4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⚡
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel and Siobhan Waring did a wonderful job as narrator bringing the characters and the story to life.
Spanning 200 years we start the story in 1824 in Edinburgh where women are being persecuted as witches. In what is definitely a 'witch hunt' no woman is safe if the patriarchy says they are a witch their word is final, no trial, just death. Women live in fear and I felt that fear as Nellie does everything she can to survive and keep her brother fed. I could also feel the hate that seemed to emanate around the town from men and women whether family or friends it is fear that feeds the hate, and jealousy.
This is speculative fiction, the women who become a vital part of Nellie's life follow the winter deity, the Cailleach who has an ancient enemy intent on stripping the power of the deity and all her witches, leaving a wake of patriarchal violence and destruction. These powerful forces played a major part in 1824 and the present day and it was scary how easily the fear and hatred could seep into the people and spread. But it was also very believable because our politicians and media play the part of the ancient enemy daily in our present and have done throughout history, keeping us in line by keeping us afraid of each other while they play their games in the name of power.
After the events that send Nellie running and hiding for close to 200 years, we only get snippets of her life and her struggles until the present day when events see her returning reluctantly to Edinburgh where she is once again pulled into the ancient enemy's plans. It is only on this return that Nellie truly comes into her own and takes back her power and grows stronger in order to fight for a future where women no longer have to fear.
The true magic and power is when people come together as one to fight for a better future for all and maybe one day we will see that happen in the real world.
There were some parts I found a bit repetitive, especially Nellie's thoughts at times and I wanted to yell at her, but overall this was a really enjoyable novel and I'll be looking out for what the author puts out next.
Thanks to NetGalley & Tantor Audio for a digital copy of this audiobook.
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About the book
This lush, atmospheric novel blends witchcraft, queer love, a vibrant Edinburgh setting, and Scottish folklore for a propulsive and emotional story exploring what it means to resist the patriarchy and find your voice.
In an alternate Edinburgh of 1824, every woman lives in fear that she will be the next one hanged for witchcraft. All it takes is invoking the anger, or the desire, of the wrong person. Nellie Duncan, beautiful and unwed, keeps to herself until she encounters the Rae Women's Apothecary. There, fiery Jean Rae and the other women provide cures and teach others that they too can aid the winter deity, the Cailleach, embracing her characteristic independence, agency, and craft, in turn becoming witches themselves.
Nellie finds a place and a purpose at the shop, and a blossoming romance with Jean, as she learns about nature-based craft and a witch's ability to return to life after death. But the Cailleach has an ancient enemy intent on stripping the power of the deity and all her witches, leaving a wake of patriarchal violence and destruction.
When heart-breaking disaster strikes, Nellie flees and spends the next two centuries hiding from the world—until love gives her the courage and the motivation to come back. Nellie's past is waiting for her there, and hanging witches is no longer the only means of oppression. But this time, Nellie refuses to run—either from her foes, or from her resolve to awaken others to the unimaginable power that can come with fighting the patriarchy in its many forms—and finding one's own magical inner-strength.
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