A fun an interesting fantasy. The prose sometimes left me wanted but overall I liked the concept and vibes of this historical fantasy

The fourth instalment of a wonderfully written historical fiction series. Great writer great story. Well worth a read, however it’s not a book you could read alone if you haven’t read the first 3

The Great Witch of Brittany is I think the fourth in Morgan's "Witch" series (the others being A Secret History of Witches, her first, which I haven't yet read, The Witch's Kind and The Age of Witches). It follows the life of Ursule Orchière, who is at the start of the book, in 1741, a young Romany woman living with her mother and her wider clan in Brittany. Through the course of the story, Ursule and her mother suffer many trials. The former discovers and grows over decades into her magical abilities, while the latter bears the mental scars of what happens, eventually becoming speechless.

The story spans decades, seeing Ursule's own daughter and, eventually, her grandchildren, born. We see death, birth, prejudice, the impact of wider events, and always, always, the little details of life, whether's Ursule's tasks on the farm where she has settled or the particulars of her magical practice. Morgan is good on details - the churning of milk, tending a rich goat or brewing a simple to assist in childbirth, there's a directness to the descriptions here, celebrating all those moments which make up a life well lived, despite challenges that may seem overwhelming.

The story is given in several parts, structured around short, legendary narratives of a series of Ursule's witchy predecessors, their names - 'The Prophetess Liliane, The Lady Yvette, Irina from the East' - recited almost as a liturgy in her magical ceremonies recalling the names of saints in the Mass and leading inexorably up to a final section which summarises the deeds of 'The Great Witch of Brittany' herself, Ursule, somewhat embellished as the reader will realise, after the manner of legendary material.

There is, then, a certain pre-determined quality to the outcome, but Morgan doesn't let that undermine the sense of jeopardy for her characters or, indeed, the losses and reverses they suffer. Nor does she allow Ursule to be all-powerful, all-knowing or invincible: she may have come into great power but she isn't, especially at first, particularly wild and she makes innocent mistakes that cause great harm to herself and those around her. indeed, almost to the end she's prone to fly into a rage when her family is threatened. and in late 18thy/ early 19th century France, there are many threats and, as I have said, much prejudice against the Romany. But there is also kindness, solidarity and friendship though it can take Ursule some time to recognise it for what it is.

Overall, an engaging and heartfelt story using Ursule's position and powers as a witch to explore the place of women in a turbulent age.

I only had two reservations, neither of which really detract from the story.

First, in a book set between 1741 and 1820(ish) I expected a little more impact from historic events - yes, there is an eruption of banditry due to the "Terror" but no other impact on Ursule and Agnes's lives from successive wars, invasions and political turmoil.

Secondly, Morgan goes further than just making Ursule a (rather powerful) witch and has her practicising what I think is pretty much modern paganism/ Wicca or something like it (complete with feast days borrowed from both Celtic and Norse mythology and indeed (Lammas) Christianity) and portraying it as the religion of her Roma. I was a bit uneasy about that in principle (in her other books that I've read the protagonists are not members of similarly marginalised groups and they are not given such a thorough belief system) but I suppose this is in the end a fantasy, the Romany people described here may I think be inspired by those in our world, but this is not our world. It is I think done very respectfully. And Ursule's outlook is in the end basically syncretistic - in another plot strand, she purloins a relic of St Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary ("Holy Annie, God's Granny" as I've heard her described). The sliver of bone, housed in its reliquary, is fully integrated into (and clearly cooperates with) Ursule's ceremonies and workings, and "Anne" is recited along with those of the other "grandmères". A certain pragmatism suits Ursule's character in the end, I think: she is about survival and protection of her family above all, rather than any kind of social or theological purism, and I will take the belief system described as fairly personal to her.

I'd recommend The Great Witch of Brittany, although the books in this series I've enjoyed most were The Witch's Kind and The Age of Witches, possibly b because those are set in more recent time.

CW: Witch trials, attempted rape, murder

I first encountered Louisa Morgan’s books in 2020, when I had the opportunity to advance read/review The Age of Witches. That was a five-star read for me, and I immediately bought and devoured her debut, A Secret History of Witches, and also The Witch’s Kind. In those books, I’ve had the pleasure and pain of knowing some amazing characters, of visiting some evocative places, and experiencing a myriad of emotions — but one character really got under my skin, and that was Ursule, the matriarch of the Orchière family, who gave her life to protect her family at the beginning of A Secret History of Witches. Though she only appears in the introductory pages of that novel, Ursule’s presence as grand-mère, as Witch, as protectress, as ancestor, hovers at the edges throughout, and she really fascinated me.

Now, with The Great Witch of Brittany, we finally get Ursule’s story, told from her perspective. From her childhood as part of a Romani caravan family, to her fall and life as a farmer’s hand, to her rising again to become the matriarch of the Caravan of Widows, Morgan weaves Ursule’s story with the deftness of a master storyteller. Family, magic, emotion, danger, and faith are all woven together to create a beautiful, if poignant, story about a girl whose magic awakens and revives the family line of witches, once thought lost.

Initially, we meet Ursule as the daughter of Agnes, who is the fortune-teller for her Romani family, as they travel from town to town in Eighteenth Century France. It’s all an act, of course, carefully wrought — until Ursule blossoms into womanhood, and her magic awakens, giving her the gifts of knowing and witchcraft. Danger soon laps at their heels, and Agnes protects her young daughter by allowing herself to be captured as a “witch”, with her burning set to happen a few days hence. There’s also an overlapping storyline about Ursule’s suitors, one of whom is violent and there is an attempted rape scene, so readers beware. However, Ursule is rescued and, in turn, rescues her mother, and both go on the run in a time when being a woman, especially a woman who lived alone, could result in a hanging or burning, and news of these events are peppered throughout the novel, a very real threat that never goes away. However, they flee without their two most prized possessions: the Orchière grimoire, and the magical crystal which blazes to life when touched or used by certain women in the family.

In time, Ursule and Agnes take refuge as farmer’s hands in the employ of Remy and Madeleine Kerjean, a childless couple carving out a living on their dairy near Keranna. Over the chapters that follow, we see Ursule and Agnes settle into their roles on the farm, and Ursule finds an animal familiar in the shape of a very opinionated raven, whom she names Drom. Their relationship becomes very much akin to a bubble around them, which is a clever way of furthering the isolation Ursule has felt all her life: an outsider in a group of outsiders, always. Even when she has a daughter of her own, Ursule finds herself on the edges, only to be called upon in times of great need. And so it is in her magic that Ursule roots herself, the magic of herbs and simples, of charms and philtres, of the ancestors who walked before her; it is this, along a deep devotion to the Goddess (and, later, Saint Anne), which becomes Ursule’s compass.

As with Morgan’s other Witch books, I found this very easy to read, and incredibly immersive. The historical settings were well-realised, and the characters very well drawn and memorable. The world-building, picking up on where A Secret History of Witches left off, was brilliant, and I really could imagine myself as part of the caravan or on the farm, or travelling. There’s an overarching atmosphere of fear, of waiting for the other shoe to drop, and I could understand why Ursule made the decisions she made, worked the magic she worked — even if the consequences were not as expected. I confess some sections had me openly weeping. The inclusion of the stories of some of Ursule’s ancestors, whom she invokes in ritual, was much appreciated and definitely added to the story.

Anyone who follows my reviews knows that I have a vested interested in novels which include witches, because I’m a Witch myself. I’ve said before, when talking about Louisa Morgan’s novels, that there are some aspects which are influenced by Wicca, the witchcraft-adjacent religion outlined in the 1940s and 1950s by Gerald Gardner, and this is also the case in The Great Witch of Brittany, but it works. The use of herbs, philtres, charms, and so on, all have their place in history and the research here is so well done. Evoking the old Celtic festivals, such as Imbolc (which can be traced back to at least the 4th Century) is a beautiful touch, even if the Wheel of the Year as used here is the more modern-day interpretation, including some sabbat (festival) names which have come into usage more recently — but it works; it doesn’t knock the reader out of the story, and instead invites them closer, as if part of the ritual circle themselves. Additionally, including the Goddess and the ancestors as central to the witches’ belief system is exquisitely rendered; whilst there is no hard evidence connecting our witch ancestors to the worship of the Divine Feminine, in this novel it’s a powerful foundation for the acknowledgment of women’s place and power in a world not ready to accept them.

Morgan doesn’t pull any punches in this novel; there’s a lot to be said about the role of women in general, and the stereotypes of Romani culture. There are a few slurs throughout the novel, but these are either used by Romani themselves or those outside the culture, with the intent to harm. I don’t believe these are used to shock the reader or cause harm to any readers of Romani descent, but rather to highlight the misunderstanding and racism that — to this day — hound the Romani and other Travelling communities and cultures. This racism isn’t overdone or forced down the reader’s throat, rather just presented as a lived experience Ursule and her family go through, even if — like Léonie — the realisation comes too little, too late. There’s also a lot to be said about the importance of women’s intuition and rituals, how differently leadership and community can look, if only we open our eyes to the possibilities.

I’ve loved each of Morgan’s Witch books so far, but this is my favourite. Ursule is a powerful and confident character who is inspirational in how she deals with challenges. Her sharp observations of the world are astute and clever; her decisions may sometimes be questionable, but her reasons are always borne from a place of love and the deep need to protect and heal those she loves, as well as her devotion to the Goddess, her ancestors, and Saint Anne (the inclusion of the relic was superb). Yes, she is strong, but she’s also so fantastically human that she was easy to resonate with.

Since the start of A Secret History of Witches, I’ve always felt there was more to Ursule’s story, and I’m so grateful that Morgan decided to write hers. For me, Ursule goes down in witchy literature as one of the greats, like Aunt Frances in Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic quartet — and she certainly deserves, and lives up to, her title of The Great Witch of Brittany. Highly, highly recommended, and my favourite read of 2022 so far.

I received an e-ARC from the publisher, Orbit/Little Brown Book Group, through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ursula is a fascinating character and this story tells about her life, her magic, and how she coped with the hardship.
It's not a fast paced book but I thoroughly enjoyed it as the characters are fleshed out and the plot is well developed.
Another good story by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A sweeping tale that follows Ursule, a gypsy girl brimming with a power that has not been seen in her line in centuries. When her mother is set to be burned at the stake for crimes committed by her daughter Ursule sets out to free her. With the guidance of the women that came before her she does just that. Her choice however leave them on the run and in hiding for the rest of their lives. As Ursule ages her powers grow and a longing to pass on the line and the true magic enters her soul. Its a beautiful tale of a long life lived with hardship, love and above all else the magic that courses through her soul. I could not put it down and felt my heart breaking when it was over. I did not read any previous books so I had no idea what to expect, though I would say you absolutely do not need to read them to enjoy this one!

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this gripping novel

oh wow i loved how this story just grabbed me and how it flowed so well that i just couldnt put it down, the characters just came alive

there have been no witches in the Orchière clan for years but little ursule grew up on the stories of great witches of past until she comes of age and it is revealed that ursule is a witch and from that day on its a battle to keep alive

brilliantly written and i couldnt get enough of this story, love how the authors writes and how it just flowed
will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works

https://lynns-books.com/2022/01/27/the-great-witch-of-brittany-by-louisa-morgan/
My Five Word TL:DR Review : Beautifully told story of origins
My rating 4.5 of 5 stars
This was my first Louisa Morgan book and what I can say is that I really enjoyed it, and it certainly won’t be my last. In fact, in that respect I have a question about this author’s other books – do I need to read them in a certain order? I think all the books are standalone stories but just thought I’d check.

Anyway, this book tells the story of Ursule Orchiere, how she came to know magic, her ability to read the ancient Grimoire passed down by the Orchiere women and the tenacious way she holds together her family.

The story starts when Ursule is a young girl and we get a feel for the life she lives. Her mother tells fortunes and Ursule collects the coins. Ursule has been fed stories of the Orchiere women and their magic and longs to inherit magic of her own and be part of the story. These are difficult times for women. Witch hunters obsessively search for their next victim to feed the flames and women with knowledge of herb lore are persecuted.

I loved the way Ursule tells her story. The scene is set really well and I just found myself sinking into the tale with ease. There is a palpable sense of fear and a genuine feeling of helplessness amongst the travellers. Gangs of men literally swoop indiscriminately through the camps snatching up women to terrorise and torture. Ursule’s mother finds herself accused and from here things take a different turn but I won’t go further into the story.

What really appealed to me with this story is that it was so easy to get into. The sense of period is beautifully evoked. The hard lives that people led really comes across well and the strong family ties also simply ooze off the page. If you put the witching elements to one side this feels like an impressively rendered historic piece and the descriptions and writing just pulled me in. It just felt like an incredibly comforting read somehow – which, given the darker elements of the story, is an impressive achievement.

On top of this I really liked Ursule and her familiar Drom. I’m not sure that any of the other characters were as well drawn but given that Ursule is the central figure I didn’t have any issues with this. In fact, the other characters felt almost greyed out which felt somehow appropriate given the lonely way Ursule lives. She is a loner, not necessarily by choice, and in fact even though she eventually feels as though she’s surrounded herself with loved ones she still very much comes across as a lone figure.

In terms of criticisms I don’t have any. I can say that this is not a book that you can read quickly and to be honest I don’t think you should try to wolf this down in a couple of sittings. This is a book to be savoured and enjoyed. So, if you fancy a piece, very female centric, focusing on witchcraft and strong family ties, that actually has a kind of payback for the magic used, then give this a go. It really is a delicious morsel.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this. It felt like the right book at the right time and it worked really well for me. A lovely story of inherited magic and one woman’s life and struggles.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.

In The Great Witch of Brittany we get to learn the story of Ursule, the family matriach we are first introduced to in A Secret History of Witches. We follow her life in 18th century Brittany as she discovers her magical abilities that were thought to have died out generations earlier and follow her throughout her life and the adversity she encounters along the way.

The author does a fantastic job bringing the story to life and whilst I I always find books set during this time difficult to read, specifically the suspicion that was heaped upon women during the period - witchtrials are truly upsetting to read, but they are important all the same and the subject matter is thoughtfully handled. It's an extremely immersive book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Little Brown/Orbit for the chance to read The Great Witch of Brittany.

I was bawling my eyes out by the time I had finished. Such a beautiful book that I did not want to put down, a definite keeper.

The fear of the witch hunters of the time came through the pages of this book.
All the characters from Drom and Andi through to Louisette shone with vitality and life.

I absolutely loved this,

18th Century Brittany. For generations in the Orchiere clan hasn't been a witch born. There are only stories of the great witches of the past. Ursule's mother just pretends as a witch and fortune-teller to her clients. Until Ursule discovers her own powers and starts to live her own life guided by the whispers of her ancestors and an ancient grimoire. Her destiny might be magnificent, but also very dangerous. Witches has to be burned...

All she wants is to guide her people to safety. Ursule knows all to well that the cost of magic do not always match its reward.

What a marvellous and bewitching tale/saga for those who like magic, love, historical fiction. And Ursule; such mighty, powerful and fearless heroine!

Delightful and charming read on every level.

I love Louisa Morgan and this book is no exception. The writing si always engaging and good, the characters are well developed and endearing and the storyline is compelling. I couldnt put ti down, I found it gripping. I loved it

This tells the story of Ursule the witch, and the trials and tribulations she encountered on her journey from childhood to old age. This is sympathetic to witchcraft, and rituals to the Goddess and St Anne set in a time when witches were hunted and burned without mercy. I loved this story, and found it magical in every way. Along with the trials there are rare moments of happiness. A highly recommended novel.