The Angel Makers

The Angel Makers transports readers to a remote Hungarian village during World War I, where the women have been left to manage their homes and farms alone while their husbands fight at the front. The arrival of Italian prisoners of war at a nearby camp changes the dynamic of the village, as the local women discover new possibilities for connection and independence. When the village men return from combat, tensions rise between those who want to maintain their newfound autonomy and those who demand a return to pre-war dynamics. Based on true events from early 20th century Hungary, this historical novel follows a group of women who take extreme measures to preserve their freedom. The story centers on their relationships, choices, and the escalating consequences of their actions. This debut novel by Jessica Gregson examines themes of female empowerment, the impact of war on rural communities, and the lengths to which people will go to maintain control over their own lives.

Readers note the book's unique perspective on a real historical event in rural Hungary, with many appreciating how it explores the complex social dynamics and moral questions of the time period. Readers liked: - The atmospheric portrayal of village life - Strong character development of Sari and other women - Matter-of-fact tone that avoids sensationalism - Historical accuracy and research Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the first third - Some characters remain underdeveloped - Ending feels rushed compared to earlier detail - Repetitive descriptions Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (80+ ratings) Reader quotes: "Haunting story that sticks with you long after finishing" - Goodreads reviewer "The writing style takes getting used to but serves the story well" - Amazon reviewer "Could have been shorter without losing impact" - LibraryThing reviewer

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🔹 The book is inspired by a real series of events in the Hungarian village of Nagyrév, where between 1914 and 1929, a group of women poisoned approximately 300 people using arsenic. 🔹 The poisonings were orchestrated by a midwife named Júlia Fazekas and became known as the "Angel Makers of Nagyrév" case, one of the most prolific mass murder cases in modern history. 🔹 The women obtained arsenic by boiling flypaper and skimming off the toxic residue, a method that was difficult to detect in autopsies at the time. 🔹 During WWI, approximately 40% of Hungary's male population was mobilized for war, fundamentally altering the social fabric of rural communities like the one depicted in the novel. 🔹 Jessica Gregson conducted extensive research in Hungary and drew inspiration from local folklore and court documents to create an authentic portrayal of early 20th-century Hungarian village life.