"Fierce and fascinating, chilling and yet compassionate, this investigation into the 17th century witch trials highlights the dangers women can still face today."
What a title! It definitely shocks, it also made me wonder at what was contained inside and I positively itched to turn the first pages. Written by two ‘quarrelsome dames’ Claire Mitchell and Zoe Venditozzi, this non-fiction slice of fascination opens up the Scottish witch trials, asks all manner of intelligent questions, and provokes a whole host of reactions. Between 3000 to 5000 people were accused of witchcraft in Scotland between the 16th and 18th centuries, and 85% of them were women. I actually found myself raging at the injustice that they faced, and fearful too, as the accusation of ‘witch’ can still be manipulated and used with deadly consequences. While concentrating on Scotland, this also tips into the US and European trials. The author’s have throughly researched historical documents, spoken to experts, filled in the margins of history, and are responsible for the Witches of Scotland campaign where they sought an apology for the accused and pardon for the convicted (the official recognition of those who were wrongly accused eventually came on International Women's Day in 2022). Their writing is so engaging, they use Scots to take you to the land while fictional sections highlight the intimate and allow hidden access to thoughts and feelings. This book may be fierce and powerful, yet compassion and empathy, and wit and wisdom thrum through the pages. There is a perceptive and far-sighted strength on offer so it just had to be included as a LoveReading Star Book and Liz Pick of the Month too. At a time when it feels as though we are at a tipping point in the world, when hatred and injustice threaten to overwhelm, this visit into the past acts as a timely warning. Fascinating and provocative, How to Kill a Witch is a necessary, relevant, and important book, and comes as highly recommended by our team.
| Primary Genre | History |
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