the hangman is scorned by most villagers, as even a close encounter with the hangman could bring bad luck. Magdalena is destined to one day marry a hangman from another village, as no one else would risk what that would bring to their fortune. Regardless, she and the physician’s son, Simon Fronwieser, have an interest in one another, bringing rumors from the villagers.
Plot Summary
In the midst of regular village life, tragedy occurs when a small boy is found gruesomely murdered with a ‘witch’s mark’ drawn on his back, a sign of witchcraft. While the event is horrific, it is passed off, as the victim was a societal ‘untouchable’- an orphan. The situation becomes further complicated when another child is found, once again with the same mark. This can no longer be passed off as coincidence or a violent prank.
70 years earlier, a witch hunt had occurred and the court clerk is scared that the events could be replicated, with nearly 100 women in the small village being accused of witchcraft and executed by Kuisl’s grandfather. With the villagers’ fear increasing, the midwife is taken in for interrogations. Midwives were often the first among the accused. Prescribing herbs and medicines were viewed as a mild form of witchcraft, after all. Kuisl knows the midwife is innocent, but has little say in the matter. This forces him to begin interrogations: torture-led interrogations.
This begins the mystery. Kuisl must prolong interrogations so she can survive being proven innocent. As he works with Magdalena, Kuisl and Simon investigate, but the more they uncover, the more the situation becomes confusing.
Hangman’s Daughter: Personal Review
There is a warning at the beginning that the Hangman’s Daughter contains disturbing images. This warning was well-earned. The book is accurate of the time and place. The torture scenes, murders and sexual harassment are all well described. Potzsch doesn’t soften any fictional historical events. But, he also doesn’t exaggerate the gore and lewdness.
The accurate history is met with surprisingly complex character development. Potzsch explains the background and motives to provide context to all characters. You can sympathize with witch hunters, while hoping they fail. You understand the hate while wanting true justice.
But, it wasn’t the history alone that was well-written. The events were believable every step of the way. It never felt forced or too great a stretch. Take away the historical value and the Hangman’s Daughter was still one of the better books I’ve read in a long time.
A Gift For You
As you begin to explore more books and add to your library, here is a collection of bookmarks I’ve made just for you! Enjoy!
