Title: Weyward
Author: Emilia Hart
Publisher: The Borough Press
Synopsis:
KATE, 2019
Kate flees London – abandoning everything – for Cumbria and Weyward Cottage, inherited from her great-aunt. There, a secret lurks in the bones of the house, hidden ever since the witch-hunts of the 17th century.VIOLET, 1942
Violet is more interested in collecting insects and climbing trees than in becoming a proper young lady. Until a chain of shocking events changes her life forever.ALTHA, 1619
Altha is on trial for witchcraft, accused of killing a local man. Known for her uncanny connection with nature and animals, she is a threat that must be eliminated.But Weyward women belong to the wild. And they cannot be tamed…
My review:
Weyward is a captivating novel that weaves the lives of three women across different centuries – Altha in 1619, Violet in 1942, and Kate in 2019. Each woman grapples with her own set of challenges – Altha facing accusations of witchcraft, Kate fleeing from an abusive husband, and Violet yearning for a connection with nature while grappling with a traumatic event that alters her life forever.
The interplay of the three timelines and the connections between these women create an engaging narrative. Unravelling their stories, particularly through Kate’s perspective, builds suspense and adds tension to their respective plotlines. The narrative also delves into the impact of misogyny and abuse, something that always seems to be lurking right through to the present-day narrative, and affecting the lives of the women and those around them.
While some elements of the story may seem predictable, the overall narrative is easy to follow, holding the reader’s attention throughout. Weyward succeeds in evoking a range of emotions, from empathy for Altha, Violet, and Kate to frustration at the injustices they face. The novel effectively blends emotions, frustration, and mystery, making it an enjoyable read.
Despite it sometimes being predictable, Weyward is a compelling historical novel. Because of its readability and interesting characters, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to those seeking an absorbing and thought-provoking historical novel.
My rating: 4/5