THE WITCHES OF VARDØ by Anya Bergman

🛑 Readers of this review and this novel should read with caution, as the topics of sexual assualt and suicide are discussed.

Please proceed with care.

The Witches of Vardø is a novel that, on first blush, is one I might not normally enjoy. While I do not normal delve into witchcraft novels, I had some success with Ami McKay's The Witches of New York and when I was in Sydney's Kinokuniya late last year, this novel was "calling" me and, after picking it up and putting it down many times, I finally conceded something or someone was willing me to read it. I'm pleased I listened to my instinct.

Based on the real witch trials on the Arctic island of Vardø in 1662-1663, this is a novel that tells the dual stories (that eventually intersect) of Ingeborg and Anna. Ingeborg is the daughter of a woman accused of being a witch, Anna sent to Vardø upon vanquishment from the Danish court, after her affair with the King sours.

This is a story that examines what witchcraft might be, versus what are the realities - the power of mother nature, the power of women and the fear that drove these and all the witch trials around the globe. While not styled explicitly, The Witches of Vardø provides commentary on feminism, the use of religion and misogyny to kill and control women, and the power that comes from women who work together. As I get older, and while I adore most men, it is relationships I build with women these days that sustain me and give me strength and visibility. There's no doubt that this has always been true, for most other women, too.

The quality of writing and storytelling by Anya Bergman in this novel is excellent. Initially, I felt The Witches of Vardø was taking too long to reach the key storyline. However, the story set up was necessary and by the time I hit the half way mark, I was captivated. By the time I was three-quarters through, I didn't want the story to end.

There is one scene that involved sexual assualt which is handled with as much gentility as such a scene can. I questioned whether the scene was absolutely necessary, and while I think such an event was necessary to convey the anger and power of women later on, I am not entirely sure it was necessary. It's not a graphic description but it is explicit enough that I'd caution people who may be senstive to such a scene to proceed carefully.

The novel also features suicide, both of which are written carefully and tell the story, without feeling redundant. One was especially unexpected. So, take care on that front, too.

I am really pleased I picked The Witches of Vardø up and enjoyed another book about witchcraft. I saw a book recently that tells the stories of witch trials through history, recently, but I didn't buy it - I wish now I had! I think it'd be interesting to read from a more factual perspective. One to add to the list!

A fantastic story of the power of women and the long history of hatred that we continue to grapple with (without the burning at the stakes) to this day. I'd love to hear from others who've read this - it's a great read.