The Witches at the End of the World

Rage burns brighter than any spellfire…

Deep in the birchwoods of Norway, magic courses through the veins of two sisters. For years they've been alone, but sweet-tempered Kaija is tired of living in shadows and longs for a life filled with community, even if it means stifling her magic. But Minna is a witch through and through, with wrath always simmering just below the surface. Different as they may be, both will never forget the day they were driven from their village. The day their mother burned.

When Kaija leaves to pursue a new life, Minna is left alone in the darkness of the forest. Devastated and outraged at the betrayal, Minna casts a curse to punish those who took everything from her. What she doesn't realize is that this act will incite a deadly chain of events. Soon it will destroy everything, including the life Kaija has lovingly built. But once a witch's rage boils, regret means nothing―she can't take back what's already done.

Someone will have to burn.

A magical story of sisterhood, revenge, and feminist rage, The Witches at the End of the World is perfect for fans of Alix Harrow and Kelly Barnhill.

This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with Sourcebooks.

Book club questions for The Witches at the End of the World by Chelsea Iversen

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

What are some differences in Kaija’s and Minna’s magic at the beginning of the novel? What do these differences say about themselves and their relationship with each other?

Minna casts a dark curse on the village Kaija is traveling to because of her anger. Do you think her actions are justified considering what was done to her family? Why or why not?

Mormor tells Kaija that “Not even magic can temper pain in our hearts.” Describe the ways in which this idea manifests throughout the story. How do both Minna and Kaija learn this lesson?

Minna sees an ominous vision of her sister burning at the stake. What emotions does this stir up in her? Given her animosity toward her sister, were you surprised at the actions she took throughout the rest of the novel? Why or why not?

Kaija is met with nothing but coldness from the townsfolk when she marries Jon. Why were they skeptical of her? If you were Kaija, how would you have handled being treated as an outsider in your new home?

Minna is quick to trust Olen and show him her powers. For someone who knows the hatred that people hold toward witches, why do you think she did this? What does this moment between them change in Minna for the rest of the story?

Kaija discovers that Minna’s curse is behind all the deaths in the village, including her husband’s. Though she’s angry, in time she finds a way to forgive her. How did this make you feel? Do you think Minna deserves to be forgiven for her actions? More broadly, what role does the theme of forgiveness play throughout the novel?

What role does religion play in this story? How is the witchcraft of Minna and Kaija at odds with the Christianity of the village?

As Minna’s heart begins to open, Kaija’s heart begins to grow fierce. Think of all the ways that Minna and Kaija’s positions have switched by the end of the novel. Is this the way you thought both of their stories would go?

Minna and Kaija call the powers inside them their “inner witch.” Why do you think they speak as if their powers are separate entities? What do you think your own inner witch would be like?

Minna and Kaija end their story in the same place they began it: in the birchwood. What is different now about their home in the trees? Did the end of their story satisfy you?

The Witches at the End of the World Book Club Questions PDF

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"The powerful themes of revenge, redemption and healing are beautifully rendered in a story where love is the most potent magic of all." ―Adriana Trigiani, author of The Good Left Undone