The Witch of Duvx is a captivating novel written by Belgian author Geneviève Damas. Set in rural Belgium, the story revolves around the life of a young woman named Mavela. She is commonly referred to as "the witch" due to her unconventional behavior and mysterious aura. From a young age, Mavela is ostracized by her community for her innate ability to communicate with animals and her affinity for nature. She possesses a deep connection with the natural world, often spending hours on end exploring the woods and conversing with the creatures that inhabit it. This connection serves as a source of solace and refuge for Mavela, as she feels misunderstood and alienated by her fellow villagers.
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The only interpretation of it I can think of is that ten people shit, piss, fuck, cunt, cocksucker, motherfucker, tits, fart, turd and twat are being told who their biological father is. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
This connection serves as a source of solace and refuge for Mavela, as she feels misunderstood and alienated by her fellow villagers. Despite her isolation, Mavela develops a close bond with her grandmother, the only person who fully comprehends and accepts her uniqueness. Under her grandmother's guidance, Mavela learns to embrace her abilities and understand the power she holds.
Today’s Song: blink-182’s “EDGING” Kickstarts a New Era with High Spirits
T here’s no doubt that pop-punk has had a mass resuscitation in recent years, and though nearly everyone can point out that it’s back, not many can say that it’s better than ever.
Groovy Rock Ballad Dandy Wolf - Kil.Please enable JavaScript
But, something that we can all agree on is that there would be no conversation about the genre without blink-182, the pop-punk ‘it’ trio of the late 90s and early 2000s. The original three band members made their long overdue comeback on October 14th, gifting fans with the zany and anthemic single, “EDGING;” with the reunited group making waves (actually, closer to tsunamis) once more after ten years, it doesn’t look like the studded belts and flannel shirts are going anywhere anytime soon.
After stepping away from the group in 2015, guitarist and co-lead vocalist Tom DeLonge confirmed his return to blink-182 with his participation in “EDGING” and a tongue-in-cheek Instagram post alluding to the band’s upcoming album. In his seven years away, bassist-vocalist Mark Hoppus and drummer Travis Barker had Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio fill DeLonge’s shoes up until the original trio’s ultimate reunification. This did not go without thanks from DeLonge, as he humbly honoured Skiba both privately and publicly with a heartfelt letter.
View this post on InstagramI ain’t that cool, a little fucked in the head
They’ll be hanging me quick when I’m back from the dead
Get the rope, get the rope
Get the rope, get the rope
With Barker’s swingy drumming and DeLonge’s characteristic vocal twangs in the first verse, the song opens slightly more pop than it does punk. It’s not exactly experimental, and it’s not an attempt at a radio hit– it’s a true display of old friends taking a light stroll down memory lane.
“EDGING” is far from the band’s classics, and it takes a couple listens to process the song in its entirety without attempting to scour for some form of nostalgia factor. Whether this is due to the more modern production or the unfamiliarity of hearing DeLonge and Hoppus’ voices together after so many years, the track is still unmistakably blink-182, and that isn’t something most bands can say after a decade-long hiatus.
I’m a punk rock kid, I came from hell with a curse
She tried to pray it away, so I fucked her in church
Don’t you know? Don’t you know?
Don’t you know? Yeah, don’t you know?
What has remained the same over the years, however, is the fact that blink-182 embrace never growing up, as they continue to proudly sport the “punk rock kid” label approaching their 50s. The song isn’t quite a show of lyrical or sonic maturation for the band, but it couldn’t be more fitting for a comeback based around returning to their roots. blink-182 is sticking to what they do best, and that is fun music with non-pretentious and unapologetically explicit lyrics.
blink-182 © Allen J. SchabenThey say, “You’re not safe here if I stay
With a knife that sharp”
No way, no, I leave the broken-hearted
Oh, no, look at the mess we started
Oh, no, I leave the broken hearts this way
Whatcha say? (Whatcha say?) Wanna play?
As Hoppus and DeLonge bounce off one another in the chorus, “EDGING” proves to be much more of an earworm than it lets on in the beginning. It’s a decent singalong, but it could easily become a headbanger had there been a more prominent drum buildup or signature guitar riff.
“I wanted to imagine as a listener what I wanted to experience, … as a band member what we wanted to make and say, and most importantly, how it would sound production-wise in 2022,” Barker explains.
Yeah, don’t be fooled, I’m only letting you down
They pursue me on foot, but I hid in the crowd
Like a ghost, like a ghost
Like a ghost, like a ghost
Blink-182 © Blink-182
I know there’s a special place in hell
That my friends and I know well
There’s a perfect place to go
When it’s time to lose control
Nightmare, daydream
You can’t save me
It’s not their best, but it’s not their worst either; at the end of the day, the song does a darn good job at what it’s trying to do, and that’s bring three old friends together as well as remind us of what the band are about at their core: fun, energy, and euphoria.
With “EDGING” came the announcement of blink-182’s biggest tour ever, spanning from Latin America and North America to Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, not including the several festival appearances the band have in between. Spirits are soaring as each member reveals just a bit more about the new album everyday, with DeLonge even referring to it as “the best album of [their] career.” It’s a claim that carries some serious weight for me, as a die-hard Enema of the State defender, but I’m left all the more excited to see what blink has in store for us all!
Love them or hate them, blink-182 is here to stay for at least a while longer, and “EDGING” is only the beginning of a new era for the pop-punk pioneers.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
However, tragedy strikes when her grandmother passes away, leaving Mavela feeling lost and alone in a world that constantly rejects her. As Mavela grows older, her reputation as the village witch intensifies. People come to seek her assistance with various problems, ranging from healing ailments to seeking advice on matters of the heart. Mavela discovers that her empathy and intuitive understanding of others allow her to help those in need, fostering a sense of purpose within her. However, not everyone perceives Mavela's talents as a gift. The local priest, fueled by fear and deeply ingrained superstitions, labels Mavela a threat to the community. He launches a campaign to rid the village of her so-called witchcraft, creating further divisions among the villagers. Facing persecution and isolation, Mavela must confront the limitations and prejudices of her society while striving to remain true to herself. Despite the challenges she faces, her unwavering belief in the power of love, acceptance, and the natural world serves as a beacon of hope throughout the narrative. Through this compelling tale, Geneviève Damas explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the power of individuality. The Witch of Duvx reminds us to embrace our uniqueness and celebrate our innate abilities, regardless of societal pressures to conform. It is a poignant story that encourages readers to examine their own prejudices and biases, ultimately reminding us of the importance of empathy and understanding in our interactions with others..
Reviews for "The Mystery Continues: The Witch of Duvx"
1. John - 2 stars - The Witch of Duvx was a disappointment for me. The story started off promising, with an intriguing premise and a unique setting. However, as I delved deeper into the book, the plot became convoluted and confusing. The characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult for me to connect with any of them. The writing style was also a letdown, with excessive descriptions that slowed the pace of the story. Overall, I found The Witch of Duvx to be a lackluster read, and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I cannot express how much I disliked The Witch of Duvx. The storyline was dull and unoriginal, with predictable twists and turns. The dialogue felt forced and unconvincing, making it hard to become invested in the characters' conversations. Additionally, I found the writing to be lacking in eloquence and finesse, leaving me unimpressed. As a fan of the genre, I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it fell far short of my expectations. I wouldn't waste my time or money on The Witch of Duvx if I were you.
3. Michael - 3 stars - The Witch of Duvx had potential, but it ultimately fell flat for me. While the concept was interesting, the execution was lacking. The pacing felt off, with slow moments of exposition followed by rushed action scenes that left me feeling disconnected from the story. The characters were also underdeveloped, making it hard for me to care about their fates. I appreciate the author's attempt to create a unique world, but the world-building felt inconsistent and incomplete. Overall, The Witch of Duvx had its moments, but it wasn't a book I would recommend to others.
4. Emily - 2 stars - The Witch of Duvx was a letdown. The plot had potential, but it was poorly executed. The story lacked coherence and was filled with unnecessary subplots that detracted from the main narrative. The writing style was also a struggle to get through, with clunky sentences and awkward dialogue. The characters felt flat and one-dimensional, making it difficult for me to become emotionally invested in their journey. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to them. I wouldn't recommend The Witch of Duvx to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written novel.