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kelpish's review
5.0
I don’t know what I was expecting this novel to be (I borrowed the audiobook one night with just a glance at the cover and a brief blurb), but it surpassed any expectations and I quickly fell in love with it.
It’s beautifully written and it covers multiple generations without dragging. This should be a must-read if you enjoy multigenerational stories, folk magic, and historical fiction.
It’s beautifully written and it covers multiple generations without dragging. This should be a must-read if you enjoy multigenerational stories, folk magic, and historical fiction.
bookish_scientist's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
sleger107's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
andrea_mae's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
queenterribletimy's review against another edition
5.0
This review was originally posted on Queen's Book Asylum along with my choice of song!
I’ve been eyeing The Great Witch of Brittany before, but I wasn’t sure it would be up my alley and so I passed it. Until I came across Lynn’s review, who generally has very similar opinions to mine. Her review convinced me to pre-order it and read it the first opportunity I got. What came after was something I absolutely did not expect. I’ve read nearly half of it in a day, which is something that very rarely happens to me these days. I was absolutely hooked from the first page and even when I wasn’t reading all I could think about when I would be able to pick it up again. If I was pressured, I wouldn’t be able to say why it enraptured me so. It definitely was a case of right book at the right time.
When I picked up The Great Witch of Brittany, I had no previous knowledge of any of Louisa Morgan‘s books, although I’m aware that this novel explores the life of a character who played some kind of role in A Secret History of Witches. In case you are concerned, you absolutely don’t need to read that book to fully appreciate The Great Witch of Brittany, although you might feel a strong urge to buy the other book. As I did.
As I mentioned, The Great Witch of Brittany is the story of Ursule Orchiére’s life. We meet her at the age of 13, living with her Rom family, raised by her mother, Agnes, who works as a fortune teller. Their life is not an easy one, but it also has its own kind of magic. Events happening around this time shape her life forever and lead her in every decision she makes throughout her life. This is where she learns about her powers, about witchcraft, but also about the true horrors of life posed by men and those hungry with power and led by religious zeal. But it’s also a life of secrets and stories told by the fire of the witches of old. And it is in their footsteps she walks all her life.
This book’s strength is in the writing, but also in the MC who is easy to identify with. You really can’t help but be fascinated by Ursule and root for her as she tries her best to protect her family. You won’t always agree with her decisions but it’s sure you won’t be able to help but admire her strength, her resolve, her absolute dedication. Even when she knows there will be a price to pay, she still goes ahead with whatever she decided she’ll do. Consequences be damned.
It’s not a book I’d call action-packed or particularly fast-paced, although at the same time I wouldn’t say it drags either. I definitely was turning the pages like there was no tomorrow. Morgan‘s vivid writing just transported me into wherever Ursule was, painting the picture clearly without being flowery or over descriptive. I found Ursule a delightfully complex character, though if I had any criticism, it would be the fact that some of the side characters seemed a bit underdeveloped, especially compared to her. But I loved being swept away by the events in her life and going through the emotions they brought with them. It was like I was sitting by the fire with her family as I listened to her story. It awakened that feeling of wonderment towards stories and books I didn’t feel in a good while. I was really sorry to turn the last page. It’ll be a small miracle if it won’t make it to my best reads of the year list.
The Great Witch of Brittany is a love letter to what it means to be a woman, moreover a witch, especially in those times – late 18th, early 19th century during the fall of the French kingdom. To find one’s place and follow their destiny no matter where it leads. It was also really fascinating to read how her “gypsy ways” collided with Christianity and how it affected Ursule. I could go on singing praises about how much I loved this book, but instead, I’ll just urge you to read it for yourself! It’s a great mix of slice of life, historical fiction, and fantasy, and the perfect escape in these times when we all need to get away from reality for a couple of hours. Just be careful, because it’s addictive.
“Her clan already viewed her as a misfit, first because she had been silent for so long, and then because, when she did begin to talk, she spoke like a miniature adult. She refused to learn to sew or cook, and preferred to be alone rather than gossip with the other girls. The boys mocked her, trying to make her cry, but she refused. She was small, but her fists were hard and quick.”
I’ve been eyeing The Great Witch of Brittany before, but I wasn’t sure it would be up my alley and so I passed it. Until I came across Lynn’s review, who generally has very similar opinions to mine. Her review convinced me to pre-order it and read it the first opportunity I got. What came after was something I absolutely did not expect. I’ve read nearly half of it in a day, which is something that very rarely happens to me these days. I was absolutely hooked from the first page and even when I wasn’t reading all I could think about when I would be able to pick it up again. If I was pressured, I wouldn’t be able to say why it enraptured me so. It definitely was a case of right book at the right time.
When I picked up The Great Witch of Brittany, I had no previous knowledge of any of Louisa Morgan‘s books, although I’m aware that this novel explores the life of a character who played some kind of role in A Secret History of Witches. In case you are concerned, you absolutely don’t need to read that book to fully appreciate The Great Witch of Brittany, although you might feel a strong urge to buy the other book. As I did.
As I mentioned, The Great Witch of Brittany is the story of Ursule Orchiére’s life. We meet her at the age of 13, living with her Rom family, raised by her mother, Agnes, who works as a fortune teller. Their life is not an easy one, but it also has its own kind of magic. Events happening around this time shape her life forever and lead her in every decision she makes throughout her life. This is where she learns about her powers, about witchcraft, but also about the true horrors of life posed by men and those hungry with power and led by religious zeal. But it’s also a life of secrets and stories told by the fire of the witches of old. And it is in their footsteps she walks all her life.
This book’s strength is in the writing, but also in the MC who is easy to identify with. You really can’t help but be fascinated by Ursule and root for her as she tries her best to protect her family. You won’t always agree with her decisions but it’s sure you won’t be able to help but admire her strength, her resolve, her absolute dedication. Even when she knows there will be a price to pay, she still goes ahead with whatever she decided she’ll do. Consequences be damned.
It’s not a book I’d call action-packed or particularly fast-paced, although at the same time I wouldn’t say it drags either. I definitely was turning the pages like there was no tomorrow. Morgan‘s vivid writing just transported me into wherever Ursule was, painting the picture clearly without being flowery or over descriptive. I found Ursule a delightfully complex character, though if I had any criticism, it would be the fact that some of the side characters seemed a bit underdeveloped, especially compared to her. But I loved being swept away by the events in her life and going through the emotions they brought with them. It was like I was sitting by the fire with her family as I listened to her story. It awakened that feeling of wonderment towards stories and books I didn’t feel in a good while. I was really sorry to turn the last page. It’ll be a small miracle if it won’t make it to my best reads of the year list.
The Great Witch of Brittany is a love letter to what it means to be a woman, moreover a witch, especially in those times – late 18th, early 19th century during the fall of the French kingdom. To find one’s place and follow their destiny no matter where it leads. It was also really fascinating to read how her “gypsy ways” collided with Christianity and how it affected Ursule. I could go on singing praises about how much I loved this book, but instead, I’ll just urge you to read it for yourself! It’s a great mix of slice of life, historical fiction, and fantasy, and the perfect escape in these times when we all need to get away from reality for a couple of hours. Just be careful, because it’s addictive.
erinremen's review against another edition
5.0
A sweeping tale that follows Ursule, a gypsy girl brimming with a power that has not been seen in her line in centuries. When her mother is set to be burned at the stake for crimes committed by her daughter Ursule sets out to free her. With the guidance of the women that came before her she does just that. Her choice however leave them on the run and in hiding for the rest of their lives. As Ursule ages her powers grow and a longing to pass on the line and the true magic enters her soul. Its a beautiful tale of a long life lived with hardship, love and above all else the magic that courses through her soul. I could not put it down and felt my heart breaking when it was over. I did not read any previous books so I had no idea what to expect, though I would say you absolutely do not need to read them to enjoy this one!
counthannahreadsalot's review against another edition
4.0
The thing I liked the most about this book was how it followed Ursúle over her entire life. The beginning to end of a lifetime was a unique way to tell a story, and it added some depth and a bigger picture to the book and the plot.
tinumorien's review
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Redhook Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I have not previously read any of Louisa Morgan's books but I have seen them around. I figured I'd be okay starting with this book as it's a prequel to the rest of her Witch series. I found this book to be an entertaining and easy read, for the most part, but I think it was lacking a lot of character background and motivations to make it a truly great read. I enjoyed that it was a female-driven story and I enjoyed that the main character's motivations were (mostly) not driven by the desire of a man. I found the writing style to be easygoing and simple (in a nice way).
But, the characters are very surface-level and we don't get to know most too well, aside from the main character Ursule. But even with Ursule, many of her motivations and reasonings are not explained - they are just the way they are. Especially surrounding her powers and witchcraft, there is little to no explanation about how any of it works, or why it works the way it does. It just kind of exists. I didn't feel connected to the characters, so I didn't feel for them in certain parts of the story when I probably should've. I found myself wondering a lot of the time why certain characters acted the way they did and I really feel that this lack of reasoning and understanding diminished the quality of the book.
I have not previously read any of Louisa Morgan's books but I have seen them around. I figured I'd be okay starting with this book as it's a prequel to the rest of her Witch series. I found this book to be an entertaining and easy read, for the most part, but I think it was lacking a lot of character background and motivations to make it a truly great read. I enjoyed that it was a female-driven story and I enjoyed that the main character's motivations were (mostly) not driven by the desire of a man. I found the writing style to be easygoing and simple (in a nice way).
But, the characters are very surface-level and we don't get to know most too well, aside from the main character Ursule. But even with Ursule, many of her motivations and reasonings are not explained - they are just the way they are. Especially surrounding her powers and witchcraft, there is little to no explanation about how any of it works, or why it works the way it does. It just kind of exists. I didn't feel connected to the characters, so I didn't feel for them in certain parts of the story when I probably should've. I found myself wondering a lot of the time why certain characters acted the way they did and I really feel that this lack of reasoning and understanding diminished the quality of the book.