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A review by gwalt118
Weyward by Emilia Hart
dark
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
It's the best time of year to read a book about witches and female empowerment, and this buzzy book from last year may be a great choice. Massive disclaimer that the thread of abusive men and miscarriages throughout this novel made it unexpectedly difficult for me to read at times.
Weyward is a feminist novel about misogyny, witchcraft, power, justice, and sin through the eyes of three women in three very different time periods. It is about society's - mostly men's - repeated attempts throughout history to control women's bodies and the ways in which women have had to fight back. Some of the abuse felt gratuitous, but it serves a purpose -- abuse of power by men is closely linked to accusations of witchcraft, and Hart is making a statement about modern-day iterations of the same practice. Know that not all men in the novel are abusive and terrible, though. I loved the inclusion of some good and kind men.
The connections between Altha, Violet, and Kate are incredibly well-plotted and well-written. I loved the insight in the author interview in the back of my book (not sure if it's in all of them), where I learned more about Hart's idea generation and writing process. I also appreciated the continued reading suggestions in the back of this one, most of which I haven't read. I'm intrigued by Burial Rites by Hannah Kent, which I've added to my fall TBR for this year.
Hart's next novel, The Sirens, releases in March 2025. Fingers crossed my request for an ARC on NetGalley comes to fruition!
Weyward is a feminist novel about misogyny, witchcraft, power, justice, and sin through the eyes of three women in three very different time periods. It is about society's - mostly men's - repeated attempts throughout history to control women's bodies and the ways in which women have had to fight back. Some of the abuse felt gratuitous, but it serves a purpose -- abuse of power by men is closely linked to accusations of witchcraft, and Hart is making a statement about modern-day iterations of the same practice. Know that not all men in the novel are abusive and terrible, though. I loved the inclusion of some good and kind men.
The connections between Altha, Violet, and Kate are incredibly well-plotted and well-written. I loved the insight in the author interview in the back of my book (not sure if it's in all of them), where I learned more about Hart's idea generation and writing process. I also appreciated the continued reading suggestions in the back of this one, most of which I haven't read. I'm intrigued by Burial Rites by Hannah Kent, which I've added to my fall TBR for this year.
Hart's next novel, The Sirens, releases in March 2025. Fingers crossed my request for an ARC on NetGalley comes to fruition!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, and Abortion
Moderate: Murder