The Witches of Vardo by Anya Bergman

This is a compelling and, at times, harrowing read made even more distressing when you realise it is based on true events. That said, it is beautifully written, and I couldn't wait to pick it up each day and find out what would happen next. The tale covers the story of Ingeborg, her mother Zigri, her sister Kirsten and her cousin Maren all who find themselves trapped on the island of Vardo awaiting trial for witchcraft along with Maren's aunt, Solve and a local woman from their village. You are transported to the icy bitterness of Norwegian weather and terrain. I couldn't imagine how these women survived long enough to reach trial, given the conditions they were forced to live in and the torture they experienced at the hands of their captors. 

In addition to the characters awaiting trial, another narrative runs through the book, which belongs to Anna and her story of being imprisoned on Vardo. She caused much internal conflict for me as a reader. In one way, I hated what she was doing, yet in another, she was put in an impossible situation. When her backstory is revealed, it is heartbreaking in many ways, and we get to understand her motivations a little more.

If you know anything about the witch trials, you'll be aware of how unjust and terrible they were, and this book had me raging at a society that enabled women to be treated this way. It seems impossible to think these things took place and were accepted, but in a climate of fear, no one was prepared to stand up against the system, for they, too, would be accused of being a witch. 

In addition to the main story, some elements of magical realism provided depth and meaning and were beautifully created.

This, like The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, is a book that will stay with me and one I'll recommend to others. I connected with the main characters and wanted the best outcomes for all of them and comeuppance for those who imprisoned them. It is a challenging and emotional read, not for the fainthearted. 

Five stars and even more impressive when you realise it's a debut novel for the author.