A review by bamairi
The Bewitching by Jill Dawson

challenging dark mysterious sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

A really interesting exploration/ reperformance of all the social politics that created the possibility for and passion that went in to witch trials. The representation of the social stratification and the way it permeated every social interaction was most interesting to me (the misogyny, also, but I've thought more about that). How Alice's refusal to be cowed by her "social betters" creates such rage and threatens the fragile social ecosyste in a way that directly speaks to her "guilt" was really interesting. Also brought in the problem of the enclosures, and the way that the changing religion disrupted people's understanding of what was expected of them and their neighbours. A really clear political drama that took it beyond just the interpersonal gripes (although that, too). The language is fun and atmospheric and the storytelling is gripping, even though you know what will happen from the start.