Widdershins
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Widdershins
Buy Now for €17.71
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Narrated by:
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Christine Mackie
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By:
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Helen Steadman
Bear witness to the quiet courage of the women who endured one of English history’s darkest chapters.
Step into the shadowy world of seventeenth-century England with Widdershins, a haunting historical novel that lays bare the terror of the 1650 Newcastle witch trials.
Jane Chandler is a natural healer whose knowledge of herbal remedies leaves her vulnerable to accusations of witchcraft in a society consumed by superstition.
In pursuit of her is John Sharpe, a witchfinder whose relentless crusade against witches is forged by religious zealotry.
In this compelling work of historical witch fiction, Widdershins blends meticulous research with evocative storytelling that immerses listeners in a turbulent and fear-stricken past.
©2017 Bell Jar Books (P)2026 Bell Jar BooksContinue the series
Reviews
“Impeccably written, full of herbal lore and the clash of ignorance and prejudice against common sense, as well as the abounding beauty of nature, it made for a great read. There are plenty of books, both fact and fiction, available about the witch-trial era, but not only did I not know about such trials in Newcastle, I have not read a novel that so painstakingly and vividly evokes both the fear and joy of living at that time.” Sally Zigmond, Historical Novel Society
“Widdershins is a dark and wonderful novel, rich in historical details, herbal lore, traditions and superstitions. Steadman’s clear eyed storytelling and colourful period voice give life to a vibrant cast of characters drawn against the backdrop of tragic historical events. A compelling and memorable tale!” Louisa Morgan, A Secret History of Witches
“A compelling and nuanced account of the clash of cultures that claimed so many lives. Steadman’s carefully interwoven narrative conjures a world of herbal lore, folk practice and belief and convincingly portrays the psychological and ideological forces that form a perpetrator, and the social structures that sustain him.” Helen Lynch, The Elephand and the Polish Question