The Witches of Vardo

Chilling, fascinating, and fiercely written - The Witches of Vardo tells of true events in 17th Century Norway. A hugely compelling read that explores just how much of the witch trials was a direct attack on femininity, science, and female empowerment. I'm from a Lancastrian family, so had childhood tales of the Pendle witch trials, and have read about the Salem witch trials etc - so reading about this happening in Norway was utterly fascinating - and told in such a compelling fashion

I thought I knew everything there was to know about witchcraft, but this a really different take. Gripping and vivid, this provides a new insight and felt immersive.

Witches are an automatic read for me, and although I expected more witchcraft and spells and just basic magic I can’t say I was disappointed as we delve into the lives of two very different women. Ingeborg and Anne, Ingeborg is the daughter of a fishermen and soon becomes a victim of witch accusations due to her mother and eventually her sister. Anne is a prisoners of the king, sent to a land ruled over by a witch Hunter governor who demands she helps with the witch confessions or else she’ll find herself in the witches hole. The story follows Ingeborg through her life from happy family to worried daughter to prisoner and beyond. Anne’s story is told in letters to the king who keeps more secrets than anyone could possibly know. Ingeborg greatest friend is the accused witch and daughter of a witch burnt at stake: Maren, who’s own story is full of tales and confusion, she claims to be a witch like her mother but no one truly believes this, except the witch hunters of course:

The Witches of Vardo tells of true events in 17th Century Norway and the persecution of women accused of witchcraft. It was a compelling read, which I found hard to put down. I had no idea about witch trials going on in Norway at this time, and it was both fascinating and horrifying to learn more about them. An excellent book.

This was an intriguing and absolutely gripping read that I just couldn't put down. It was atmospheric and haunting with a chilling undertone. I have always been fascinated by the witch tirals and the fervor and horror that came with them and this showcased that perfectly, in a trial I had never heard of before but will definitely been looking at more now.
This was an immersive and evocative read that shone a new light on the trials and really made me think. I loved it and I will definitely be looking for more from this author again