Weyward is the debut novel by Emilia Hart. Released in 2023, it was instantly a great success. It was a an instant New York Times bestseller and was picked to be featured on BBC’s Between The Covers.
I love historical fiction and find stories about witch trials fascinating so I couldn’t wait to read this one.
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Plot
This is the story of the Weyward women. We follow three extraordinary women across five centuries as they each try and find their place in the world.
In 1619, Altha is on trial for witchcraft. She is accused of killing a local man and is known for her connection with animals and the natural world. She is seen as a threat that must be eliminated.
In 1942, Violet is longing for the mother she barely remembers. The only trace Violet has of her are a locket and the word weyward scratched into the baseboard of her bedroom. Violet has no interest in becoming a proper young lady. She is far more interested in collecting insects and climbing trees. Until one day a shocking event changes her life forever and she is forced to consider her place in the world.
In 2019, Kate flees London, desperate to escape an abusive partner. She heads for Weyward Cottage in Cumbria, a home she inherited for great aunt Violet. Kate soon discovers the ramshackle Weyward cottage is full of secrets, hidden ever since the witch-hunts of the 17th century. She might feel frightened and alone, but she is a Weyward woman.
And Weyward women cannot be tamed.
Weyward Book Review
I LOVED this book! It was absolutely brilliant. It just had everything – multiple timelines, mystery, secrets, magical realism and strong female characters.
I’ve read a few books based around the 17th century witch trials iand Weyward was up there with the best of them.
I really enjoyed the multiple timelines. I often find with books with more than one timeline, that the more modern one lacks the impact of the historical ones. That definitely wasn’t the case with Weyward. Each timeline held my interest and I was so invested in each of the three women and their display of female resilience.
The plot was so clever and I loved how all the stories were interconnected. Though they lived in very different eras, each of the Weyward women had their own adversities to face, and were forced to fight for their place in the world. They were all strong and courageous and I rooted for them all.
The story was riveting and well paced and I didn’t want to put it down. It was really moving in places and I found myself wanted to cry one moment and cheer the next.
It was a really empowering read about bold women finding their courage. While writing about The Familiars by Stacey Halls, I stated it was a tale of impressive women and disappointing men. I feel Weyward goes one step further. It’s more a case of impressive women and despicable men.
I think it’s safe to say I loved this book and although it’s only March, I think it’s going to be one of my books of the year. I can definitely see why it was picked to be featured on Between the Covers.
What books are like Weyward?
While they do obviously have different plot lines, I felt the following books had similar themes to Weyward: