Beautifully set, traditional and mythical. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, its characters and the twists and turns along the way!

Unable to speak since her mother’s traumatic death, Þuríður Jónsdóttir communicates with facial expressions and hand gestures. Those that take the time to understand her, see depth; those that see the surface feel threatened. One such person is the local pastor, Jón Magnússon who holds her father and brother responsible for cursing him as witch fever invades Iceland, the pastor’s persecution leads to them being burnt as witches.
What is taken for witchcraft is actually tradition and old lore, so called white magic, used for good not evil. Brought up with this tradition, Þuríður Jónsdóttir helps women in childbirth, which in this newly febrile atmosphere leaves her open to accusations of witchcraft when a mother dies and the child lives.
Þuríður Jónsdóttir is trapped in a twisted circle, where superstition and accusation are enough to change minds and point fingers; but with a deadly price to pay.
This is an atmospheric read where the raw harshness of the Icelandic scenery is a character in its’ own right. I was left impressed by the sheer resilience required to survive in this isolated land of ice and biting winds, where fish is relied upon for everything from food to clothing (fish skin boots) and lighting (fish oil!)
I did not know in Iceland, men were considered witches and up to a point, women considered above suspicion. This is a dark book of struggle, polarised belief, and injustice. However, the end is uplifting and one cant help but be left with the impression that if things were left up to women, the world would be a saner place. A stunning read, in every sense of the word, and not to be missed.

There are many novels covering the wide spread witch trials across Europe in this period and the role of religion but this one stands out to me for several reasons.

Firstly witch trials in Iceland were predominantly of educated men accused of sorcery so this book starts from the perspective that women can’t be witches, because they are too weak. We see a society where women go from being entirely safe from accusations of witchcraft, to one women being overwhelmingly persecuted based on the ravings of one man. This change comes as a complete shock to the community, but as the reader with knowledge of witch trials in the period it’s heartbreaking to know what is coming.

Secondly the decision to make the main character mute following the trauma of losing her mother was a really clever way to highlight how little voice women had during this time.

Finally, I wrote my dissertation (more than 20 years ago) on the role of the Althing in Icelandic saga and I’ve visited Thingvellir, so a witch trial book set in Iceland, with a pivotal moment taking place at the assembly really added to the atmosphere for me.

What this book has in common with other stories of witch trials is the resilience and solidarity of women, and the harsh truth that those in power (usually men) can make the most outlandish claims, even bordering on impossible, and not enough people will stand up to them.

This is excellent historical fiction which absolutely adds to the genre.

I really enjoyed reading this book and I learnt a lot about the history of Iceland. Though we read about women being accused of witchcraft and murdered , we don’t really know how men were accused as well. Cathryn Kemp brings it to light in her second book.
They Can’t Burn Us All is a dark , heartbreaking story of a woman’s fight for justice. She stands up to the church and community.
As Cathryn writes ‘How much of her story will become ours in the years to come.’

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this amazing book.

They Can't Burn Us All is fascinating in the way Cathryn Kemp explores Iceland's darker history. We follow Þuríður Jónsdóttir, mute since the death of her mother, whose brother and father are accused of witchcraft during the witch hunts fronted by the Protestant Reformation. It explores the battle of religions, or rather the Protestant's attempt at the stomping out of the worship of the old gods.

This is a terribly interesting, atmospheric read and a phenomenal rendering of the history of witches and sorcery.

They Can't Burn Us All

Having read and adored A Poisoner's Tale, I couldn't pass by the opportunity to read Cathryn's next book on NetGalley.

It a book full of emotion and hugely atmospheric.

Þuriður Jónsdóttir has not spoken a word since her mother died when she was younger. She has grown up with her father and brother. They are accused of being seid-menn (men of magic) and tried, tortured and killed by burning.

Þuriður Jónsdóttir vows to avenge their deaths, but fate treats her her incredibly cruelly and she herself is accused of being a witch.

What follows is a tale of courage in the face of persecution and fear. It is so beautifully written that you feel you are right there, following alongside Þuriður as she journeys across her homeland to clear her name.

The trial is captivating to read. It is heartbreaking too. The strength of female companionship is written beautifully. Strong women really can achieve anything.

I highly recommend this fascinating read. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read They Can't Burn Us All.