Daughters of the Witching Hill: Summary and book reviews of Daughters of the Witching Hill by Mary Sharratt, plus links to an excerpt from Daughters of the Witching Hill and a biography of Mary Sharratt.

Bess Southerns, an impoverished widow living in Pendle Forest, is haunted by visions and gains a reputation as a cunning woman. Drawing on the Catholic folk magic of her youth, Bess heals the sick and foretells the future. As she ages, she instructs her granddaughter, Alizon, in her craft, as well as her best friend, who ultimately turns to dark magic. When a peddler suffers a stroke after exchanging harsh words with Alizon, a local magistrate, eager to make his name as a witch finder, plays neighbors and family members against one another until suspicion and paranoia reach frenzied heights. Sharratt interweaves well-researched historical details of the 1612 Pendle witch-hunt with a beautifully imagined story of strong women, family, and betrayal. Daughters of the Witching Hill is a powerful novel of intrigue and revelation.

BookBrowse

As a reader, I learned about the use of religion as a means of control over the people ... at times, it reminded me of the current times, when we are becoming less tolerant of others who are not exactly like us. I encourage all to read this enchanting story as it will have a lasting effect on you showing how the world has changed and then really not changed over the last several hundred years. I recommend Daughters of the Witching Hill for book clubs as there is much to discuss and will definitely be recommending this to my friends, co-workers and our library's patrons who ask for "a good read".  (Reviewed by BookBrowse First Impression Reviewers).

Full Review (1080 words).

Media Reviews

Kirkus Reviews Committed storytelling and visual detail mark this overlong but tightly wound historical.   Library Journal Starred Review. While not a quick read, this is a fascinating tale. The story unfolds without melodrama and is therefore all the more powerful.   Publishers Weekly Starred Review. [T]his novel grows darker as it approaches its inevitable conclusion, but proves uplifting in its portrayal of women who persevere, and mothers and daughters who forgive.

Recent Reader Reviews

Rated of 5 by Beverly J. (Huntersville, NC)
Ignorance Is Not Bliss
I was pulled into the story from the beginning despite knowing what the ending. The joy in this book is the telling of the story and the language describing the period. I very much enjoy a good historical fiction and once again Mary Sharratt does...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Eileen
Daughters of the Witching Hill
Over the years I have had an interest in the persecution of perceived witches, based on their healing abilities, physical and mental illnesses, or their religious beliefs. This historical fiction was very enlightening. The main characters were...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Natalya M. (Medical Lake, WA)
A cunning novel of witchcraft
This book is a great historical fiction novel that puts together magic, religious persecution, and witch hunts. Bess Southerns a poor widow starts using her gifts to help those in her village. She teaches her cunning craft to her granddaughter...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Chris (Wauwatosa, WI)
Daughters of the Witching Hill
I found this to be a very captivating book of historical fiction. It was difficult to put down right from the beginning as the author drew me into the life of Bess Southerns and her family. It's fascinating to think of the times of the witch...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Colleen T. (Lakewood, CO)
Daughters of the Witching Hill
An amazing story. The author's excellent writing style puts you in the story so you feel as though you are actually there. I recommend this book highly.

Rated of 5 by Jodie A. (CORPUS CHRISTI, TX)
Daughters of the Witching Hill
Although parts of this book moved a little slowly I enjoyed reading this book. The subject matter was very interesting and the characters were unique. It had a mystical quality to it and I felt like I was being drawn into a unique place and time in...   Read More

...13 More Reader Reviews

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Books with similar themes

• Historical Fiction
  
• UK (Britain) & Ireland 
  
• 17th Century or Earlier 
  
• Strong Female Leads 
  
• Magical or Supernatural Elements