A review by scrumblebooks
The Witches of Vardø by Anya Bergman

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is a brutal, dark, emotional read based, in part, on real people and events. A harrowing tale of life for women in 17th century Norway and how any misdeed or slip of the tongue could land you in serious peril. Difficult to read at times, though definitely worthwhile and the addition of occasional small folk tales and myths as well as hints of magical realism were welcome. I would certainly recommend this insightful book, although I would line up something decidedly lighter and altogether fluffier to read next.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual violence, Rape, Suicide, and Death

Moderate: Racism, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Torture, Miscarriage, Sexism, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, Child death, Confinement, Domestic abuse, and Death of parent

Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Infertility, Animal death, Blood, and Pregnancy