The Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke

The Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke is a spellbinding literary journey that expertly weaves together elements of Gothic horror, historical fiction, and supernatural thriller. Published in 2023, this haunting tale delves into the dark history of witch trials while exploring themes of generational trauma, feminine power, and the dangerous allure of forbidden knowledge. Set against the backdrop of a remote Scottish island with a troubled past, Cooke crafts an atmospheric narrative that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Through meticulous research and evocative prose, the author creates a compelling story that feels both historically authentic and eerily relevant to contemporary discussions about women’s autonomy and societal fear. According to our analysis at Readlogy, this novel stands as one of the most thought-provoking supernatural thrillers of the year, masterfully balancing historical elements with modern sensibilities.

What is The Book of Witching About? Plot Summary & Key Elements

The Book of Witching centers on Dr. Miren Fleming, a folklore historian who travels to the remote Scottish island of Lyngvig to research its infamous 17th-century witch trials. Upon arrival, Miren discovers a community still haunted by its dark past, where superstition and modern life exist in uneasy balance. The narrative unfolds across dual timelines: present-day Lyngvig and the island during the 1687 witch hunts.

In the contemporary timeline, Miren becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the trials, particularly the fate of Ailsa Bryceland, a young woman accused of witchcraft who allegedly possessed a mysterious grimoire known as “The Book of Witching.” As Miren delves deeper into her research, she experiences unexplainable phenomena—strange symbols appearing in her notes, whispers in abandoned buildings, and vivid dreams of women being hunted.

The historical timeline follows Ailsa Bryceland’s story, revealing how her knowledge of herbal remedies and refusal to conform to societal expectations made her a target. As the witch-hunting fever intensifies on the island, Ailsa documents her knowledge in a secret book, hoping to preserve the wisdom of generations of women before her.

The narratives converge when Miren discovers fragments of the original Book of Witching, unleashing forces that have lain dormant for centuries. The boundary between past and present blurs as Miren realizes she shares an unexpected connection with Ailsa and must confront both human antagonists and supernatural threats to prevent history from repeating itself.

Throughout the 384-page novel, Cooke expertly balances historical detail with supernatural elements, creating a rich tapestry of folklore, feminism, and fear. The plot maintains a relentless pace while still allowing for moments of introspection and character development.

Now, let’s examine how C.J. Cooke skillfully crafts the atmosphere that makes this novel so captivating.

Setting & Atmosphere: The Haunting Landscape of Lyngvig

The fictional island of Lyngvig serves as much more than a backdrop—it functions as a character in its own right. Cooke demonstrates exceptional skill in creating a palpable sense of place that enhances the narrative’s growing tension and supernatural elements.

Lyngvig is depicted as a windswept, isolated island where weather patterns change rapidly and unpredictably. The landscape is dominated by stark contrasts: beautiful beaches juxtaposed with treacherous cliffs, lush vegetation alongside barren moors, and modern amenities existing within centuries-old structures. This duality mirrors the novel’s themes of present versus past, rationality versus superstition.

Key atmospheric elements include:

• The Witch’s Cottage: An abandoned stone structure where Ailsa allegedly practiced her craft, now a dilapidated tourist attraction that seems to whisper secrets when Miren visits
• The Hanging Tree: A massive, ancient oak where accused witches met their fate, described with such visceral detail that readers can almost feel the rough bark and sense the despair that permeates the soil beneath
• St. Magnus Cathedral: A looming gothic structure with hidden chambers and forgotten relics that holds crucial clues to the island’s dark history
• Coastal Caves: Secret meeting places for women sharing forbidden knowledge, accessible only during specific tide patterns

Cooke employs all five senses in her descriptions, from the persistent scent of brine and peat to the disorienting effect of fog rolling in without warning. The weather functions as a barometer for supernatural activity—storms intensify as Miren uncovers more of the truth, while unexplained periods of perfect stillness precede significant revelations.

The author’s background in Gothic literature is evident in how she transforms ordinary settings into spaces of unease. A simple country inn becomes increasingly claustrophobic, its creaking floorboards and flickering lights amplifying Miren’s growing paranoia. The island’s shifting landscape often leaves both protagonist and reader questioning what is real and what is illusion.

Let’s now turn our attention to the compelling characters that populate this richly realized world.

Character Analysis: Complex Portraits of Women Across Time

C.J. Cooke excels at creating multidimensional characters who defy stereotypes while remaining authentic to their historical or contemporary contexts. The novel presents a diverse cast, but the most compelling are the women whose lives intersect across centuries.

Dr. Miren Fleming is portrayed as a brilliant academic whose professional confidence masks personal vulnerability. Following a recent miscarriage and the subsequent breakdown of her marriage, she throws herself into her work as both escape and purpose. Miren’s skepticism gradually erodes as inexplicable events force her to reconsider her strictly rational worldview. Her character arc shows significant development as she moves from intellectual curiosity about the witch trials to emotional investment in vindicating the women who suffered.

Ailsa Bryceland, the central figure in the historical timeline, emerges as a woman ahead of her time. As a midwife and herbalist, she possesses knowledge that makes her both valued and feared in her community. Cooke portrays Ailsa with remarkable nuance—she is neither a perfect victim nor a mystical saint, but a complex woman trying to navigate dangerous circumstances while staying true to her beliefs. Through detailed flashbacks and diary entries, readers witness her transformation from a cautious healer to a determined preserver of forbidden knowledge.

Supporting characters add depth to the narrative:

• Fiona MacQuarrie: The elderly island librarian who initially seems helpful but may have motives of her own for assisting Miren’s research
• Magnus Sinclair: A local historian whose family has documented island life for generations, creating tension between his desire to protect local traditions and reveal historical truths
• Reverend James Halcrow: The 17th-century minister who initiated the witch hunt, portrayed not as a one-dimensional villain but as a man genuinely convinced of his righteous mission
• Kirsty Farquharson: Ailsa’s childhood friend whose betrayal stems from complex emotions rather than simple malice

Particularly effective is Cooke’s portrayal of the community dynamics in both timelines. In 1687, we see how quickly neighbors turn against each other when fear takes hold, while in the present day, we witness the lingering effects of historical trauma on a small community—some inhabitants want to commercialize their witch trial history, others prefer to forget it entirely, and a select few guard dangerous secrets.

The relationships between women form the emotional core of the novel, demonstrating how knowledge, support, and sometimes betrayal pass between generations. Cooke excels at showing the subtle ways women navigate systems designed to limit their power, whether in the 17th century or the present day.

Now, let’s explore the central themes that give The Book of Witching its thought-provoking depth.

Themes & Symbolism: Forbidden Knowledge and Female Power

The Book of Witching explores several interconnected themes that elevate it beyond a simple supernatural thriller. Central to the narrative is the concept of forbidden knowledge and who gets to control information. The eponymous book represents both literal and metaphorical power—containing not just herbal remedies and folk magic, but the collective wisdom of women that patriarchal structures sought to eradicate.

Key themes include:

1. The Politics of Knowledge – Throughout the novel, Cooke examines how certain types of knowledge (particularly those associated with women’s bodies, natural healing, and spiritual practices outside organized religion) have been systematically suppressed throughout history. The persecution of “witches” is portrayed as an effort to control and limit women’s autonomy rather than a response to actual dark magic.

2. Generational Trauma – The novel powerfully illustrates how historical violence creates ripple effects across centuries. The modern inhabitants of Lyngvig carry the psychological weight of their ancestors’ actions, whether as perpetrators or victims of the witch hunts.

3. The Nature of Evil – Rather than depicting supernatural malevolence, Cooke suggests that true evil lies in human capacity for cruelty justified by righteousness. The most disturbing scenes in the book involve not ghostly manifestations but the methodical torture of accused witches by those convinced of their moral authority.

4. Reclamation and Remembrance – Both Miren and Ailsa engage in acts of preservation—Ailsa through creating her book and Miren through historical research. The novel suggests that remembering and honoring the past, particularly its painful aspects, is essential for healing.

Symbolic elements abound throughout the text:

• Water appears repeatedly as both life-giving force and destroyer, representing the dual nature of power
• Birds, particularly ravens and gulls, serve as messengers between worlds and observers of human folly
• The Book itself functions as a symbol of resistance, continuity, and the endurance of suppressed truths
• Herbs and plants represent the fine line between healing and harm, with detailed descriptions of their properties serving as metaphors for knowledge that can save or destroy depending on intention

Particularly effective is Cooke’s use of witch marks and symbols throughout the text. These appear in increasingly unsettling contexts—carved into furniture, appearing in Miren’s notes without her knowledge, manifesting on skin—creating a visual language that suggests communication across time.

The novel’s exploration of these themes feels especially relevant in our current era, where questions about whose stories are preserved, who controls information, and how we reckon with historical injustice remain urgently important.

Let’s now turn to examining C.J. Cooke’s distinctive writing style and how it serves the story.

Writing Style & Narrative Techniques: Gothic Atmosphere Meets Modern Sensibility

C.J. Cooke demonstrates remarkable versatility in her prose, adapting her writing style to serve different sections of the narrative while maintaining a cohesive overall voice. The contemporary sections feature crisp, academic language when depicting Miren’s research, which gradually gives way to more sensory and emotive prose as her experiences become increasingly uncanny. The historical sections employ a subtly archaic cadence without becoming difficult for modern readers to follow.

Particularly noteworthy is Cooke’s skill with atmosphere. Consider this passage describing Miren’s first encounter with the Witch’s Cottage:

> “The cottage stood as if growing from the very rock, its stone walls nearly indistinguishable from the cliff face behind it. Sheltered from the wind in a small hollow, it shouldn’t have felt exposed, yet something about its position—neither fully of the land nor of the sea—created a sense of liminality that made Miren’s skin prickle. The air around it seemed different somehow, heavier with meaning and memory than the air just steps away.”

This ability to create unease through description rather than explicit supernatural events is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Cooke excels at the “slow burn” approach to horror, building tension through accumulating details rather than relying on shock value.

The novel employs several effective narrative techniques:

• Dual timeline structure that allows for dramatic irony—readers often know aspects of the historical truth that Miren is still discovering
• Unreliable narration that subtly increases as Miren experiences unexplainable phenomena, leaving readers questioning which events are supernatural and which might be products of her increasingly stressed mind
• Fragmentary texts including journal entries, trial transcripts, and pages from the Book of Witching itself, which provide multiple perspectives and create a documentary feel that enhances the historical authenticity
• Dreams and visions that blur the boundary between past and present, suggesting connections between Miren and Ailsa that exceed rational explanation

Cooke’s background in poetry is evident in her careful attention to language. Her descriptions of the island’s natural features are lyrical without becoming purple, while her depictions of the witch trials are stark and unsparing, refusing to romanticize historical violence.

Dialogue serves distinct purposes in each timeline—the contemporary conversations reveal character through subtext and what remains unsaid, while the historical dialogue effectively illustrates the dangerous power of rumor and accusation in a closed community.

Next, let’s examine how authentic the historical elements of this fictional tale actually are.

Historical Accuracy & Research: Fact vs. Fiction in The Book of Witching

While Lyngvig is a fictional island, C.J. Cooke grounds her narrative in meticulous historical research about Scottish witch trials of the late 17th century. The novel includes an extensive bibliography and author’s note explaining which elements are based on historical record and which are inventions for narrative purposes.

Historical elements that Cooke represents with particular accuracy include:

• The legal framework of witch trials, including the use of “prickers” to test for the Devil’s mark and the practice of sleep deprivation to force confessions
• The social dynamics that made certain women (particularly widows, midwives, and those with knowledge of herbal medicine) vulnerable to accusation
• The religious context of post-Reformation Scotland, where Protestant zeal and the doctrine of predestination created fertile ground for witch-hunting
• The material culture of daily life, from cooking implements to clothing, which is described with precise detail that enriches the historical sections

Fictional elements introduced for narrative purposes include:

• The island of Lyngvig itself, though it bears similarities to actual Scottish islands with histories of witch persecution
• The specific grimoire called “The Book of Witching,” though similar texts recording herbal knowledge did exist
• The particular supernatural manifestations experienced by Miren, though they draw on authentic folklore about witch hauntings

Particularly impressive is Cooke’s integration of actual historical documents into her fictional framework. She references real witch trial transcripts and contemporary accounts of Scottish witchcraft beliefs, sometimes incorporating direct quotations. This attention to historical detail gives weight and credibility to the fictional narrative.

The author also acknowledges the challenges of researching this period, particularly the scarcity of accurate records about accused witches themselves, whose stories were typically recorded only through the perspective of their accusers. Through Ailsa’s narrative, Cooke attempts to imagine the experience of these women without romanticizing or sensationalizing their suffering.

At Readlogy, we particularly appreciate how Cooke avoids anachronistic attitudes while still creating historical characters that modern readers can empathize with. Ailsa doesn’t think like a 21st-century feminist, but her resistance to injustice feels authentic to both her time and timeless human experience.

Let’s now examine how The Book of Witching compares to Cooke’s previous works and its place in the literary landscape.

Comparison to Author’s Previous Works & Literary Context

The Book of Witching represents both a continuation and evolution of themes present in C.J. Cooke’s earlier novels. Fans of her previous works will recognize her signature blend of psychological suspense and supernatural elements, but this novel demonstrates a greater confidence in embracing Gothic traditions while maintaining contemporary relevance.

Compared to her earlier novel “The Nesting” (2020), which also featured a remote northern setting and dual timelines, The Book of Witching shows a more sophisticated integration of historical elements and a deeper engagement with feminist themes. While “The Lighthouse Witches” (2021) explored similar territory regarding witch persecutions, the current novel delves more deeply into the historical context and the psychological aftermath of such events.

Within the broader literary context, The Book of Witching sits at the intersection of several genres:

• It shares elements with historical Gothic fiction in the tradition of Diane Setterfield’s “The Thirteenth Tale” and Laura Purcell’s “The Silent Companions”
• Its exploration of witch trials connects to works like “The Witchfinder’s Sister” by Beth Underdown and “Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell in its feminist reexamination of historical periods
• The contemporary academic research frame recalls A.S. Byatt’s “Possession” and Deborah Harkness’s “A Discovery of Witches,” though with a darker tone than the latter
• Its handling of supernatural elements and folklore places it in conversation with Sarah Waters’s “The Little Stranger” and Megan Hunter’s “The Harpy”

What distinguishes Cooke’s approach is her refusal to offer easy categorization or resolution. The supernatural elements remain ambiguous enough that readers could interpret certain events as psychological rather than literally paranormal, while the historical sections avoid both romanticizing the past and imposing contemporary values anachronistically.

The novel also engages with ongoing scholarly discussions about the witch trials, particularly the work of historians like Malcolm Gaskill and Marion Gibson who have reexamined these events through social and gender-focused lenses rather than purely religious ones.

Now, let’s assess the novel’s strengths and weaknesses.

Critical Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

1. Atmospheric Excellence: The novel’s greatest strength lies in its evocative sense of place. Cooke’s descriptions of Lyngvig are so vivid that readers can almost feel the salt spray and hear the distant crash of waves against cliffs. This immersive quality creates a reading experience that engages all senses.

2. Character Depth: Both Miren and Ailsa are complex, flawed protagonists whose motivations and behaviors feel authentic rather than contrived to serve plot needs. Secondary characters receive similar care, avoiding the trap of two-dimensionality that often befalls supporting cast in genre fiction.

3. Thematic Resonance: The exploration of knowledge suppression, historical trauma, and women’s resistance to patriarchal control gives the novel substance beyond its suspenseful plot. These themes are integrated organically rather than feeling like heavy-handed messaging.

4. Historical Integration: The seamless blending of factual historical details with fictional elements creates a convincing world that educates as it entertains. Cooke’s research never overwhelms the narrative but instead enriches it.

5. Structural Sophistication: The dual timeline never feels like a gimmick but serves the thematic exploration of how past and present interconnect. The pacing of revelations between timelines is masterfully handled, with information in one strand often casting new light on events in the other.

Weaknesses:

1. Pacing Inconsistencies: The middle section of the novel occasionally loses momentum, particularly during extended sequences of Miren’s research. While these segments add authenticity to her character as an academic, they sometimes slow the narrative progression.

2. Ambiguous Ending: While some readers will appreciate the novel’s somewhat open conclusion that leaves certain supernatural elements unresolved, others may find this approach unsatisfying after the careful buildup of mysteries throughout the text.

3. Limited Male Character Development: While the focus on women’s experiences is thematically appropriate, the male characters occasionally fall into less nuanced characterization, particularly in the historical sections where most men are portrayed as either complicit in or actively promoting witch persecutions.

4. Exposition Handling: In a few instances, historical explanations are delivered through somewhat lengthy dialogue that prioritizes information delivery over naturalistic conversation, creating rare moments where the research shows through the fiction.

The novel’s strengths significantly outweigh its weaknesses, resulting in a reading experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally affecting. Cooke’s ability to balance historical detail, character development, and supernatural suspense demonstrates her growth as a writer and her command of multiple literary traditions.

Let’s now explore who would most enjoy this novel.

Target Audience & Reader Experience: Who Will Enjoy This Book?

The Book of Witching will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy:

• Historical fiction with meticulous attention to period details
• Gothic literature featuring atmospheric settings and psychological tension
• Feminist reexaminations of historical events
• Academic mysteries where research drives plot development
• Supernatural elements that maintain ambiguity between the explicable and inexplicable

The ideal reader for this novel appreciates slow-building suspense rather than constant action, values character development alongside plot progression, and enjoys narratives that don’t provide easy answers to every question they raise.

The book offers different entry points for different readers:

• Those primarily interested in history will appreciate the well-researched portrayal of 17th-century Scottish life and the witch trial phenomena
• Readers drawn to supernatural thrillers will find satisfaction in the gradually escalating uncanny elements and the dread that permeates both timelines
• Those who enjoy literary fiction will value the thematic depth and the careful attention to prose quality
• Fans of feminist literature will connect with the examination of how women’s knowledge has been suppressed and reclaimed across generations

The reading experience demands some patience and attention, particularly in tracking the connections between timelines and interpreting the more ambiguous supernatural elements. This is not a quick beach read but rather a novel that rewards careful engagement and reflection.

Content advisories include descriptions of historical torture methods used against accused witches, references to pregnancy loss, and scenes of psychological distress. While these elements are handled with sensitivity rather than exploitation, they may affect some readers strongly.

Next, let’s assess how The Book of Witching compares to similar works in the market.

Comparative Analysis: How Does It Stack Up Against Similar Books?

To properly evaluate The Book of Witching, it’s helpful to compare it with similar works that blend historical settings, supernatural elements, and feminist themes:

Comparison with “The Witching Hour” by Anne Rice:
Both novels explore witchcraft across generations, but Cooke’s approach is more grounded in historical reality and less romanticized than Rice’s. While Rice creates an elaborate fictional mythology, Cooke stays closer to documented historical beliefs and practices. The Book of Witching offers a more compact and focused narrative compared to Rice’s sprawling family saga.

Comparison with “The Essex Serpent” by Sarah Perry:
Both novels use dual perspectives to explore the tension between rational explanation and supernatural possibility in isolated communities. Perry’s novel leans more heavily into the Victorian crisis of faith while Cooke’s work more directly engages with gender politics. The Book of Witching features more explicit supernatural elements compared to Perry’s predominantly psychological approach.

Comparison with “The Familiars” by Stacey Halls:
Both novels center on historical witch trials, but Halls maintains a strictly historical approach without contemporary parallels or supernatural elements. Cooke’s dual timeline creates different opportunities for commentary on how the past influences the present, while Halls provides a more immersive singular historical narrative.

Comparison with “Once Upon a River” by Diane Setterfield:
Both authors excel at creating atmospheric settings where folklore and reality intermingle. Setterfield’s work leans more into magical realism with a gentler tone, while Cooke embraces Gothic elements and darker themes. The Book of Witching features more explicit feminist themes than Setterfield’s more fairy-tale inspired approach.

In the current market landscape, The Book of Witching stands out for several reasons:

1. Its dual timeline structure feels particularly fresh in how it draws parallels between academic trauma and historical persecution
2. Its treatment of supernatural elements maintains a compelling ambiguity that many similar works don’t achieve
3. Its integration of actual historical documents provides an educational dimension without sacrificing narrative drive
4. Its refusal to simplify complex historical events into clear heroes and villains demonstrates unusual nuance

According to several review metrics compiled at Readlogy, The Book of Witching ranks particularly high for atmospheric world-building and thematic depth compared to similar titles published in the last five years.

Now, let’s examine the book’s publication details and reception.

Publication Details & Reception: Critical and Commercial Success

Publication Information:

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication Date: September 5, 2023
• Formats: Hardcover (384 pages), Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
• ISBN: 978-0063222618

Critical Reception:
The Book of Witching has received predominantly positive reviews from both mainstream literary critics and genre specialists. Critics have particularly praised:

• The atmospheric depiction of Lyngvig and its haunting landscapes
• The seamless integration of historical research with fictional narrative
• The complex characterization of both Miren and Ailsa
• The thematic depth that elevates the novel beyond standard genre fare

Notable reviews include:

• The New York Times Book Review described it as “a haunting examination of how the past continues to shape our present, wrapped in prose as sharp and beautiful as broken glass.”
• The Guardian praised Cooke’s “remarkable ability to create dread through implication rather than explicit horror,” calling the novel “a feminist reclamation of witch narratives that never sacrifices storytelling for messaging.”
• Publishers Weekly gave it a starred review, noting that “Cooke brilliantly navigates the thin line between psychological suspense and supernatural horror, creating a novel that will satisfy readers of both genres.”

Some criticisms have centered on pacing issues in the middle section and the somewhat ambiguous resolution of certain plot elements, though many reviewers considered the latter a strength rather than a weakness.

Commercial Performance:
While specific sales figures are not publicly available, The Book of Witching has:

• Appeared on the USA Today bestseller list
• Been selected for several major book subscription boxes
• Been acquired for translation rights in 12 languages
• Been optioned for television adaptation by a major streaming service

The novel has performed particularly well in online sales, suggesting strong word-of-mouth recommendations, and has maintained steady sales momentum beyond its initial release window, indicating reader satisfaction and recommendation.

Let’s now look at the author behind this compelling work.

About the Author: C.J. Cooke’s Background and Literary Career

C.J. Cooke (also published as Carolyn Jess-Cooke) brings a fascinating blend of academic expertise and creative talent to her fiction. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Cooke holds a PhD in literature and has worked as a university professor specializing in creative writing and film studies.

Her academic background heavily influences her fiction, particularly in The Book of Witching, where the protagonist’s research methodology and academic challenges reflect authentic scholarly practices. Cooke’s own research interests in folklore, Gothic literature, and women’s writing are evident throughout the novel.

Before turning to fiction, Cooke established herself as a poet, winning several prestigious awards for her collections. This poetic sensibility manifests in her prose fiction through careful attention to language, imagery, and rhythm, particularly in descriptive passages.

Her literary career spans multiple genres:

• Poetry collections including “Inroads” (2010) and “A Priori” (2017)
• Literary fiction such as “The Guardian Angel’s Journal” (2011)
• Psychological thrillers like “I Know My Name” (2017)
• Gothic supernatural fiction including “The Nesting” (2020) and “The Lighthouse Witches” (2021)

The Book of Witching represents a culmination of themes and techniques developed throughout her career, demonstrating her maturation as a novelist who can successfully blend scholarly research, psychological insight, and supernatural elements.

Outside her writing, Cooke is known for founding the Stay-at-Home Festival during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing accessible literary events online, and for her advocacy regarding mental health in literature. These social concerns occasionally surface in her fiction, including The Book of Witching, which examines historical trauma and its ongoing effects on communities.

Now, let’s provide a final evaluation of the novel and recommendations for similar reads.

Should You Read The Book of Witching? Final Verdict and Rating

The Book of Witching earns a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating for its compelling blend of historical depth, psychological insight, and atmospheric storytelling. C.J. Cooke has created a novel that satisfies on multiple levels—as a suspenseful supernatural thriller, as a thoughtful examination of historical injustice, and as a character study of women facing institutional constraints across centuries.

Who should read this book:

• Readers who appreciate Gothic fiction with feminist themes
• Historical fiction fans interested in witch trials and folklore
• Those who enjoy dual timeline narratives with historical mysteries
• Fans of atmospheric, character-driven supernatural stories
• Readers looking for thought-provoking fiction that balances entertainment with deeper themes

Who might want to skip it:

• Those seeking fast-paced action throughout
• Readers who prefer supernatural elements to be definitively explained
• Those uncomfortable with descriptions of historical torture (though these are not gratuitous)
• Readers who prefer straightforward, single-timeline narratives

The Book of Witching represents C.J. Cooke at the height of her powers as a novelist, demonstrating significant growth from her earlier works while maintaining her distinctive voice. Its strengths in atmosphere, characterization, and thematic exploration outweigh minor issues with pacing and resolution.

For readers intrigued by the themes and style of The Book of Witching, Readlogy recommends these similar titles:

1. “The Binding” by Bridget Collins – Another novel exploring forbidden knowledge and memory through a historical lens
2. “The Mercies” by Kiran Millwood Hargrave – A powerful historical novel about witch trials in 17th century Norway
3. “The Witching Hour” by Anne Rice – For those wanting to explore generational witchcraft themes in greater depth
4. “The Year of the Witching” by Alexis Henderson – A dark fantasy with similar themes of religious oppression and women’s resistance
5. “The Once and Future Witches” by Alix E. Harrow – An alternative historical novel about witchcraft as a form of women’s power

The Book of Witching ultimately succeeds because it refuses easy categorization or simple answers. Like the grimoire at its center, the novel contains multitudes—historical detail, psychological insight, supernatural mystery, and feminist commentary—bound together by Cooke’s evocative prose and careful plotting. It stands as a significant contribution to contemporary Gothic literature and a thoughtful exploration of how the past continues to haunt our present.

Key Takeaways & Memorable Quotes from The Book of Witching

Before concluding our analysis, let’s highlight some of the most impactful passages and central messages from The Book of Witching that illustrate why this novel has resonated with so many readers.

Memorable Quotes:

> “History is not what happened, but what we choose to remember about what happened. The witch trials were not about magic but about power—who had it, who wanted it, and who needed to be destroyed for possessing it outside approved channels.”

> “The grimoire was not just a collection of herbal recipes and folk charms. It was a testament to survival, a record of knowledge that men had tried to burn along with the women who carried it. Every page that survived was an act of defiance.”

> “Miren realized she had been looking for ghosts in the wrong places. They weren’t in abandoned cottages or beneath old hanging trees. They were in the stories no one told, in the gaps between official records, in the silences where women’s voices should have been.”

> “The islanders called it witchcraft, but Ailsa knew better. It was simply the accumulated wisdom of generations of women who had observed, tested, failed, succeeded, and passed their knowledge forward, link by link, forming a chain that stretched back beyond memory.”

> “The most dangerous thing about books is not what they contain but what they represent—the idea that knowledge cannot be controlled, that thoughts can outlive their thinkers, that power can be transferred through nothing more substantial than ink on paper.”

Key Takeaways:

1. Historical Justice – The novel emphasizes the importance of revisiting historical narratives to uncover suppressed truths and give voice to those silenced by official accounts.

2. Knowledge as Power – Throughout the story, access to and control of information represents the true source of power, whether in the form of grimoires, academic research, or community memory.

3. Generational Connections – The book illustrates how women’s experiences, knowledge, and resistance create bonds that transcend time, suggesting that the present is always in conversation with the past.

4. The Complexity of Evil – Rather than depicting supernatural malevolence, the novel locates true horror in human capacity for cruelty justified by righteousness and fear.

5. Resilience Through Documentation – Both protagonists use writing as a form of resistance and preservation, suggesting that recording knowledge and experience is a powerful act of defiance against forces that would erase certain narratives.

The Book of Witching leaves readers with a powerful reminder that the past is never truly past, that suppressed voices find ways to speak across centuries, and that the act of bearing witness—whether through historical research or creative writing—can be both a personal healing journey and a form of justice.

We at Readlogy believe this novel stands as one of the most thoughtful and atmospheric explorations of witch trials and their legacy in recent fiction, offering readers both an engaging supernatural mystery and a deeper meditation on how societies control knowledge and punish those who challenge established power structures.