Witch Light is a fictional book that was written by bestselling author Susan Fletcher. The book is set in the year 1659 and follows the story of Corrag, a young woman who is accused of being a witch. The story is narrated through Corrag's journal entries, allowing readers to dive deep into her emotions and experiences. The book explores themes of persecution, love, and individuality. Corrag's character is beautifully crafted, and readers can't help but empathize with her as she faces the harsh realities of being a accused witch in a society that fears and judges her without truly knowing her. One of the most captivating aspects of Witch Light is the vivid portrayal of the Scottish Highlands.
More by Jessi Zabarsky
This granular focus allows newcomers to experience the nuances of the play, which is rich in irony, hidden intentions and sudden shifts in emotional temperature. Those moments be they sun striking rock, or glancing through trees or shivering over water or, indeed, a thousand other moments of incandescent beauty that make you take a snapshot in your mind, that make you scribble a note in your heart.
One of the most captivating aspects of Witch Light is the vivid portrayal of the Scottish Highlands. Fletcher's descriptive writing brings the scenery to life, immersing readers in the raw beauty and danger of the natural world. The wilderness serves as a sanctuary for Corrag, offering her solace and connection with the spirits that surround her.
Witch Light – book review
It’s rare that a book really touches me these days. Witch Light by Susan Fletcher, however, moved me deeply. I’d read Fletcher’s debut novel, Eve Green, some time ago and remember enjoying it (but that was about all – my memory is completely shot!). Then a friend gave me this one.
It starts thus:
“When they come for me, I will think of the end of the northern ridge, for that’s where I was happiest – with the skies and wind, and the mountains being dark with moss, or dark with the shadow of a cloud moving across them. I will think of how it is when part of a mountain brightens very suddenly, so it is like that rock is chosen by the sun – marked out by sunshine from all the other rocks. It will shine, and then grow dark again. And I’ll stand with my skirts blowing, make my way home. I will have that sunlit rock in me. I will keep it safe.”
Don’t you recognise that? Those moments – be they sun striking rock, or glancing through trees or shivering over water (or, indeed, a thousand other moments of incandescent beauty) that make you take a snapshot in your mind, that make you scribble a note in your heart.
It’s 1692, just after the Massacre of Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland. Corrag is a young girl, imprisoned as a witch (though, in reality, she’s a political prisoner as much as a religious one). As she waits, in chains, for the snow to thaw to allow her burning, she recounts her tale to an Irishman, Charles Leslie. It’s historically true, this story, in its bones if not in its detail and imagination. I didn’t realise that until I read the end-notes.
It’s a story of iniquity, oppression, prejudice, ignorance and malice. Of the hounding and hunting of a near-child because she is perceived as different. Of the slaughter of a clan because they were considered politically awkward. It’s the kind of story that makes tears fall and bile rise. It made me angry and incredulous, railing against the injustice through time. Yet Corrag herself refuses to see the bad in the world. She sees only good and her vision is exquisite. Fletcher spent time in the Highlands researching this book and it shows in every blade of grass, skein of moss or slipslide in weather described so lovingly (yet unaffectedly). You know how some books labelled ‘lyrical’ or ‘poetic’ are irritatingly arch? This isn’t. It’s just a pure delight. It’s beautiful.
“Say you’ll remember me. That you’re glad a snowy road led you to this cell.
Say you’ll not think of me as a girl on fire, or a shackled one – but as I was, when I was happiest. In Glencoe, with my hair blowing out. With Alasdair with me.
Say yes to this?
Say yes?”
Yes, it’s a human love story in part (though not a predictable one, no neat happy endings here) but it’s way more than that – it’s a love story to Love and to Life itself (capitals very intentional). It’s about finding the beauty in the natural world, in the people and animals we meet in life – not just the neat, nice,comfortable, easy ones but all of them. It’s about how to live with honour and generosity and morality and magic. It pulled me in, this book; it cast a spell. As I reached the end, reading by the fire, aware of the crackle of flames, I barely dared turn each page for I was there, right there in the cell with her, heart breaking. It’s the best book I have read in a long, long time.
Click the image to buy.
Witch Light also delves into the relationships that Corrag forms along her journey. Duncan, a soldier who befriends her, plays a significant role in her life and provides a glimpse of hope in a dark period. Their connection is beautifully portrayed, highlighting the power of compassion and understanding in the face of adversity. Moreover, Fletcher explores the dichotomy between traditional beliefs and the emerging influence of science and reason during this historical period. She skillfully weaves in elements of folklore and superstition, juxtaposing them with the skepticism and rationality that begin to dominate society. Overall, Witch Light is a hauntingly beautiful and emotionally charged novel that takes readers on a captivating journey through 17th-century Scotland. With its richly drawn characters, evocative descriptions, and thought-provoking themes, this book has earned its place as a beloved addition to the historical fiction genre..
Reviews for "Exploring Different Forms of Magic in Witch Light Book"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Witch Light Book" as I love fantasy novels, but I was sorely disappointed. The plot was confusing and poorly developed, with too many characters and subplots that didn't seem to connect. I found myself struggling to stay engaged with the story, as it lacked the depth and complexity I was hoping for. The writing style was also lackluster, with cliched dialogue and predictable twists. Overall, "Witch Light Book" was a letdown for me.
2. Michael - 1 star - I couldn't even finish "Witch Light Book" because it was so poorly written. The grammar and spelling mistakes were distracting and made it difficult to comprehend the story. The characters felt one-dimensional and unrelatable, and I couldn't invest in their journeys. The pacing was off, with sudden jumps in time and unnecessary tangents that took away from the main plot. I was really disappointed with this book and would not recommend it.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Witch Light Book" was a struggle to get through. The writing was tedious and overly descriptive, with excessive details that didn't add anything to the story. The world-building felt rushed and underdeveloped, leaving me confused about the magical elements and their significance. The dialogue also felt forced and unrealistic, making it hard to connect with the characters. Overall, I found "Witch Light Book" to be a disappointing read that did not live up to its potential.