

In ‘The Hounding,’ rumors swirl around five sisters living in 18th-century England
Aug 20, 2025
Dive into the intriguing tale of five sisters in 18th-century England who are ensnared by wild rumors claiming they bark like dogs. Author Xenobe Purvis explores how gossip shapes their lives and reflects societal perceptions of women. The discussion highlights the dangerous power of rumors and the hidden motives behind them, drawing fascinating parallels to contemporary issues surrounding girlhood and societal expectations.
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Origin From A Strange Historical Case
- Xenobe Purvis found a 1700 doctor’s note about five sisters “seized with frequent barking in the manner of dogs.”
- She used that historical nugget as the imaginative seed for her novel and wove in odd verified period details.
Enlightenment Versus Deep-Rooted Suspicion
- Purvis contrasts Enlightenment ideas with lingering rural suspicion and old beliefs in the village's response to the sisters.
- The tension between reason and superstition drives the novel's social conflict.
The Rumor That Changed Everything
- A ferryman, Pete Darling, starts a rumor claiming he saw the girls turn into dogs and frames his lies as divinely authorized.
- His repeated false claims seed fear and have real costs for the Mansfield sisters.