Happenstance, that’s truly what it was. I was surfing the
web looking for something when I arrived at author Mary Sharratt’s website. There, cannily, Mary shares the first chapter of Daughters of the
Witching Hill.
Blurb: ‘In Daughters
of Witching Hill, Mary Sharratt brings history to life in a vivid and wrenching
novel of strong women, family and betrayal inspired by the 1612 Pendle witch
trails.’
Main character, Demdike began to tell her tale and I fell
under her spell.
‘See us gathered here… We three wait till Baldwin catches a
glimpse of us and out he storms…. A loud crack strikes the earth—it’s a
horsewhip he carries…
“Whores and witches,” he rails, shrill enough to set the
crows to flight. “Get out of my ground.”
Slashes of air hit my face as he brandishes his whip,
seeking to strike fear into us, but it’s his terror I taste as I let go of
Alizon’s guiding hand and step forward, firm and square on my ragbundled feet.’
(p. 3)
That first meeting gave me a burning desire to learn more.
So I marched down to my local bookstore and ordered a copy. Told in the first
person, I didn’t read the book; I shared the journey. Demdike’s struggles
became my own. I felt her pain and relished in her meagre blessings.
This book is rich in language, setting, plot and character.
Buying a copy for myself wasn’t sufficient. I requested that the Mayne Island
reading centre add it to their stacks. I’m pleased to report that they have.
And, moreover, a friend recently borrowed it. My friend and I agree—this is a marvellous
book. Well done, Mary!
Questions:
-If your family were staving would you take credit for
abilities you hoped you possessed? Would you do so even if ill use meant your
death?
-How would you explain Tibbs? Is Demdike mentally ill? Or is there another explanation?
