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A review by misskitty14
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I greatly enjoyed the book and Hendrix's effort to explore "lost" history and the struggles of those who suffered in the past. HOWEVER, if you are looking for a book about witches or a horror read, this is not for you. I get the sense that Hendrix is starting to evolve as an author, and the publisher is not ready to place him in a different genre.
The novel is 95% about the horrific treatment of unwed teen mothers pre-Roe v. Wade and only 5% about mystical elements. I was a bit disappointed that witches didn't play a larger role, but I also feel like they could have been eliminated completely, and the novel may have been stronger.
Our cast of characters are complicated and their stories feel immensely authentic. As the novel tries to emphasize, these were girls who were forced to make hard choices that they shouldn't have had to make. Yet, there was no way around it because of the situation and the world in which they were living. I cried multiple times throughout as I felt their (emotional and physical) pain.
Personally, aside from the witchy stuff, which felt forced, I loved the ending; it's messy and heartbreaking and real.
The novel is 95% about the horrific treatment of unwed teen mothers pre-Roe v. Wade and only 5% about mystical elements. I was a bit disappointed that witches didn't play a larger role, but I also feel like they could have been eliminated completely, and the novel may have been stronger.
Our cast of characters are complicated and their stories feel immensely authentic. As the novel tries to emphasize, these were girls who were forced to make hard choices that they shouldn't have had to make. Yet, there was no way around it because of the situation and the world in which they were living. I cried multiple times throughout as I felt their (emotional and physical) pain.
Personally, aside from the witchy stuff, which felt forced, I loved the ending; it's messy and heartbreaking and real.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Miscarriage, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma, Pregnancy
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence