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Sin Eater: A Novel Paperback – April 13, 2021

4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 1,431 ratings

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“For fans of The Handmaid’s Tale...a debut novel with a dark setting and an unforgettable heroine...is a riveting depiction of hard-won female empowerment” (The Washington Post).

The Sin Eater walks among us, unseen, unheard
Sins of our flesh become sins of Hers
Following Her to the grave, unseen, unheard
The Sin Eater Walks Among Us.

For the crime of stealing bread, fourteen-year-old May receives a life sentence: she must become a Sin Eater—a shunned woman, brutally marked, whose fate is to hear the final confessions of the dying, eat ritual foods symbolizing their sins as a funeral rite, and thereby shoulder their transgressions to grant their souls access to heaven.

Orphaned and friendless, apprenticed to an older Sin Eater who cannot speak to her, May must make her way in a dangerous and cruel world she barely understands. When a deer heart appears on the coffin of a royal governess who did not confess to the dreadful sin it represents, the older Sin Eater refuses to eat it. She is taken to prison, tortured, and killed. To avenge her death, May must find out who placed the deer heart on the coffin and why.

“Very much reminiscent of
The Handmaid’s Tale…it transcends its historical roots to give us a modern heroine” (Kirkus Reviews). “A novel as strange as it is captivating” (BuzzFeed), The Sin Eater “is a treat for fans of feminist speculative fiction” (Publishers Weekly) and “exactly what historical fiction lovers have unknowingly craved” (New York Journal of Books).
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Editorial Reviews

Review

One of the Most Anticipated Books of 2020. Lit Hub

"A riveting description of hardwon female empowerment that weaves together meticulous research, unsolved murder--and an unforgettable heroine. Exhilarating...great storytelling...reminiscent of
The Handmaid's Tale or Russell Hoban's great sui-generis sci-fi novel Riddley Walker." ― The Washington Post

Sin Eater is a dark and thrilling page turner that turns a dystopian eye on the past in an unnervingly contemporary way. All hail Megan Campisi and her smashing novel.” -- Emma Donoghue, New York Times bestselling author of Room and Akin

"An in-depth, lyrical exploration of the forced reinvention of a teenage girl, ripped from her normal existence into a life of shifting public sins into feminine flesh, literally.
Sin Eater is a thrilling surprise - Megan Campisi uses the history of patriarchal injustice to create a keenly researched feminist arc of unexpected abundance, reckoning, intellect, and ferocious survival." -- Maria Dahvana Headley, New York Times bestselling author of The Mere Wife

"
The Name of the Rose meets Wolf Hall in this brilliant, bewitching novel. Megan Campisi conjures a deliciously warped version of sixteenth-century Britain: Tudor England in a funhouse mirror. Her heroine, a young girl cruelly rendered pariah, is ingeniously sketched and achingly real. Ms. Campisi has created a dark, rich story replete with humor, unforgettable characters, and arcane mysteries. It casts a spell on your heart and mind until the final page." -- Jennie Melamed, author of Gather the Daughters

“Rich with imaginative and historical details,
Sin Eater is part mystery, part horror, and—ultimately—a timeless story of one woman regaining her power. I loved this from beginning to end.” -- Christina Dalcher, author of Vox

"A dark, propulsive novel that twists your stomach in all the right ways.” ―
Lit Hub

Sin Eater is a fully fleshed work of speculative fiction, abundant with the fine details of Elizabethan life and, of course, food. May is a damaged and sympathetic heroine, at once intelligent and innocent. This is an opulently imagined debut, horrific and weirdly beautiful, filled with earnest feeling as well as cruelty. Set aside time to read this engrossing novel in one go.” ― Shelf Awareness

"The atmospheric, historical fantasy setting combined with May’s jarringly eccentric personality creates a novel as strange as it is captivating.” ―
BuzzFeed

"Dark and evocative." ―
Pop Sugar

"A Tudor banquet of a novel...its center the desiring, devouring, life-giving, murdering, and dying female body." ―
Historical Novels Review

“An original novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.” ―
BookReporter

Sin Eater by Megan Campisi: A dystopian story about a girl in 16th century England that is sentenced to work as a 'Sin Eater, people who cannot be touched or spoken to and whose job is to hear the final confessions of the dying while eating foods symbolizing their sins so their souls can be admitted to heaven.' Think a cross between Margaret Atwood and Umberto Eco with this one, and it is a phenomenal read.” ― Palm Beach Post

“Magnificent...complex, vivid... This vision of Renaissance outsiders is exactly what historical fiction lovers have unknowingly craved.” ―
New York Journal of Books

“[A] rousing, impressive debut… Campisi’s stirring portrait of injustice is deepened by May’s cleverness, frustration, and grief. This spellbinding novel is a treat for fans of feminist speculative fiction.”
Publishers Weekly

“Very much reminiscent of
The Handmaid's Tale. In this way, it transcends its historical roots to give us a modern heroine. Richly imaginative and strikingly contemporary.” ― Kirkus Reviews

“Campisi shapes a tale of folk customs, dark superstitions, and feminine power… Recommend this debut, an original melding of mystery and alternate history, to admirers of Karen Maitland’s folklore-infused medieval thrillers and Diane Setterfield’s
Once Upon a River.” ― Booklist

"Simply riveting." ―
Midwest Book Review

"
Sin Eater turns shame into a superpower." ― Bitch Media

About the Author

Megan Campisi is a playwright, novelist, and teacher. She has been a forest ranger, a sous-chef in Paris, and a physical theater specialist around the world. She attended Yale University and l’École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq. In 2019 she received a Fulbright Specialist award to travel to Turkey and give master classes at Tatbikat Theater. Her first novel, Sin Eater, received the Debut Crown Award from the Historical Writers’ Association. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Megan lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her family.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Atria Books (April 13, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1982124113
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1982124113
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 0.7 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 1,431 ratings

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Megan Campisi
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Megan Campisi is a playwright and novelist. She has previously received the French Alfa and ADAMI prizes for her plays, which have been performed in France, China and the United States. In 2019 she received a Fulbright Specialist Award to give master classes at Tatbikat Theatre in Turkey. She holds a BA from Yale and a Diplôme (MFA) from L’Ecole de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris. She lives in Brooklyn with her family.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
1,431 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story compelling and interesting. They praise the writing quality as well-written and edited. The book has a unique concept and vivid descriptions, making it an easy read about a fascinating topic. Overall, customers describe it as an imaginative and unique historical novel worth reading.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

17 customers mention "Plot"13 positive4 negative

Customers find the plot interesting and well-written. They describe it as an imaginative, compelling story with a cool concept. The historical novel is described as satisfying and well-crafted, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers hooked until the end. Readers also mention it's an excellent coming-of-age tale.

"This was an interesting read because although I had heard of sin eaters in the past I learned a lot more through this book...." Read more

"...The book is also an excellent coming-of-age story, in which May learns to adapt to, and even make use of, not only the baggage of the role forced..." Read more

"...Captivating and original, well-edited, and written in a way I devoured. I LOVED THIS STORY." Read more

"Once I started it I couldn’t put it down. Every twist and turn was a surprise, especially when she figured out whom the murderer was." Read more

8 customers mention "Writing quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing quality engaging and well-written. They describe it as an easy read about a fascinating topic.

"...Captivating and original, well-edited, and written in a way I devoured. I LOVED THIS STORY." Read more

"She's a very good writer and can paint vivid visuals for the reader. That's why I gave this book three stars...." Read more

"...and places, each part of Sin Eater is so unique and incredibly difficult to describe...." Read more

"...The author write beautifully and flawlessly. The title of the book itself seems gruesome, but oddly enough, it's not...." Read more

5 customers mention "Imagination"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the imaginative story with a touch of fantasy. They appreciate the vivid visuals and unique parts of the book.

"This historical (more or less) mystery centers on a strange but real custom that once prevailed in parts of Britain: after someone died, a poor..." Read more

"She's a very good writer and can paint vivid visuals for the reader. That's why I gave this book three stars...." Read more

"...Through various characters and places, each part of Sin Eater is so unique and incredibly difficult to describe...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the blend of genres - mystery, [alternative] history, a touch of fantasy...." Read more

5 customers mention "Readability"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and a quick beach read.

"...If you enjoy historical fiction, then this is worth reading." Read more

"This was only OK - it’s really more of a YA beach read than a serious novel, so adjust your expectations accordingly." Read more

"...Totally worth the read!" Read more

"Worth a read..." Read more

Not what I expected - so much better
5 out of 5 stars
Not what I expected - so much better
This book had been on my wish list for quite some time and a Bookstagram friend picked it as my exchange book. I was so excited to read this book and I’m delighted that I finally got to sit down and read it. The Sin Eater is an exceptionally well-written book whose synopsis does not do it justice. I did not go into this one thinking that I would get courtly intrigue and a tale of mysterious murders. I would consider it a slow burn but I was not bored, constantly checking the food list at the beginning of the book and even looking up foods that I had absolutely no clue about. They ate some strange things.The ending was a little sad and I wanted more for May but it was honest – rising above her station in life would have been impossible considering what was done to her. I understand why she chose the safety and security of her role – even if she initially hated and chafed at being assigned as a sin eater. I also wanted justice for her but that would have also proven difficult. Elizabethan England was not a kind place.If you enjoy courtly intrigue from the perspective of a necessary but reviled FMC, murder mysteries, and historical (Elizabethan) fiction then I highly recommend picking this book up. I just found out that the author is publishing another historical fiction book this year (2024), The Widow Spy, and I cannot wait to check that out either! Rounded from 4.5 stars.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2020
    This historical (more or less) mystery centers on a strange but real custom that once prevailed in parts of Britain: after someone died, a poor person hired for the purpose ate a ritual meal placed atop the coffin and thereby supposedly took on all the unforgiven sins of the deceased person, freeing the latter to ascend to heaven. The usual sin-eater meal was simply bread and ale, but Campisi expands the ritual by symbolizing each kind of sin with a different food. In her version, the dying person gives a Recitation of his or her sins to the sin-eater, who then tells the person’s family what foods will be required for the coffin repast.

    May Owens, a poor girl in her early teens, is the Sin Eater of the title, forced into the job (by a locked collar and a brand on her tongue) as a punishment after stealing a loaf of bread. No one would accept the position voluntarily because Sin Eaters become pariahs, not to be looked at or spoken to, or to speak themselves, except in connection with the essential duty they perform. While she is still struggling to adapt to this harsh existence, May’s troubles increase when the Queen’s court comes to her town and she and an older Sin Eater, the only person who has befriended her, must attend a Recitation and Eating for a lady-in-waiting. After the woman dies—of poison, May suspects—a deer heart appears among the foods on her coffin. May isn’t sure exactly what sin that represents, but she knows that it is not any of the ones that the woman Recited. The older Sin Eater refuses to eat the heart and is arrested and tortured to death. Grieving for her, May vows to find out what the heart means, who put it there, and why.

    The story takes place in a slightly-alternate Elizabethan world, probably so that Campisi’s expansion of the Sin-Eater ritual and additions to the royal background will not disturb elements of actual history. The royals are given somewhat different names—Queen Elizabeth, for instance, becomes Queen Bethany—but they will be immediately recognizable to anyone who knows the Great Tudor Soap Opera (Henry VIII and his six wives, etc.). Campisi shows the next-door alternativeness in some nicely subtle ways: for instance, May says “somefolk” where we would say “somebody,” and nursery rhymes scattered through the text are almost, but not quite, the same as the rhymes we all learned as children. The prevailing religion is the-same-but-different as well.

    Campisi’s book is a satisfying mystery, and the Sin Eater ritual at its heart is fascinating and haunting. The book is also an excellent coming-of-age story, in which May learns to adapt to, and even make use of, not only the baggage of the role forced upon her but that of her own very mixed heritage as well… and ultimately finds ways to choose which parts of each she will keep and which she will discard. She and the other characters are very fully developed and moving. This seems to be Campisi’s first book; I will greatly look forward to seeing (I hope) future ones.
    24 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2024
    The ending left a lot to be desired as far as wrapping up the story, but overall not too bad.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2024
    This was an interesting read because although I had heard of sin eaters in the past I learned a lot more through this book. Even though I can honestly say I enjoyed the book, there was a lot of superfluous threads that merely made the book longer without providing any real substance. The character development of the main character, the Sin Eater, was excellent. The author seemed to rush through the ending just to try to tidy things up and that just didn't work for me.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2024
    I found this book to be quite good. I wish there had been more of a love interest in this, however May is only 14 or 15yrs old, a bit young for sexual intimacy. It was slightly difficult to keep track of all the characters and the fact that the characters real names were occasionally interchanged with the names May gives them makes that worse. That being said, I found myself wanting more for May, and I found the ending somewhat lacking. I believe a few more chapters would have enhanced the ending considerably. I will re-read this book as I did find myself skimming some parts. If you enjoy historical fiction, then this is worth reading.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2020
    Who gets to decide who we are? Are we only one thing? If we can be more than one thing how does it come to be and why? This book deals with identity and power. Do we really have power over others? May learns how to control her life even as others seem to hold all the power. I recommend this book.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2024
    Started this morning and completely shirked all responsibilities to finish it. Captivating and original, well-edited, and written in a way I devoured. I LOVED THIS STORY.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2022
    She's a very good writer and can paint vivid visuals for the reader. That's why I gave this book three stars. That said, this book was about a very ugly time, with a very ugly theme. I have no idea why anyone would write this book, let alone read it. It was horribly depressing on every level, and the plot would have been weak, if not for the place and time in which it was set. I don't recommend it.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2024
    Fascinating book with interesting historical facts I would have never known if not for this book. I loved it!

Top reviews from other countries

  • Rumour
    5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn’t put it down!
    Reviewed in Canada on August 30, 2020
    I loved every minute of this book. May’s story of unwavering courage in the face of impossible odds was woven with puzzles and mysterious deaths. Definitely worth picking up!
  • Steph Warren
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unputdownable and utterly memorable
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 26, 2021
    *I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author, Mantle – Pan Macmillan and NetGalley. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

    This is an alternative history story about women’s voices and murder; dark and rich, with a bitter undertone, like chocolate-covered coffee beans. (I wonder what sin those would represent?)

    The worldbuilding is superb and perfectly conjures up the sights, smells and sounds of the rural villages and urban slums, as well as the receiving rooms of the middle, upper and royal classes. For that is the key to the unhappiness, but also the advantage, of the sin-eater’s lot. She may not speak, other than the rote phrases of her ritualistic role, but being shunned and ignored – feared – by every other human soul, gives her a strange kind of freedom to go where she wishes and ignore the rules that apply to those not already earmarked for Hell.

    This idea of a woman being assigned to ‘eat’ the sins of the dying in a simple, yet very specific, ritual, and thereby freeing them for Heaven and damning her own soul a little more each time… it feels like dystopian fantasy, and yet also totally believable as actual historical fact. I was horrified and distraught for poor May as she received her terrible sentence, and amazed as she then went on to forge her own, almost-bearable path from it.

    In addition to May’s journey of suffering and survival – as she fully believes that her eternal soul is lost to hellfire – is the additional intrigue of suspicious death in courtly circles, and May’s position as socially invisible puts her in the ideal position to be able to investigate events. After all, taking away her voice in the world still leaves her with her brain and her curiosity, and little to feast them on but the lives of other people! May’s character lived and breathed in my imagination as I read: from chattering child, to bitter, lonely young woman – proud and determined to survive despite her lot.

    There are plenty of triggers throughout the story: animal cruelty; child abuse; sexual abuse; infanticide; sexual and physical violence; torture and, of course, murder. This is a dark tale of deprivation and cruelty but, never gratuitous, is also a story of comradeship, loyalty and unexpected kindness.

    Megan Campisi explores how there can be power in the apparent helplessness of being feared and outcast. She also highlights the importance of human touch, acceptance, communication… of reaching out and being reached out to. These yearnings hit a particularly raw nerve during these times of pandemic, when we must keep our distance from loved ones from fear of a different nature. This current insight brought May’s plight into stark focus in a way that might not have moved me as deeply in different times, wrapped in the comfort of my own family and friends.

    I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves historical fiction focused on those cast out from ‘normal’ society. Plot, characters, worldbuilding all combine to make this story unputdownable and utterly memorable.

    'Salt for pride. Mustard seed for lies. Barley for curses. There are grapes too, laid red and bursting across the pinewood coffin – one grape split with a ruby seed poking through the skin like a splinter through flesh. There’s crow’s meat stewed with plums and a homemade loaf, small and shaped like a bobbin. Why a loaf in such a shape? I think. And why so small? There are other foods too, but not many. My mother had few sins.'

    – Megan Campisi, The Sin-Eater

    Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
  • Katherine Patten
    3.0 out of 5 stars Historical interest
    Reviewed in Canada on May 7, 2020
    Historically interesting, but character development for others than main character is lacking. Also, it was annoying that she didn’t refer to historical characters with their real names; for example, Queen Bethany= Queen Elisabeth I.
  • Kayleigh
    3.0 out of 5 stars Confusing
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 1, 2021
    I really wanted to like this as the concept seemed really good, but it was just confusing and I didn't like the language used. I would have liked more focus on day to day sin eating than a hair brained plot about murdering children that our protagonist has to solve, despite being one of the lowest members of society. It just didn't make sense to me!
  • Ktmomma
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 4, 2021
    I've just finished this Brilliant story that will stay with me for a long time. I don't leave reviews normally, but I enjoyed so much of the story -the historical aspect, as well as the plot. More than anything the writing was done well, and no grammatical mistakes or typos that seem to hound so many kindle books, and detract from the story
    May deals with poverty, and her role as a social pariah after stealing a loaf of bread, and her punishment (based on a factual role I was never aware of) with atmospheric emotion.
    I would love to see more from this author.
    Well worth the read.