How To Academy Podcast Hope Reese - The Dark History of the Angel Makers of Nagyrév
Aug 5, 2025
Hope Reese, a journalist and author of The Women Are Not Fine, dives into the chilling tale of the 'Angel Makers' of Nagyrév, a small Hungarian village in the early 20th century. She unravels the harrowing motivations behind women poisoning their husbands, reflecting on themes of desperation and retribution. The discussion reveals the severe societal pressures these women faced, the complexities of marriage as an economic arrangement, and the role of a midwife who offered dark solutions amidst community secrets. It’s a haunting exploration of agency in a world rife with domestic violence.
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Discovery of Nagyrév Poisonings
- Hope Reese discovered the story of the Angel Makers of Nagyrév after a chance conversation at an open mic night in Budapest.
- She was driven to investigate the poisoning scandal after meeting locals connected to the village history.
Nagyrév's Isolation and Poverty
- Nagyrév was an isolated, poor farming village with no police or doctor and minimal transport.
- Most villagers never left, creating a closed community where crimes could be hidden easily.
Economic Marriages and Divorce Barriers
- Marriages in Nagyrév were economic arrangements, not romantic unions.
- Divorce was legal but difficult, costly, and stigmatizing, keeping many women trapped in abusive relationships.
