Rating: ★★★★★
Genre: Historical Fiction / Magical Realism
Available On: Amazon
Weyward by Emilia Hart was one of the biggest books on Bookstagram in 2023, and it’s easy to see why. This is a powerful, multi-generational story of witchcraft, womanhood, and survival that weaves together the lives of three remarkable women across centuries. With its compelling narrative, beautifully atmospheric writing, and a powerful female protagonist (or rather, three!), Weyward is a book that stays with you long after the last page is turned. The cover is also gorgeous, and would probably have made me buy it all on its own, even if Bookstagram hadn’t been raving about it!
Weyward Summary
Weyward tells the intertwined stories of Altha, Violet, and Kate—three women connected by blood, secrets, and the supernatural, each living in a different time period. Their narratives converge around Weyward Cottage, a small, secluded house with a mysterious history that has witnessed generations of remarkable women who possess a connection to nature and hidden powers.
In the 1600s, Altha Weyward stands accused of witchcraft as she struggles to navigate the treacherous dynamics of her village. Her story paints a vivid picture of the fear and persecution that powerful women faced during the witch trials, as Altha learns to wield her abilities and defend herself in an unforgiving society. Her narrative is raw, compelling, and filled with moments of defiance that reveal her strength in the face of overwhelming danger.
Violet’s story takes place in 1942. Trapped in a suffocating household dominated by her controlling father, she dreams of escaping the strict societal expectations imposed on her. But Violet’s journey is not just about breaking free from these norms—she begins to uncover dark family secrets linked to Weyward Cottage and her ancestors. As Violet unravels her family’s hidden past, she finds strength, magic, and the courage to confront both her family’s legacy and her own future.
In 2019, Kate is fleeing from an abusive relationship when she arrives at Weyward Cottage, an inheritance from a great-aunt she never knew. Desperate to start over, Kate is haunted by her past while also being drawn to the strange and magical energies of the cottage. As she learns about the generations of Weyward women before her, Kate finds her own power and the courage to reclaim her life.
Themes and Character Development
Weyward is a celebration of resilience, female empowerment, and the connection between women and nature. Each protagonist embodies a different facet of strength, showing that power can come in many forms—from Altha’s direct confrontation with her accusers to Violet’s quiet rebellion against her father, and Kate’s determination to start anew. These women, despite the centuries that separate them, share a bond through their ancestral magic and their struggle against the societal forces that try to keep them small.
The novel deftly explores themes of patriarchal oppression, freedom, and the innate magic of the natural world. Each protagonist’s journey is shaped by the ways in which patriarchal forces try to suppress their power and autonomy—whether it’s Altha facing literal witch hunts, Violet confronting the dark secrets of her family’s past while rebelling against societal restrictions, or Kate fleeing domestic abuse. Emilia Hart’s evocative prose brings Weyward Cottage and its surroundings to life, making the setting itself feel like a character—one that holds both the secrets of the Weyward women and the history of the oppression they’ve faced.
The character development in Weyward is rich and multifaceted. Each of the protagonists starts off in a place of limitation—bound by fear, societal expectations, or trauma. Throughout the novel, we witness their gradual transformation as they tap into their power and learn to trust in themselves and their abilities. The alternating timelines and interconnected narratives build a sense of unity and shared destiny, highlighting the importance of the female lineage and the legacies passed down through generations.
Magical Realism and Atmosphere
The magical realism in Weyward is seamlessly woven into the historical and contemporary settings, enhancing the atmosphere and the characters’ stories. The magic isn’t flashy; instead, it’s rooted in nature, intuition, and the quiet, often unnoticed abilities that have been passed down through the Weyward line. This subtle approach to magic adds depth to the story and creates a sense of wonder without overshadowing the emotional journeys of the characters.
Emilia Hart’s writing captures the essence of each era, from the tense and fearful atmosphere of the witch trials to the repressive societal norms of wartime England and the struggles of modern-day Kate. The narrative voice shifts effortlessly between time periods, drawing the reader into each woman’s life and creating a cohesive, enchanting tapestry that binds them all together.
Final Thoughts on Weyward
Weyward is a powerful, spellbinding novel that celebrates the strength of women, the resilience of those who came before us, and the deep magic that lies within. Emilia Hart has crafted a story that is both intimate and expansive, showing how the lives of these three women, despite the centuries that divide them, are connected through courage, magic, and the will to survive.
If you’re a fan of atmospheric historical fiction with a touch of magic, Weyward is a must-read. It’s the kind of book that wraps itself around you, with prose that flows like a spell and characters who feel alive and real. This is a story of empowerment and reclamation, perfect for readers who love stories about witchcraft, strong female protagonists, and the bonds that link women across time. It’s no wonder it was one of the biggest hits on Bookstagram in 2023—this book truly is magic. ✨📚🌿
