and each of their passions for nature —(birds, insects, plants)….were eloquently written and captivating.

Oh no, dear,’ said Mrs. Kirby. ‘Well, we’d be the first to tell you that there’s something different about the child. She’s quite … how did you put it, Ruth?’ This book's has good basic characters, and a good, if basic plot. The form is quite beautiful...but I had problems with it. Alva (quite a few times great grandmother to Violet and Kate) - 1600- 1619 - Raised in a cabin in the woods by her mother who's a healer she was brought up close to nature. After her childhood best friend's mother died while her mother was trying to save her rumors started about them being witches. These rumors continued even after her mom's death and by 1619 she was on trial for witchcraft. The three women are linked not just by a family tree, but each one has to endure powerful and controlling men. Hart paints a brutal and vivid picture of what each woman experiences at their hands. These scenes of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse are both graphic and uncomfortable. There was nothing “wayward” about the way she got published, however — although women did help her all along the way.Conducting extensive research also helped her a lot as she read all manner of good books on the Pendle Witch Trials and several others across England. The good thing was that the Pendle Witch trials are among the most meticulously recorded thanks to Thomas Potts’s 1613 work “The Wonderful Discovery of Witches.” Gripping...Thoughtful and at times harrowing, this novel is a successful blend of historical fiction and modern feminism." –– Kirkus

I also found Tracey Borman’s James I and the English Witch Hunts extremely helpful: it brilliantly explains how James VI and I — the author of the infamous Daemonologie — brought the witch hunt frenzy with him from Scotland to England when he acceded to the throne. Sublime - a beautiful exploration of three women and their deep connection to the natural world and each other. The author had been a law clerk that had been a witness to the trials that had been overseen by Justices Bromley and Altham. Emilia Hart also read “James I and the English Witch Hunts” by Tracey Borman. Combining elements of women’s fiction, historical fiction and magical realism author Emilia Hart expertly weaves the three different threads of this story into a compelling narrative. The narrative is shared through multiple perspectives. We follow Kate’s story in the present day with separate chapters detailing Violet‘s and Altha’s stories interspersed throughout the novel. Superb characterizations, vivid imagery, atmospheric settings and simple yet elegant writing make for an immersive reading experience. The narrative has strong feminine overtones and though several (not all) of the male characters are unlikable, the author does not indulge in verbose male-bashing or farfetched revenge drama but instead weaves a narrative highlighting the personal growth and resilience of these women and the comfort and strength they harness from their deep connection to nature, that sees them through the adversity they face in their lives. It is sad that despite living centuries apart each of these women had to endure instances of neglect, abuse and oppression. The symbolism of Weyward cottage and how it continues to be a safe haven and a source of strength for the Weyward women through the centuries is particularly significant. This is a story about family, legacy and courage. Emilia Hart’s Weyward is an impressive debut that I would not hesitate to recommend. I also must mention that the cover art for this novel is absolutely stunning. Weyward is a story of three unique women who are connected in many ways. This book looks at how women are viewed, treated and lived at various times in history. Agatha lived in a time where women who were different or did not live by societies standards, were branded witches and put to death. Violet lived in a time where women were strange and different if they yearned for more or wanted to go against the current expectations of women. Kate lived in a time where she was abused by a man who feels he is superior to her.These initially quite disparate stories (and dissimilar characters too!) eventually intertwine and link. The key element that binds them is their individual connections to nature and the world around them. As the story progresses it is clear that each in their own way has a deep understanding and affinity with the plants, insects and animals around them – even the landscapes, which form an important part of the story. In particular, crows and insects seem to form an important link between the women, their present and their past.

This story came together so beautifully and I buzzed through the last part because I couldn't wait to see how it played out. There was one characters that was in need of more development but it wasn't one of the main characters, and I felt the 'love and magic of nature' in the story over-shadowed any writing flaws. Following her graduation from University, Hart would proceed to work as a lawyer in both London and Sydney. While Emilia pursued a career as a legal practitioner, it is clear that she always loved storytelling given that she also studied English Literature.

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

in 1619, Altha Weyward is a teenager. Her mother has passed, she doesn't know her father and she is fighting for her life. She has been accused of witchcraft and killing a neighbor with her powers. How is she able to endure it? For an accomplished writer this would be considered a great book but as a debut novel, I can’t give this enough praise.

In 1619, Althea, twenty-one-years of age, is waiting trial for the murder of a local farmer. She was accused of witchcraft. In 1942, Violet is sixteen years old … she desires the same rights as her brothers - longing for an education. Emilia Hart is a bestselling historical fiction British Australian author that is best known for her debut novel “Weyward.” The author was born in Sydney and went to the University of New South Wales where she studied Law and English Literature.Eventually, each woman must discover and come to terms with her affinity for the natural world and the power she wields. Altha is awaiting trial for the murder of a local farmer who was stampeded to death by his herd. As a girl, Altha’s mother taught her their magic, a kind not rooted in spell casting but in a deep knowledge of the natural world. But unusual women have always been deemed dangerous, and as the evidence for witchcraft is set out against Altha, she knows it will take all of her powers to maintain her freedom. As someone who worships at the altar of Alice Hoffman and devours her new releases in one or two sittings, I found Emilia Hart’s debut a.very.slow.read. Painfully so. There is nothing ordinary about these women, though it will take time for some of them to realize it. And when they do…