Member Review

Based on real witch trials from 16th century Norway, The Witches of Vardo is sublime historical fiction, in a world and time when witches were greatly feared by everyone and blamed for anything that went wrong in society from deadly waves to crops failing.

The story is told through chapters alternating between Anna & Ingeborg's perspectives. Anna is 47 & has come from a privileged place in society where she regarded the King as a friend, though he has now banished her to the island of Vardo, famed for the presence of witches. Anna is convinced that the King has sent her there to hunt out the witches, despite her being poorly treated and kept as a prisoner and she vows to be loyal to his unspoken wishes.
Ingeborg is the daughter of a fisherman who died at sea in a storm caused by witches, and whose mother Zigri is now having a relationship with the married son of the Lord of the Manor against all advice. They live in North Norway, close to Vardo and fear it greatly. Ingebord becomes friends with Maren, whose mother was the most infamous witch of them all. When Zigri is accused of witchcraft and shipped to Vardo, their stories become intertwined as all the women fight to save their lives.

The story is so atmospheric, you can feel the hardship and isolation of the women's lives. It is a bleak and relentless search for food and warmth with little in the way of fun, even dancing is banned. Local folklore is woven into the story in a beautiful way.

The sense of injustice is very strong throughout the book; the powerlessness of women being accused of witchcraft by powerful men with no right to reply is heart-breaking. No-one will listen to the women telling the truth; once their accusers have made their claims, there is little they can do.

It is clear that the book has been based on solid research with a list of references at the back for further reading.

The women's story is going to stay with me for a long time, powerful writing.