The Manningtree Witches, AK Blakemore
“As you’ve probably picked up, this is not a happy book in terms of its plot. But – and I might sound a little mad saying this – it’s one I enjoyed a great deal.”
The Manningtree Witches is just as it sounds; it’s a book telling the story of some witches in Manningtree in the 1600s. To be a little more specific, these ladies have not claimed themselves as witches. Instead, they have been accused by self-proclaimed witch hunter, Matthew Hopkins.
The 1600s also brings a charming, folky style of language that almost feels like a bed-time story narration. The language is bouncy and rhythmical, but in just the right way – I say as somebody who struggles with classics due to their flowery riddles. Let’s look at the opening, for example, ‘A hill wet with brume of morning, one haw berry bush squalid with browning flowers. I have woken up and out on my work dress, which is my only dress’. See, I told you – delicious.
The themes covered in this book are also top notch. We’re obviously talking about a lot of feminist topics due to the Manningtree supposed witches being all female. Ageing, motherhood, dating, virginity, sex, rape. That’s all covered. Then there’s poverty, classism, imprisonment, and lots of reflections on death.
As you’ve probably picked up, this is not a happy book in terms of its plot. But – and I might sound a little mad saying this – it’s one I enjoyed a great deal. Its slow paced and sombre tone make it peaceful and comparable to another of my all-time favourites – I Who Have Never Known Men. As with all slow burners, this book requires patience, but I am officially instructing you to stick with it because The Manningtree Witches is an exceptional read.
Review from Book Blogger’s Prize Shortlist 2022
Gabby Humphreys, Book Blogger’s Prize Finalist
Twitter: @GabbyHumphreys
Instagram: @humphreads
