Books Like...

The Manningtree Witches by A.K. Blakemore is a historical fiction novel set during the English Civil War in a small town where women are accused of witchcraft. The story follows Rebecca West, along with her mother and other women, who are sent to stand trial under the Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins. Through Rebecca's point of view, the author gives voice to the silenced women accused of witchcraft during a dark period in English history. Blakemore skillfully weaves together historical facts with a fictional narrative, creating a compelling story that brings to life the struggles and accusations faced by women in the 17th century.

The Witchfinder's Sister by Beth Underdown is a historical fiction novel set during the Manningtree Witch Trials of 1645. The story follows Alice Hopkins, a young widow who returns home to Manningtree, Essex, only to find herself entangled in the horrors of the witch trials led by her brother, Matthew Hopkins, the Witchfinder General. The book delves into the chilling events of the witch hunts, portraying the fear, manipulation, and torment faced by women accused of witchcraft in 17th century England. The writing style is described as carefully constructed, beautifully written, and chilling, providing a haunting account of the dark realities of that time period.

"The Crucible" by Arthur Miller is a play that delves into the Salem witch trials of 1692, showcasing the hysteria and mass paranoia that ensued in the town. The story follows a group of teenage girls who falsely accuse others of witchcraft, leading to a chain of events that result in life or death decisions for the accused. Through the lens of historical events, Miller highlights themes of integrity versus reputation, group guilt, and the consequences of fear and manipulation.

The writing style of "The Crucible" is praised for its ability to bring the Salem witch trials alive, providing a captivating and engaging narrative that explores the dark aspects of humanity. Miller's use of language is described as beautiful and engaging, with some readers finding the play to be better experienced through performance rather than just reading, due to its gripping and intense nature.

Stacy Schiff's The Witches: Salem, 1692 is an exhaustive and detailed account of the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. The book delves into the historical events surrounding the witch hunts, exploring the religious, social, and political factors that contributed to the hysteria. Schiff synthesizes primary sources to provide a chronological narrative of the trials, shedding light on the lives of the accused, accusers, judges, and clergy involved in the proceedings. The writing style immerses the reader in the claustrophobic world of Salem during this tumultuous period, offering a deep dive into the complexities of the witch trials.

Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman is a prequel to the Practical Magic series, delving into the origins of the Owens family and their magical lineage. Set in the 1600s, the story follows Maria Owens and her daughter, Faith, tracing their journey from Essex, England to Salem, Massachusetts amidst the backdrop of witch trials. The book weaves together elements of historical fiction, witchcraft, love, and family curses, creating a rich and captivating narrative that explores themes of magic, resilience, and female empowerment. Hoffman's writing style brings to life the characters, settings, and emotions, immersing readers in a world of spells, familiars, and the complexities of human relationships.

The Great Witch of Brittany by Louisa Morgan is a captivating tale that follows the female descendants of a Romani clan with a tradition of witchcraft. The story spans generations, delving into themes of love, sacrifice, magic, tragedy, and family secrets. Set in late 1700s to early 1800s France, the book immerses readers into a world where being different is often viewed as evil, yet the characters strive for the greater good. The author's writing style is engaging, with good imagery and pacing, making the story relevant to societal fears and ideas of today.

As the plot progresses, readers are introduced to Ursule, the young main character, and her Maman, Agnes, establishing a strong connection and compassion for their struggles. The book explores the mother-daughter connection, the support system within the family, and the blend of history and magical realism. Through rich storytelling, the author weaves a tale of hardship, loss, and resilience, while also highlighting the beauty of simpler times and the power of female protagonists in the face of adversity.

'I, Tituba' by Maryse Conde is a fictional novel that tells the story of Tituba, the first woman to be tried during the Salem witch trials. Through the eyes of Tituba, the author depicts the colonial society, slavery, and the relationships between men and women. intertwines elements of magic, reality, stories, and myths to create a poignant narrative that explores themes of love, violence, and evil. Readers found the book to be well-researched, beautifully written, and sincere, providing a unique take on the events of the Salem witch trials.

In 1618, during the Thirty Years' War and a time of plague, an elderly woman named Katharina Kepler is accused of witchcraft in a small town in Germany where her son, the astronomer Johannes Kepler, resides. Despite the help of her neighbor and adult children, Katharina faces accusations and trials that shed light on daily life during a time of turmoil and scarcity. Rivka Galchen's novel offers a character study of Katharina and her neighbor, capturing the balance of historical context and human emotions.

"Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch" by Rivka Galchen is a work of historical fiction based on the real witchcraft accusations against Katharina Kepler, mother of Johannes Kepler. The novel explores themes of suspicion, fear, superstition, and the impact of witch trials on a community, drawing parallels between historical events and contemporary societal dynamics.

In "The Familiars" by Stacey Halls, the story unfolds in the dark days of the 1600s, amidst false accusations of witchcraft and the looming threat of the witch trials. The protagonist, Fleetwood Shuttleworth, a young pregnant woman, finds solace in a midwife named Alice Grey, as they navigate the dangers of the witch trials in Lancashire. The book weaves together historical facts with a fictionalized account of the Pendle witch trials of 1612, portraying the struggles of women in a male-dominated society and the bonds of friendship that transcend societal norms.

'The Heretic's Daughter' by Kathleen Kent is a historical fiction novel that delves into the events leading up to the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. The story is centered around the Carrier family, focusing on young Sarah Carrier and her mother Martha. Through Sarah's perspective, readers witness the family's struggles, relationships, and the impact of the witch trials on their lives. The writing style is described as rich in historical details, vividly portraying the confusion, fear, and societal actions of the Puritan New England setting.