"A beautifully powerful debut novel celebrating the strength and resilience of three women in three different time-frames as witchcraft weaves its way through their lives."
A debut novel with a slicing, fiercely provocative and challenging magic, this is so beautifully readable it hurts! Weyward Cottage in Cumbria sits with protective arms around three of its inhabitants from Altha on trial for witchcraft in 1619, through to independent Violet in 1942, and Kate who finds refuge in 2019. Emilia Hart sends a powerful message thrumming through her words, these women may fall victim to the men in their lives, but they certainly don’t live as victims. The natural magic on offer feels living, breathing, touchable. The three linking time-spans twist around each other, expanding thoughts and ensuring I became as one with Kate, Violet, and Altha. Each of the three women is so very different, yet an invisible thread and force binds them. The location and natural world that surrounds the tale is bewitching in its intensity. There is a darkness to this story, the abuse and violence is handled with empathy. The tension builds with each turn of the page, as each short chapter bleeds into the next. As the ending rushed towards me and the crescendo hit with full force, I finally felt finally able to take a breath, to relax and look back and consider. This is a novel that will stay with me. Bold, beautiful, thoughtful writing has ensured Weyward is not only a Liz Pick for its month of publication, but also highlighted as a LoveReading Star Book.
| Primary Genre | Historical Fiction |
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This book will always hold a piece of my heart. Beautiful, heartbreakingly atmospheric, captivating.
There are some books that you know will always hold a piece of your heart. This is one of them.
Weyward is quite simply one of the most beautiful, heartbreakingly atmospheric, captivating books I've read.
Told from dual POV across a 400 year timeline, I honestly couldn't put this down.
Each women has their own heartbreaking story to tell. As the chapters unfolded you are drawn deeper and deeper into their struggles, courage, determination and tragedy. Until finally you understand the connections between the three and how magic will always be with them.
Alpha - 1619
Uncanny they called her. Now she is on trial for witchcraft
Violet - 1942
More interested in climbing trees and insects than ladies of her time should be.... Read Full Review
