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Minique
A fierce outsider narrative about the so-called "witch in the woods," a feminist fable, a haunting survival story, and a turbulent romance.Minique is loosely based on the lives of real 17th-century figures--including Anne Lamarque, a Montr�al woman who was accused of witchcraft in 1682.The buzzing in her head gets louder, like there are more bees, and the itching on the top of her mouth is everywhere now, all across her tongue and teeth and the inside of her cheeks, hot, hot, hot. She takes a breath and she sees these men in the forest, sees their hands covered in blood as they skin beavers, ripping the fur from the shiny meat.Montr�al, 1680 Minique has a secret she can't ever tell. She knows there are horrific consequences for girls and women who do not conform. She saw it with her own eyes when Anne, the aubergiste, was viciously marched through town and charged with crimes she didn't commit. Besides, Minique has never had family members to tell. She remembers little of her mother, a fille du roi, who arrived in Montr�al on a ship; she rarely sees her father, a coureur des bois who is often away; and she barely speaks with her Tante Marie, a stern, hard woman.Years later, after a string of tragedies, Minique has abandoned the hostility of the town and its people. She has built a home for herself in the woods, outside the boundary of Montr�al. But her solitary existence is interrupted when she learns that Antoine de Cadillac, an ambitious Frenchman with a violent past, is after a monopoly of the fur trade in New France. Though initially repulsed by his greed, Minique is powerfully drawn to him. Soon, their paths start to cross in unpredictable ways as Cadillac's determination to learn more about the "witch in the wood" intensifies. They forge a reckless, passionate connection with an ever-shifting dynamic that Minique welcomes until she realizes that everything--down to the core of who she is and the secret she carries--is at stake.By turns fierce, gripping, poignant, and menacing, Minique is historical fiction with a contemporary twist. Here is a one-of-a-kind story about a woman's reckoning with her own power and what she will do to protect it.
368 pages, Paperback
Published June 7, 2022
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994 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
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July 24, 2022I DNFd this one. Very lyrical writing, but the author admits in her Acknowledgement that she altered some of the historical facts in this story to suit her purposes. That does not always jive with me.
I am a die hard feminist, and this has a very "feminist vibe" - which should make me happy, no?! But it bothered me when I read the passage where Minette equates "sexual surrendering" as a weakness, that being with a man causes a woman to change and abase herself for him. (Actually, I don't think this "changing yourself to attract or please someone" syndrome is unique to the female sex.)
This is certainly something that I noticed when I was a TEENAGER, but once a person gets older and thinks less with their hormones and more with their BRAINS, I suspect that we (male and female) eventually learn that we can only adapt our behaviour so far in order to attract or appease our chosen mate, and still be true to ourselves. That passage did not sit well with me and still does not.
We all, as a society, need to adapt our behaviour in order to co-exist peacefully. If one partner is more dominant than the other and this bothers you, then you know what you have to do: change the dynamic and equalize things, if you can, or examine your exit options.
Like this:
or this
I might come back to it, but I've had enough of people who can't get along with the rest of humanity and want to live alone in the wild, etc. So I am passing on this one.... might come back to it later because the writing is quite lyrical...
I am a die hard feminist, and this has a very "feminist vibe" - which should make me happy, no?! But it bothered me when I read the passage where Minette equates "sexual surrendering" as a weakness, that being with a man causes a woman to change and abase herself for him. (Actually, I don't think this "changing yourself to attract or please someone" syndrome is unique to the female sex.)
This is certainly something that I noticed when I was a TEENAGER, but once a person gets older and thinks less with their hormones and more with their BRAINS, I suspect that we (male and female) eventually learn that we can only adapt our behaviour so far in order to attract or appease our chosen mate, and still be true to ourselves. That passage did not sit well with me and still does not.
We all, as a society, need to adapt our behaviour in order to co-exist peacefully. If one partner is more dominant than the other and this bothers you, then you know what you have to do: change the dynamic and equalize things, if you can, or examine your exit options.
Like this:
or this
I might come back to it, but I've had enough of people who can't get along with the rest of humanity and want to live alone in the wild, etc. So I am passing on this one.... might come back to it later because the writing is quite lyrical...
June 29, 2022
A girl sussing out her place in 17th century society—and then rejecting it? A woman wrestling with independence in the Montréal bush? A complete a**hole of a man dropping in to tempt her to reconsider everything she values? Yes please.
Minique is glittering and clear and sharp-edged and haunted. I loved it. I feel the way I do after seeing a great piece of theatre, like a magic trick has been played on me and I'm so happy about it. Maxymiw writes with precision and anger and momentum, and this is a specific and wild ride.
Minique feels related to all the women who make the world uncomfortable. Long may they prosper.
Minique is glittering and clear and sharp-edged and haunted. I loved it. I feel the way I do after seeing a great piece of theatre, like a magic trick has been played on me and I'm so happy about it. Maxymiw writes with precision and anger and momentum, and this is a specific and wild ride.
Minique feels related to all the women who make the world uncomfortable. Long may they prosper.
July 21, 2022
I enjoyed the first two-thirds of the book, immersing myself in the early days of Montreal. I liked the characters and their development, plus the atmosphere the author created. However, when Cadillac is introduced, the book lost its way. The strongest part of the book is Minique's backstory: her childhood, friendships, and learning about herbs from Anne, honing her skills.
This novel is based on a story from 1884 written about Cadillac meeting an old woman, a witch, named Mere Minique, in the early 1700s, who told Cadillac of his future. The author changes the timeline, and Minique becomes Cadillac's lover. Cadillac wants Minique to help him achieve greatness, but she refuses and the story devolves from there.
This novel is based on a story from 1884 written about Cadillac meeting an old woman, a witch, named Mere Minique, in the early 1700s, who told Cadillac of his future. The author changes the timeline, and Minique becomes Cadillac's lover. Cadillac wants Minique to help him achieve greatness, but she refuses and the story devolves from there.
July 15, 2022
Minique is a fantastic read. Maxymiw weaves together beautiful imagery, playful dialogue and subtle historical references that lets you appreciate a different time period while still remaining accessible.
There are so many layers to the story and it has a wonderful depth to the characters. I loved how nothing is black and white. As a result of all of this, I found it very engaging and hard to put down - and when you do put it down you will still be thinking about it. I would highly recommend for a book club.
There are so many layers to the story and it has a wonderful depth to the characters. I loved how nothing is black and white. As a result of all of this, I found it very engaging and hard to put down - and when you do put it down you will still be thinking about it. I would highly recommend for a book club.
July 10, 2022
Minique is an empowering and unique read.
Maxymiw does a fantastic job of describing the forest landscape and Minique’s complex feelings in such vividness.
The main characters in this book are bold and alluring. Minique is a fascinating character that keeps you guessing all the way to the end. And I still don’t know how I feel about Cadillac. These are the types of alluring characters that keep you thinking about them long after you have finished reading.
Thoroughly enjoyed this read, especially the conclusion.
Maxymiw does a fantastic job of describing the forest landscape and Minique’s complex feelings in such vividness.
The main characters in this book are bold and alluring. Minique is a fascinating character that keeps you guessing all the way to the end. And I still don’t know how I feel about Cadillac. These are the types of alluring characters that keep you thinking about them long after you have finished reading.
Thoroughly enjoyed this read, especially the conclusion.
July 11, 2022
I don't read a lot of historical fiction, especially not anything set as far back as the 1600s, but this is a Canadian author and the synopsis sounded interesting, so I picked it up. This was great. The writing is impeccable. The descriptions of the Quebec settlements were very rich in detail. There's just the right amount of magic. I loved the main character.
It's tough to rate since because historical fiction is not my usual genre, I didn't necessarily enjoy it as much as other books I've read this year, but I have to give it 5 stars because it's such an objectively great book. I hope it gets some traction and more people pick this up.
It's tough to rate since because historical fiction is not my usual genre, I didn't necessarily enjoy it as much as other books I've read this year, but I have to give it 5 stars because it's such an objectively great book. I hope it gets some traction and more people pick this up.
July 17, 2022
Poetic, emotional, illustrative and enthralling. Maxymiw has been described as a “spellbinding storyteller” which could not ring more true. This book comes at a poignant time in relation to women’s rights. It will set a fire in your belly while simultaneously tugging at your heart strings.
October 28, 2024
Underrated gem
January 28, 2023
Witches are getting quite the splash lately in novels like Anna Maxymiw’s Minique, a brilliant new book set in New France. A girl with synesthesia in 17th C Montréal! What will she become? Brilliantly unfolded, the story lingers in mind. Anne Lamarque, the witch who knows how to survive, and her grimoire also feature in the new Louise Penny, A World of Curiosities! Coincidence?
To be read alongside Hester, by Laurie Lico Albanese: another girl with synesthesia in 17th C. Scotland, from a lineage of red-haired witches. And Danielle Daniel’s Daughters of the Deer, Mona Chollet’s In Defense of Witches & Rivka Galchen’s Everyone Knows Your Mother is a Witch.
To be read alongside Hester, by Laurie Lico Albanese: another girl with synesthesia in 17th C. Scotland, from a lineage of red-haired witches. And Danielle Daniel’s Daughters of the Deer, Mona Chollet’s In Defense of Witches & Rivka Galchen’s Everyone Knows Your Mother is a Witch.
February 11, 2025
First I was impressed by the richness of the setting in 17th century Montreal (particularly since any piece of media set in Canada makes the average Canadian feel a weird sense of pride), the strong narrative voice of Minique, the titular character, and the early plot points that offered a localized account of a tragic historical event. Then I was floored by where Anna took this story, which I was NOT expecting at all. I’ll say no more for obvious reasons but what a bold choice for this story.
July 15, 2022
Minique is the exact type of book I needed with everything going on in the world right now. It is a beautifully written story of female empowerment and women taking control of their lives. I was so drawn into Minique’s journey finding herself growing up in 16th century Montreal and found I continued thinking about it after I was done. Would highly recommend.
September 24, 2022
I just finished Minique By Anna Maxymiw and here’s what I thought.
Minique is an unusual girl and that’s a crime in 1680s Montreal. Not conforming will have her arrested just like Anne, the aubergiste. She has no real family to confide in and when a mysterious illness takes her best friend, Minique feels alone.
Years later, Minique has abandoned the town and made herself a desolate life on the outskirts. People come to her for her knowledge of plants but keep their eyes bent low.
Her life's turned upside down when a Frenchmanby the name of Cadillac turns up one day, looking to become the governor of montreal. Minique is drawn to him in such a way she does not understand and his need to use her gifts to get what he wants has them following a reckless and passionate path that has tongues wagging and if she doesn’t do what he wants, a dangerous ending.
I found the writing to be absolutely beautiful. The author has a real gift for weaving a hypnotic tale of intrigue and magic. I loved the way we learn about Minique and what she can do but at the same time there is a certain level of intrigue which keeps you not exactly knowing what is real and what is not.
I have to be honest, I didn’t like the parts with Cadillac. I found their dynamic to be rather odd and it didn’t fit for me. He is the only character I didn’t understand and it felt a little forced. I didn’t feel their passion for each other the way I would have hoped but then it may have had something to do with Cadillac’s character.
Loved how real and raw Minique was and how she didn’t let the bad things in her life define who she was. Found the writing on the landscape and location was so artfully done and I would have devoured more of that.
I was really drawn into a beautiful world of magical possibilities. I would have liked a little more supernatural elements but all in all, this book checked most boxes for me.
4 stars! Solid, well written and engaging, loved the lucid writing and the charm that came off every page.
Thank you @maxymiw and @penguinrandomhouseca for my copy!
Minique is an unusual girl and that’s a crime in 1680s Montreal. Not conforming will have her arrested just like Anne, the aubergiste. She has no real family to confide in and when a mysterious illness takes her best friend, Minique feels alone.
Years later, Minique has abandoned the town and made herself a desolate life on the outskirts. People come to her for her knowledge of plants but keep their eyes bent low.
Her life's turned upside down when a Frenchmanby the name of Cadillac turns up one day, looking to become the governor of montreal. Minique is drawn to him in such a way she does not understand and his need to use her gifts to get what he wants has them following a reckless and passionate path that has tongues wagging and if she doesn’t do what he wants, a dangerous ending.
I found the writing to be absolutely beautiful. The author has a real gift for weaving a hypnotic tale of intrigue and magic. I loved the way we learn about Minique and what she can do but at the same time there is a certain level of intrigue which keeps you not exactly knowing what is real and what is not.
I have to be honest, I didn’t like the parts with Cadillac. I found their dynamic to be rather odd and it didn’t fit for me. He is the only character I didn’t understand and it felt a little forced. I didn’t feel their passion for each other the way I would have hoped but then it may have had something to do with Cadillac’s character.
Loved how real and raw Minique was and how she didn’t let the bad things in her life define who she was. Found the writing on the landscape and location was so artfully done and I would have devoured more of that.
I was really drawn into a beautiful world of magical possibilities. I would have liked a little more supernatural elements but all in all, this book checked most boxes for me.
4 stars! Solid, well written and engaging, loved the lucid writing and the charm that came off every page.
Thank you @maxymiw and @penguinrandomhouseca for my copy!
July 31, 2022
Wow, such a superb narrative written from a female centric perspective about life as an 'outsider 'in New France, during 17th century. Whether it's factual or not to this time period or an actual account of Mere Minique's unique relationship with Antoine Cadillac (founder of Detroit), it simply does not matter. As it's sheer joy to read such an engaging tale of friendship, magic & our forefathers/mothers existence in this New World. Plus, there's a love story or is it?
The writing is gritty/harsh & at times disturbing but so was life as a new comer to New France where most persons came unprepared for the lifestyle that was in store for them. Either they were escaping dire poverty, a criminal past or searching for an unrealistic dream, women were only sent over for one purpose, to be married off....except for 1 woman whom chose an entirely different path due to her unique "gift". She was born with the ability to taste/smell the emotions of others which set apart from her peers. Raised by her aunt with a distant father whom lived most of his life as a coureur de bois...she knew few creature comforts until she met a mysterious woman, whom taught her the ways of herbal medicine/magic.
It's a must read for anyone interested in outsiders, mystics & of course our not so distant (shameful) past.
4.5 stars for brilliant storytelling.
The writing is gritty/harsh & at times disturbing but so was life as a new comer to New France where most persons came unprepared for the lifestyle that was in store for them. Either they were escaping dire poverty, a criminal past or searching for an unrealistic dream, women were only sent over for one purpose, to be married off....except for 1 woman whom chose an entirely different path due to her unique "gift". She was born with the ability to taste/smell the emotions of others which set apart from her peers. Raised by her aunt with a distant father whom lived most of his life as a coureur de bois...she knew few creature comforts until she met a mysterious woman, whom taught her the ways of herbal medicine/magic.
It's a must read for anyone interested in outsiders, mystics & of course our not so distant (shameful) past.
4.5 stars for brilliant storytelling.
October 25, 2022
Out of all of the fantastic books that I’ve read over the past few months, Minique is the one that has finally shaken me out of my book review slump. Set in New France (now formally known as Quebec) during the late 1600-early 1700s, Minique charts the brutality of colonialism and the struggles for survival that were (and still are) amplified according to gender, religion, and other socio-economic circumstances. At the heart of it all is the coming of age story of Minique, the daughter of a deceased fille du roi and a largely absent courreur du bois, who rails against the expectations of a narrow-minded, patriarchal society. Maxymiw’s writing is a thing of beauty yet it also captures the basest and most primal desires of human nature in a way that I had yet to experience. Each page is filled with tempestuous emotions and an undeniable strength that mirror Minique’s experience. Minique is a perfect slow burn of a novel but it also has such vivid moments of action that had me holding my breath as I watched it all play out. Reading this novel was truly a magical experience and I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on it.
May 30, 2024
3.5 stars
I really loved this novel at the beginning, especially for its infusion of Quebec culture and French terms for people's occupations, etc. It was really captivating for me as a bilingual person.
However, the third act was a bit left field and all over the place. Where did Minique's sudden need to meet Cadillac come from?? (And also where did Anne really go?). Some of these details are just too glossed over and I wanted more detail.
Also third act suddenly had gross passages, a lot about spitting, a lot of violence, etc. So off-putting in a seemingly normal historical fiction. Could have been a 5 star read but was downgraded by the end.
I really loved this novel at the beginning, especially for its infusion of Quebec culture and French terms for people's occupations, etc. It was really captivating for me as a bilingual person.
However, the third act was a bit left field and all over the place. Where did Minique's sudden need to meet Cadillac come from?? (And also where did Anne really go?). Some of these details are just too glossed over and I wanted more detail.
Also third act suddenly had gross passages, a lot about spitting, a lot of violence, etc. So off-putting in a seemingly normal historical fiction. Could have been a 5 star read but was downgraded by the end.
July 17, 2023
I loved this book! It was so easy to read, and enthralling to the point where I picked it up whenever I got a chance. Unfortunately, certain parts of it felt a little unbelievable, especially the last third of the book. The protagonist stopped seeming real and became a sort of modern interpretation of a historical figure, and in a setting as strict and controlled as 17th/ early 18th century Montreal, it felt unrealistic. However; I enjoyed it nonetheless and would definitely recommend to anyone who is a fan of folk horror, historical fiction, history in general!
September 27, 2023
This book, to me, had a similar style to 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' and a plotline reminiscent of 'Circe'. I really enjoyed it, especially since it was set in New France (today's Quebec, Canada). The beautiful writing, the apothecary knowledge, the Quebec mythology, etc.
Also, I'm 100% here for Minique's feminism, authenticity and boldness. We love women who make men sh*t their pants.
My only critique would have to be that a francophone (or EN/FR bilingual) should have reviewed and corrected the French expressions, as it bothered me when there were grammatical mistakes.
Also, I'm 100% here for Minique's feminism, authenticity and boldness. We love women who make men sh*t their pants.
My only critique would have to be that a francophone (or EN/FR bilingual) should have reviewed and corrected the French expressions, as it bothered me when there were grammatical mistakes.
August 30, 2022
A beautifully told story that takes place in a not so beautiful time in Montreal's history. I grew up in Montreal but had no idea what the city was like in its early days. It was fascinating to read about that, but what really kept me turning pages was Minique herself. She's so brave and unique and vulnerable at the same time. I loved being immersed in her world and her relationships both with the people in her life and with the forest. A great read!
May 23, 2023
Minique is historical fiction story about Mére Minique (who I had never heard of before) and her life in 17th century Quebec. The novel is full of details and life that are lovely to read, but I’m not sure if I loved it? The latter portion of the book is about Monique’s interactions with Cadillac (founder of Detroit) and while most of it felt very real and believable, the ending left me extremely confused. I read it twice and I’m still not sure…what happened…?
August 3, 2022
This was a beautifully written novel. The prose was lyrical and the imagery was visceral, at times sexual, and other times magical. There were times I was very close to tears near the end of the book with anger and frustration. But I didn't feel that way when it was all done. Minique is such a unique character and I appreciated journeying with her.
Thank you Libro.fm for my librarian ALC.
Thank you Libro.fm for my librarian ALC.
August 10, 2022
This was a slow and strange journey of a book, but that's not to say I didn't enjoy it. Minique is a fascinating character to follow. I think I would have liked to see more of her and Cadillac, since they had such an interesting tension. I thought the writing was quite good. Not exactly sure who I would recommend this to though.
December 9, 2022
I hated parts of this book. Namely the last third. The start builds up this interesting dynamic character. Then her character takes a hard left turn because one hot guy gives her the time of day. I think in a day I might be less mad about it but I didn't like it. Also trigger warning it got spicy towards the end.
June 5, 2023
Ever wanted to confirm how shitty life was in 17th century New France? Look no further than this book! No but for real, I loved the history and legend blended together about this time period and place. I’m always down for a strong witchy character. Beware, it’s very slow paced and will make you question WHY people chose to settle there.
July 9, 2022
I liked the story and loved the setting, especially her time spent with Ann. I had a bit of an issue with the language which at times was too modern for the time period, like slipping into current slang which derailed me from being as lost in this book as I would’ve liked.
May 3, 2023
Without similes, sometimes two to a sentence, this would be a short story. I made it almost to halfway through the book and still had no idea who Minique was--whether I'd like to be her friend or never see her again. Hence, I did not finish reading to the end.
January 3, 2024
Almost 4 stars. I enjoyed the slow burn imagining of a life in late 17th century New France, where some of my ancestors may have lived their lives. The late veering into S&M romance (?) was jarring, but somehow worked by the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2025
I enjoyed the first half of this novel a lot. Learning about old Montreal and Minique's past was so fun. Then Cadillac was introduced and the magic element that made me love the book left completely. I hated him. It felt like such a rushed and useless plot point to have him show up.
July 26, 2022
Interesting story - compelling in many ways. I find it diverged near the end and the way the language was so contemporary bothered me. But I will and have recommended this one.
February 15, 2023
Amazing storytelling that kept me turning the pages--had all the vibes that I look for with historical fiction, and from a unique perspective
July 19, 2023
I usually don't read historical fiction but I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. However, the ending of the book didn't really make sense to me and that's why I gave it 3 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews