As the evenings start to draw in, the leaves begin to change, and Halloween approaches, it’s natural to start to think about all things spooky. Witches are an icon of the spooky season, but they don’t just appear in works of fiction.
As someone who has, over the years, developed something of an obsession with both fictional and more real-life depictions of witches, it’s safe to say that I’ve read a lot of books on the subject. Whether you’re looking for something to escape reality, or something a little more factual, here’s 10 of the best books about witches.
The Witches by Roald Dahl (1983)
I’m going to ease us in gently and start this list with the book that started it all for me, and likely a lot of others — The Witches. As a child, this book is akin to light horror, but it’s a staple read for any youngster in my eyes. Even now as an adult, I still love going back and reading this Roald Dahl classic, soaking up the imagery and imagination within the story.
The book was adapted into a movie in 1990 (and again, later in 2020, but we don’t talk about that version), which still gives me the heebie-jeebies to this day thanks to the ever present creep-factor both on screen and within the pages of the source material.
The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow (2020)
Imagine the suffragette movement, but instead of fighting for the right to vote, women are fighting for the right to once again practice magic. That’s the tale embedded in the pages of Harrow’s Once and Future Witches.
This one is full of anger, and almost works as a sort of alternate reality to real-life history, with its characters facing an uphill battle against abuse, trauma, and absolute injustice. It’s definitely not a tale I would recommend as a light read, but if you’re looking for something a little darker to sink your teeth into, give The Once and Future Witches a try.
The Witches of Vardo by Anya Bergman (2023)
The first book of many on this list to bridge the gap between fiction and reality, The Witches of Vardo follows the story of a distraught widow as she enters into an adulterous relationship with a merchant, only to be discovered by the merchant’s wife. The spurned wife then goes on to accuse her of being a witch. Seeking to rescue her from captivity is her daughter, Ingeborg.
Although this story is not a true one, at least as far as I have ever discovered during my in-depth research of witch trials around the world, it is set at the time of the Vardo Witch Trials in Northern Norway, which took place between 1662 and 1663.
The Daylight Gate by Jeanette Winterson (2012)
Alice Nutter was one of the women accused of witchcraft in England during the Pendle witch trials of 1612. The main character of The Daylight Gate is based on, and shares her name with the historically very real Alice Nutter, although the story contained within the pages of this book is not supposed to be an accurate retelling of historical events or the life of the woman.
However, having the very real basis of Alice Nutter as a character does add some weight to the heavy contents of The Daylight Gate. Winterson gives an all-too-real glimpse into British life during the frankly terrifying 17th century, when witch trials were sweeping the globe.
The Crucible by Arthur Miller (1953)
The Crucible is an absolute must read for anyone who is either interested in the history of witches or witch trials. It’s not quite fact, not quite fiction, but a little of both. The Crucible is a play, which does mean that the book is set out in script format for the most part, but that doesn’t defer from the story within the pages.
The characters of The Crucible all share names and roles with real people who were alive, and many of whom died, during the Salem witch trials in 1692. Their stories are based in reality although, at times, dramatized for effect. If you’re wanting to learn more about Salem, this is an amazing starting point.
Witch Child by Celia Rees (2000)
When her grandmother is tried and convicted of witchcraft, Mary is shipped off to the Colonies in New England and finds herself caught between two communities – the Puritans, where witchcraft will get her killed, and as described by Rees, the “shamanistic” Native Americans.
While definitely aimed towards a young adult audience, the suspense and imagery in Witch Child is enough to keep the attention of readers of every age, and Rees does an amazing job of capturing the essence of Puritan paranoia which was around when the first Colonies were formed in New England.
The Heretic’s Daughter by Kathleen Kent (2008)
In another choice which bridges the gap between fiction and fact, The Heritic’s Daughter focuses on the life of Martha and Sarah Carrier. Martha Carrier was one of the first women to be accused and convicted of being a witch in Salem, and this book takes her life and dramatizes it to glorious effect.
Kathleen Kent is actually a direct descendant of the Carriers, and this was her first novel, telling the fictionalized tale of her kin and everything they went through during the hysteria of the late 17th century. Definitely a hard read, but if you’re interested in witches, one that I would highly recommend.
Six Women of Salem by Marilynne K. Roach (2013)
From healthy blends of fact and fiction, to something which is proven fact, Six Women of Salem does exactly what it says on the tin, or should I say cover?
Following the lives of six of the accused ‘witches’ in Salem both before and during the Salem witch trials, this book is insightful, at times difficult to read, and at other times heartwarming. It truly takes these historical people and makes them very real, leaving you wondering whether, in a different lifetime, you could have been friends.
The Witchfinder’s Sister by Beth Underdown (2017)
If you’ve had your fill of books which focus on the accused womens perspective, you should give The Witchfinder’s Sister a try. Inspired by the real-life, notorious Witchfinder General Matthew Hopkins, this book takes his life and his fight against witchcraft, fictionalizes it, and turns it into an incredibly heavy read.
After moving back home to her brother’s house and discovering that he is hell-bent on sending innocent women to the gallows, Alice struggles to decide where her loyalties should be, and discovers some terrifying secrets from her own families past.
The Hammer of Witches by Christopher S. Mackay (2009)
I cannot write this list without mentioning the book which started the hysteria of witch trials, was used by King James I in his mission to seek out and eradicate witchcraft, and essentially gave birth to all of the lore we know today about witches and their craft – Malleus Maleficarum, published in 1486.
Having said that, I wouldn’t recommend seeking out the original text — I have it, it’s written in Latin, and trying to translate it is a pain. However, there is a modern translation available in the shape of The Hammer of Witches, which is the only modernized version of this macabre textbook I’ve ever been able to find.
Published: Sep 7, 2024 09:46 am