Weyward by Emilia Hart on March 7, 2023
Genres: Fiction / Historical / General, Fiction / Literary, Fiction / Women
Pages: 336
Format: Audiobook, Hardcover
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I am a Weyward, and wild inside.
Weyward by Emilia Hart covers three main characters and three different time periods. I think Hart did an excellent job weaving together these stories. All three women are connected by blood. The author describes the setting down the the earthy smells at the family’s grand family estate in Orton Hall & Weyward Cottage.
In 2019, we meet Kate who is escaping her abusive husband. Her husband tracked her every movement so her escape was carefully planned. She inherited Weyward cottage from her aunt Violet and so it is there she seeks refuge. Her husband wasn’t aware that she had inherited a cottage from an aunt she barely knew. I was biting my nails just waiting to see if her husband would discover her! I don’t want to spoil anything…but nature is awesome!
In 1942, we get a glimpse into young Violet’s life and her life at Orton Hall. She barely remembers her mother. She is told she died while giving birth to her brother, Graham. No one will speak of her mother so she is a mystery to Violet. Until her cousin Frederick comes along, and exposes a few secrets about her mother that only raise more questions. Her cousin’s visit also changes the course of her life.
In 1619, we meet Altha, the original “Weyward,” who was put on trial for witchcraft and murder of a local farmer. She was a healer who was taught the natural world by her mother. Her mother made her promise not to expose herself or her ability to communicate with nature and animals. But, she has to break this promise to save a friend. A local farmer was trampled to death by his cows. Did Altha cause that? And what is her fate going to be after she had to listen to one of her friends testify against her?
This gothic, historical fiction grabbed me and had me invested in these characters! I loved the multiple timelines and the atmospheric setting. I was rooting for all three of these women throughout the book. The tense and foreboding feeling this one gives just moves the story right along but also made me not want it to end. And of course, the family secrets & healing power of nature themes were the most enjoyable. I highly recommend Weyward by Emilia Hart to readers who enjoy characters you can root for, Historical & Women’s Fiction, and books with touches of Magical Realism!