A Secret History of Witches: A Novel
A sweeping historical saga that traces five generations of fiercely powerful mothers and daughters -- witches whose magical inheritance is both a dangerous threat and an extraordinary gift. Brittany, 1821. After Grand-Mere Ursule gives her life to save her family, their magic seems to die with her. Even so, the Orchires fight to keep the old ways alive, practicing half-remembered spells and arcane rites in hopes of a revival. And when their youngest daughter comes of age, magic flows anew. The lineage continues, though new generations struggle not only to master their power, but also to keep it hidden. But when World War II looms on the horizon, magic is needed more urgently than ever -- not for simple potions or visions, but to change the entire course of history. Praise for A Secret History of Witches: "I loved it. A beautiful generational tale, reminiscent of Practical Magic. . .. Grounded and real, painful and hopeful at the same time." --Laure Eve, author of The Graces "Historical fiction at its absolute finest....Deliciously absorbing." --Boston Globe "At once sprawling and intimate, A Secret History of Witches deftly captures the greatest magic of all: the love between mothers and daughters." --Jordanna Max Brodsky, author of The Wolf in the Whale For more from Louisa Morgan, check out: The Witch's Kind
The Age of Witches
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Community Reviews
I was really excited to read this book and thought the storyline was very intriguing. I did enjoy how sections of the book were categorized into “Books” of each daughter to help the story flow from one descendant to the other and I personally liked that it gave the book a bit of a Wiccan grimoire feel. However, I found myself getting my hopes up as each page progressed to hear more about the background and history of the women in the family and the good that they received and gave. Instead I felt as though I would get my hopes up only to have them dashed as the negativity around their beliefs and lives continued to drone on. I completely understand that the time period that this book takes place is certainly not a time that was easy nor generally happy for witches as it proved for Grandmere Ursule, but I felt that there could have been so much more that was interjected in the story to show the good aspects of their lives and of the Craft. Overall, I did enjoy the style of writing and if Louisa Morgan does write another book, I’m sure I would give it a try. I think there is potential there and I look forward to see if a second novel comes to fruition.
Jumping the shark...
Queen Elizabeth's servant would have been sufficient to incorporate it into the time stream. Other than that, the unique stories of each generation, placement within the time frame as well as within the parental situation of each parent to each child was worth exploring.
Cathartic moments for me at least were limited to the anti-authoritarian conflicts where once again I am reminded of how much I have a problem with authority in my life, in my government, in my spirituality.
It's a solid read, just wondering if I could find something else worth my time to read by the time I was done.
Queen Elizabeth's servant would have been sufficient to incorporate it into the time stream. Other than that, the unique stories of each generation, placement within the time frame as well as within the parental situation of each parent to each child was worth exploring.
Cathartic moments for me at least were limited to the anti-authoritarian conflicts where once again I am reminded of how much I have a problem with authority in my life, in my government, in my spirituality.
It's a solid read, just wondering if I could find something else worth my time to read by the time I was done.
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