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A review by indyjg
The Witches of Vardø by Anya Bergman
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This haunting and evocative novel is a fictional retelling of the Vardø witch trials, where thirty women were accused of witchcraft and making deals with the devil on the island of Vardø in 1662. The book swaps between a dual point of view from Ingeborg, the daughter of Zigri, a widow and accused witch whose only mistake was an affair with a merchant, and Anna Rhodius, formerly the King of Denmark's secret mistress, exiled after losing favour with the King.
These women are all subjected to the cruel whims of men in power and the zeal of religious fanaticism. Yet the power of these women and their strength stand out; they are all complex characters trying to survive in a time where so much as dancing could leave you branded as a witch. I enjoyed that Anna Rhodius's role was more fleshed out and complex, and the setting adds to an eerie atmosphere and the feel of the book. Maren was one of my favourite characters, the daughter of an infamous witch. Maren has a unique and outspoken disposition in a time when women were expected to be meek and subservient. Her intrinsic connection to nature and her strength sat with me for a while after reading this, as well as Ingeborg's perseverance in the face of danger. We all have a little of Ingeborg in us, waiting to be unleashed at the right time. I felt more connected to my ancestors and the hardships they must have faced after reading this; the true story of these women should not be forgotten.
These women are all subjected to the cruel whims of men in power and the zeal of religious fanaticism. Yet the power of these women and their strength stand out; they are all complex characters trying to survive in a time where so much as dancing could leave you branded as a witch. I enjoyed that Anna Rhodius's role was more fleshed out and complex, and the setting adds to an eerie atmosphere and the feel of the book. Maren was one of my favourite characters, the daughter of an infamous witch. Maren has a unique and outspoken disposition in a time when women were expected to be meek and subservient. Her intrinsic connection to nature and her strength sat with me for a while after reading this, as well as Ingeborg's perseverance in the face of danger. We all have a little of Ingeborg in us, waiting to be unleashed at the right time. I felt more connected to my ancestors and the hardships they must have faced after reading this; the true story of these women should not be forgotten.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Suicide
Moderate: Child death, Death, and Torture
Minor: Death of parent