Weyward by Emilia Hart

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 336 pages
Published: March 2023

Weyward by Emilia Hart was the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club selection for January 2025. Since I promised myself I'd read more of the monthly selections within the various book clubs I'm a member and I was able to snag a digital copy from the local library, I dove right into this captivating and evocative work of literary fiction. 

The story spans several centuries and focuses on the generations of three women who are intertwined and related in more ways than one. In present-day 2019, the reader meets Kate who is fleeing from an abusive relationship. The story then flashes back to two of Kate's ancestors in 1619 and 1942 who faced equally-troubling tragedies of their respective timeframes. Hart employs descriptive passages and an exploration of witchcraft to create both a magical realism setting and the very real situation of the atrocities that plague marginalized women.

The connections between and among women are the most feared, the most problematic, and the most potentially transforming force on the planet. -Adrienne Rich

The author is an excellent storyteller who intricately weaves the stories of these three women to make a complete narrative that is difficult to read at times due to the plot elements but also fulfilling upon conclusion. I found the her prose to be vivid and moving. I simply could not finish this book quickly enough. 

Overall, Weyward is a mesmerizing read that combines the elements of witchcraft, resilience, and healing to create a story that is not only engaging but empowering to women as a whole. And quite honestly, we can use a little more of that right now! 

Recommendation: I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it for fans of well-written literary fiction and magical realism. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.