Five Novels about Witches

We’re so pleased to show you a very special list of recommendations from our loyal customer, Frances Lamb. Frances is a keen reader who loves many different types of books. In the past she has been involved with encouraging both children and teenagers to enjoy reading, and she continues to be very interested in the world of children’s literature. Frances has compiled a list of five novels about witches for you to enjoy!

Novels about witches seem particularly popular at the moment. I suspect this might be because they can address issues concerning female relationships and oppression, or, more light-heartedly, show empowered women having fun. Here are five which I have especially enjoyed.

The Once and Future Witches – Alix E. Harrow

If you want a bit of historical atmosphere, then you might like The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow. It is set in an alternate New Salem in  1893, and is much concerned with female power as witches strive for recognition while some women campaign for the vote. There is plenty of action, interesting characters, and some dry humour. It was an excellent distraction for me when I was suffering from Covid!

Practical Magic – Alice Hoffman

Sisters also feature in Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic (1995), but this is set in more contemporary times. It describes the experiences into adulthood of Gillian and Sally Owens who are raised by their aunts, two witches. The girls react very differently to this unusual childhood, and I loved the depiction of their relationship. I always think that Hoffman is good at combining realism with magical elements, and I really like the way she writes.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches – Sagu Mandanna

Both of the above books are American. The more local setting of Norfolk is offered by Sagu Mandanna’s The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. Mika has spent much of her life alone, but finds company and purpose when she starts teaching magic to three young girls in an appealing house on the coast. I found this an enjoyable, feel-good, light romantic fantasy which is given added depth by its consideration of loneliness and connection.

All Our Hidden Gifts – Caroline O’Donoghue 

All Our Hidden Gifts by Caroline O’Donoghue is a YA novel, but I think that many adults might like it. Irish teenager Maeve becomes involved with the supernatural world when she finds an unusual pack of tarot cards. The Financial Times praised it for presenting ‘a non-binary character [Roe, one of Maeve’s friends] with subtlety and warmth’, and for being an ‘intriguing story [which] takes in myth, history, tensions between Catholic and Protestant, and race in Ireland’. I was enthralled by it, and felt it was particularly good on the problems and rewards of friendship.

Witches Abroad- Terry Pratchett

I think some readers avoid Terry Pratchett because they are put off by the covers, or they have mistaken views about his writing. I love his work, however, and Witches Abroad was one of my early favourites. It concentrates on Granny Weatherwax (one of the best witches I have ever encountered in literature) and her friends who are travelling to help someone. There’s lots of humour about holidays and fairy tales with some more serious points about ruling as well. I thought it was highly entertaining.

There are of course countless other books about witches. Deborah Harkness’ Discovery of Witches, for example, is especially enjoyable if you like an academic setting, and I love Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson urban fantasy series. So many books to read! I hope you can find something that appeals to you.

Frances