The Witches of Vardø by Anya Bergman read by Sofia Engstrand

The Witches of Vardø by Anya Bergman read by Sofia Engstrand
UK Publication: January 2023
Reviewed by: Book Worm
Rating: [★★★]

This ARC was provided by Bonnier UK Audio, Manilla Pres (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.

F**k the patriarchy!

Synopsis from Goodreads: 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.

My Thoughts: This was an interesting retelling of the real life Witches of Vardø and what a great time of year to be reading this.

The witches (most of them) in this book have no magical powers, they do not commune with the devil, they do not curse people and they cannot avoid capture or escape imprisonment. In other words they are just normal women. Women who happen to have participated or been caught up in actions that their society doesn’t approve of and hey who cares if you imprison the innocent along with the guilty they are witches after all.

But where is the devil in all this? Closer than you think and unsurprisingly he is not found amongst the women.

Another book that shows us the patriarchy around the world has a lot to answer for.

Told from alternating points of view the reader knows that things are not looking good for these women but even I was shocked by how things actually play out. Ouch Bergman Ouch.

I listened to the audio read by Sofia Engstrand and her accent and pronunciation really added to my enjoyment of the story.

Who would like this? I would recommend this to those who want a witchy story that doesn’t involve black cats, broomsticks or overlarge pointy hats.

We want to hear from you! Have you read this book? What did you think?