You know those books you read that are heavy, at times difficult reads, but are incredibly moving and worth the pain? Weyward by Emilia Hart is one of those books.
Trigger warnings: domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, medical gore, animal cruelty
The Weyward women are often accused of witchcraft, or at the very least, some sort of “otherness.” Altha, in 1619, stands trial for witchcraft and the murder, via stampede (seriously, MURDER via STAMPEDE), of a farmer. Violet, in 1942, is “odd” and quiet with an affinity for bugs, living in her brother’s shadow and dealing with an abusive father and unwanted relations with her cousin. Kate, in 2019, is the victim of domestic violence, and has to escape before it’s too late. These women are bound by nature, strength, and their Weyward ways.
I won’t lie and say that this was an easy read; it wasn’t. I’ve already listed the trigger warnings above, and they did make it extremely difficult to keep reading, but I’m glad I did. The thread that binds the 3 POVs is so strong and inspiring that I’m honored to have heard these characters’ stories. Even with centuries apart, their experiences were so similar, primarily when dealing with (or being held down by) the patriarchy. This fact was both maddening and…well, I don’t want to spoil the endings.
Please, please, please read this book. You can preorder it here before its March 7, 2023 release.
Love and powerful women,
Mandy
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley for free and have voluntarily written this review with my honest feedback. If you purchase a copy using my Amazon affiliate link above, I will receive a small commission which I will use to justify my literary addictions and to spoil my dogs (probably).
