Pohjoisen noidat oikeus ja totuus 1600-luvun Ruotsissa ja Suomessa

Readers generally praise Mirkka Lappalainen's book for its fascinating exploration of 17th-century witch trials in Sweden and Finland. Many found the subject matter inherently captivating and appreciated the author's ability to make historical events accessible and engaging, often comparing her writing style to that of a novel. The book is lauded for its thorough research, drawing extensively from court records to provide a well-sourced account. A significant positive highlighted by reviewers is the book's success in demystifying the witch hunts, offering a nuanced perspective that challenges sensationalized narratives. It emphasizes the surprising strength of the Nordic justice system at the time and its efforts to prevent wrongful convictions, while also providing a rich broader historical context of 17th-century life, culture, and societal challenges.

Despite its strengths, the book receives criticism for certain structural and stylistic issues. A common complaint is that the narrative, particularly in its later sections focusing on Finnish cases, can become repetitive and feel like a mere list of court proceedings rather than a cohesive analysis. Some readers desired more in-depth analytical discussion, particularly regarding the psychological and societal factors that fueled and extinguished the hysteria, feeling that the book sometimes leaned too heavily on descriptive retelling. While many appreciated the objective tone, others found the demystified approach occasionally led to a drier presentation, lacking the dramatic flair they might have expected from the subject. A few reviewers also pointed out issues with the book's editing, citing inconsistencies in names, typos, and an overall confusing structure in places.

Overall, the book offers a valuable and well-researched historical account of witch trials in the Nordic region, providing a fresh perspective that aims to educate and demystify. While its comprehensive detailing of individual cases can lead to some repetitiveness and a less dramatic tone than some might prefer, it excels at providing a detailed and objective look at 17th-century legal practices and societal beliefs. This book is highly recommended for readers interested in Nordic history, legal history, or the social history of the 17th century. It will particularly appeal to those who appreciate a thoroughly researched, academic yet accessible approach that challenges popular misconceptions and provides a nuanced understanding of a complex historical phenomenon, rather than a sensationalized or fictionalized narrative.