‘The Mercies’ by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

‘The Mercies’ by Kiran Millwood Hargrave is set on Vardø, a tiny island at the northernmost tip of then Denmark-Norway, and initially also in Bergen. The story is based on historical events.

The climate is rough so far north, but the inhabitants know how to deal with it. The story begins on Christmas Eve 1617, when all adult men that were not too old to go out for fishing were killed by a storm. At this time, all over Europe and North America, innocent people, mostly women, were being burned at the stake for witchcraft.

Maren witnessed the deaths of her beloved father and brother in the storm. Her mother breaks down from grief and her relationship with her pregnant sister-in-law, who is indigenous Sámi, suffers as well.

In Bergen, Ursa cares for her sister, who can hardly leave her bed. Suddenly, her father introduces her to her future husband, a pious Scotsman who has just been appointed commissioner of Vardø.

Newlywed Ursa travels to Vardø, where she meets Maren even before she steps off the boat. This marks the beginning of a meaningful relationship for both of them.

This story has a beautiful queer plot!

CW: rape, abuse, miscarriage, torture