Book Review: The Witches of Vardø by Anya Bergman
A beautiful but haunting historical fiction novel about the witch hunts of Vardø, Norway in 1662 and 1663
They will have justice. They will show their power. They will not burn.
Norway, 1662. A dangerous time to be a woman, when even dancing can lead to accusations of witchcraft. When Zigri, desperate and grieving after the loss of her husband and son, embarks on an affair with the local merchant, it's not long before she is sent to the fortress at Vardø, to be tried and condemned as a witch.
Zigri's daughter Ingeborg sets off into the wilderness to try to bring her mother back home. Accompanying her on this quest is Maren - herself the daughter of a witch - whose wild nature and unconquerable spirit gives Ingeborg the courage to venture into the unknown, and to risk all she has to save her family.
Also captive in the fortress is Anna Rhodius, once the King of Denmark's mistress, who has been sent to Vardø in disgrace. What will she do - and who will she betray - to return to her privileged life at court?
These Witches of Vardø are stronger than even the King of Denmark. In an age weighted against them they refuse to be victims. They will have their justice. All they need do is show their power.
GENRE: Historical Fiction
PURCHASE LINKS: Amazon | Waterstones | Foyles
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Anya Bergman became interested in the witch trials of Vardø and the vivid folk tales of the north while living in Norway. Travelling to the Steilneset memorial, in which Louise Bourgeois and Peter Zumthor commemorated those persecuted as witches, she became fascinated by their stories. Now resident in Ireland, she is currently undertaking a PhD by Published Works at Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland where she also lectures as well as tutoring for Jericho Writers. She is working on her next novel, which unites the fates of two very different women against the tumultuous backdrop of the French Revolution. www.anyabergman.com
Review & Recommended Listening
I'd like to begin by emphasizing that this book is historical fiction, not historical fantasy. The cover might make it seem like the latter, and thus bring about a different set of expectations. The author actually makes note of this, to an effect, but it's not until the end of the book, so for the purposes of this review, I would like to share some snippets of it:
The Witches of Vardø is inspired by the very real and terrible events of the witch hunts which took place on the island of Vardø between 1662 and 1663. Most of the characters are inspired by people in the past who were caught up in the witch trials, that were documented in court testimony.
When I lived in Norway, I spent considerable time researching the history of the witch trials. [...] In my writing my hope is to remain true to the spirit of these strong, northern women and take their story beyond that of being victims. However, my novel is fiction foremost and I encourage you to delve deeper into the history of the period if your interest in this story is ignited.
I just would also like to mention that Anna's POV is in first person. It's beautifully done and I love how distinct her voice is, but I know first person isn't for everyone, or switching POVs even. Hence why I'm pointing it out beforehand.
That said, this book was a beautiful, haunting read. It wasn't easy to get through, and what even made it more difficult was the fact that I knew, having read the author's note, that it was based on true events. I can easily suspend my disbelief when reading fantasy so dark themes don't really bother me that much... but horrors from our actual past? I might not be Norwegian or from that part of the world, but as a woman, and a human being, the story struck a chord with me.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
About the Creator
Marie Sinadjan
Filipino spec fic author and book reviewer based in the UK. https://linktr.ee/mariesinadjan • www.mariesinadjan.com
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