The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow

*** My Review ***

The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow is a breathtakingly beautiful and captivating novel that is sure to enchant readers. Set in an alternate version of late 19th-century America, the book tells the story of three sisters who are trying to reclaim the lost art of witchcraft and bring magic back to the world.

At its heart, The Once and Future Witches is a story about the power of sisterhood and the importance of fighting for what you believe in. The three main characters, James Juniper, Agnes Amaranth, and Beatrice Belladonna, are all unique and complex individuals, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Together, they form a powerful coven that is capable of great magic, but also of great harm if they are not careful.

One of the most striking things about The Once and Future Witches is the way it weaves together historical fiction and fantasy. Alix E. Harrow has created a vivid and immersive world, full of richly drawn characters and evocative descriptions. The book is set in a version of America where magic has been suppressed and witches are hunted and persecuted. This alternate history is both fascinating and terrifying, as it highlights the dangers of political and social oppression.

I was especially delighted by The Once and Future Witches’ use of folklore and fairy tales. Throughout the book, Alix E. Harrow weaves in references to classic fairy tales and folklore, giving the story a sense of depth and resonance. This is particularly effective in the way the book explores the idea of witchcraft as a kind of collective memory, something that has been passed down through generations of women.

The book also delves into some serious themes, including the legacy of colonialism and the dangers of unchecked power. The alternate history America in which the book is set is a deeply divided and unequal society, with the ruling class determined to maintain their power and privilege at any cost. This creates a real sense of tension and danger, as the sisters struggle to reclaim the power of witchcraft without falling prey to the same abuses of power that have plagued society for centuries.

The book is also deeply feminist in its themes and message. The three sisters are all strong and independent women who refuse to be defined or limited by the roles society has assigned to them. They are determined to reclaim the power of witchcraft and use it to fight for women’s rights and equality. This message is particularly powerful in light of the ongoing struggles for gender equality that we are still facing today.

Furthermore, the sisters are all fighting against a system that seeks to oppress and marginalize them, and their struggle to reclaim the power of witchcraft can be seen as a metaphor for the struggle for gender equality more broadly. This gives the story a real sense of urgency and relevance, and makes it a powerful and inspiring read.

Another strength of The Once and Future Witches is its exploration of the relationship between magic and language. Throughout the book, the sisters use words and incantations to cast spells and perform magic. This ties into the idea of witchcraft as a kind of collective memory, with words and stories passed down through generations of women. It also adds a layer of complexity and depth to the story, as the sisters grapple with the power and responsibility that comes with their magical abilities.

The book also features a number of diverse and inclusive characters, including a lesbian romance between two of the sisters. This adds another layer of complexity and depth to the story, as the sisters grapple not only with the challenges of reclaiming the power of witchcraft, but also with their own personal relationships and identities.

One of the most impressive aspects of The Once and Future Witches is the way it balances its many different elements. The book is a historical novel, a fantasy, a romance, and a political allegory all at once. Yet, despite these disparate elements, the story never feels forced or contrived. Instead, Alix E. Harrow seamlessly blends these different genres and themes together to create a cohesive and satisfying narrative.

The writing in The Once and Future Witches is also exceptional. Alix E. Harrow has a lyrical and poetic prose style that is both beautiful and haunting. Her descriptions of the natural world are particularly evocative, and she has a real talent for capturing the small details that make a scene come alive. Her characters are all distinct and well-drawn, with unique voices and personalities that make them feel like real people.

However, it must be mentioned that this book may not be to everyone’s taste, but for those who appreciate character-driven narratives, it is a real strength. The story is densely plotted, with a lot of detail and world-building to take in, which can make it feel like it is moving slowly. Some readers may find this frustrating, especially if they are looking for a more action-packed read.

Additionally, while the book is inclusive in terms of its representation of diverse characters, some readers may find that the exploration of certain themes and issues feels somewhat surface-level. The book touches on topics such as racism, colonialism, and gender inequality, but it doesn’t always delve deeply into these issues in the way that some readers may be looking for. This may make the book feel less impactful or thought-provoking for some readers.

Finally, while the use of fairy tale and folklore references is a strength of the book, some readers may find that the allusions are too heavy-handed or overused. The book relies heavily on references to classic fairy tales and myths, which some readers may find repetitive or predictable.

In conclusion, The Once and Future Witches is a stunning and powerful novel that is sure to resonate with readers. It is a story about the importance of family, the power of sisterhood, and the enduring strength of women. With its vivid characters, richly imagined world, and beautiful prose, it is a book that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page. Highly recommended.