The Widow’s Boutique is a historical visual novel set in Christiana (modern-day Oslo) during the 1820s. The narrative is meticulously researched and thoughtfully crafted, which is no surprise given that the writer, producer, and CEO holds a PhD in history. This expertise is evident in the authenticity of the storytelling.
I spent nearly 11 hours fully immersed in this game and enjoyed every moment. Stepping into the shoes of Madam Sem (an eerie coincidence, as I often shorten my own surname to Sem!) made the experience feel personal and engaging.
I managed to grow my boutique to success, reaching ending number 17. However, this was a bit confusing, as the official website mentions only 15 different endings. It might be helpful for the developers to clarify or update this information for players.
Along the way, I unlocked 12 out of the 18 available images, so while I didn’t see everything, I feel I’ve made significant progress.
Standout Features
- Map and Exploration: The inclusion of a map allowed me to explore various locations at my own pace. This level of agency is rare in visual novels and made the experience feel fresh and engaging.
- Societal and Business Growth: Figuring out how to thrive in both society and business was rewarding. The importance of reputation, sometimes outweighing affection, was a particularly striking discovery.
- Structured Daily Routine: Each day typically began with reading letters and newspaper, an encouraged ritual, with reading letters and the newspaper, followed by embroidery and managing the boutique. This structure, paired with the freedom to visit friends or wander around, created a satisfying balance between routine and flexibility.
- Unexpected Events: The game wasn’t without striking surprises; for example, I witnessed a murder, which added intrigue to the narrative.
Points of Confusion
While I greatly enjoyed the game, a few aspects left me puzzled:
- Mrs. Dunker’s Role: How did Mrs. Dunker manage to be both married and working when it seemed women could only be one or the other? (I wanted the same privilege!)
- Newspaper Dates: The dates on the newspapers didn’t always match the in-game timeline (e.g., reading March 15 news on February 28), which was confusing.
- Character Logic: In one storyline (ending number 3), Mr. Christoffersen banned me from the dramatic society but simultaneously tried to be friendly, which felt inconsistent.
- Inheritance Timeline: Did it really take two years for the Board of Estate Administration to confirm my status as sole heir? Meanwhile, Anna (the shop worker) managed the boutique; how, if it wasn’t legally mine?
- The Cat: Am I naming the cat after it’s been around for two years, even though it supposedly arrived not long after my husband’s death?
Suggestions for Improvement
- Music: Incorporating Norwegian music from the 1800s would better complement the setting, though I understand there may be cost constraints.
- Main Character Depth: The widow’s backstory could be richer. I found myself wondering about her parents, the length and circumstances of her marriage, and whether she had children. Perhaps these details are in storylines I haven’t unlocked yet.
- Abrupt Endings: Some endings – in the storylines that I did not get married – felt quite sudden.
- Letter Writing: I would have liked the option to write letters in response, as an interactive element.
Final Thoughts
Despite a few areas for improvement, I highly recommend The Widow’s Boutique to anyone who enjoys historical novels or series like Bridgerton. It’s a beautifully crafted experience that offers both entertainment and insight into 19th-century Norwegian society.
Cheers!