*I was given an ARC of Witchcraft: A Graphic History in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Leaping Hare Press and Lindsay Squire for my copy of this graphic novel*
Synopsis:
Join Lindsay, a young and curious 19th-century lady, as she meets Biddy Early, the famous ‘wise woman of County Clare’, and learns all about the magickal arts—from which plants can be used to make healing poultices and potions, to how people dealt with the social and political stigma of practicing witchcraft.
Biddy Early, who lived from 1798–1874 in Ireland, was by no means the first-ever witch, but she was the first to appear on the historical record. Before her, fears and superstitions surrounding practitioners of ‘the nameless art’ were too strong. It is said that Biddy took an apprenticeship with the ‘good folk’, sidhe or faeries, when she was very young, and it was from them that she learned her skill as a healer.
Never one to accept monetary payment for the help she offered, Biddy would often swap home-brewed alcohol for her services, which in turn, made her ramshackle cottage in Feakle a hub for the local community. When her little corner of the county drew the attention of the Catholic Church and the local authorities, things became very difficult for this unusual woman…
Encompassing self-empowerment, feminism, dealing with stigma, and eco-spirituality, as well as plant magic, traditions, and green wisdom, Witchcraft: A Graphic History is a fresh take on an endlessly fascinating subject.
Review:
I wasn’t sure what I was expecting from this graphic novel, but I loved what I got. Having the author insert herself into the story was so cool. What an inventive way to tell the history of both witchcraft and a specific character without it getting boring or just pure fact.
Speaking of facts, the sections between the ‘chapters’ of the story were both fun and informative. I didn’t know a lot about witchcraft before reading this, one of the main reasons why I picked it up, and I now feel like I know so much more. I’d always assumed the Salem witch trials was the biggest witch hunt in history purely based on the fact that it’s the most well known, but that’s not true. What an eye opening graphic novel.
The art style fit the theme perfectly. I loved the character designs and the environments were the right amount of detailed. I’ve always said witchy graphic novels have some of the best art styles and I still stand by that statement.
This graphic novel is a great introduction to the history of witchcraft. Fun, informative and filled with gorgeous illustrations. I’d highly recommend it.
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