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A review by amandasbookreview
The Great Witch of Brittany by Louisa Morgan
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you, NetGalley, Louisa Morgan, and Redhook Books for the opportunity to read this book! It was released on February 15th, 2022!
“To be a reader, Ursule has always understood, was to be a rebel, to offend the traditional ways. To risk being isolated even more than she already was…”
THE GREAT WITCH OF BRITTANY
Louisa Morgan has done it again! The Great Witch of Brittany is connected to her first book, The Secret History of Witches-one of my all-time favorites! This book takes readers back to the Orchiere matriarch, Ursule. The book introduces Ursule as a young girl on the brink of womanhood. She is also Romani. The Romani are treated as less than human. Their culture is different and they are often painted as criminals. Ursule finds herself different from her clan. There are stories about the magic that runs in their blood but no one has seen it in generations, but the sacred stone and grimoire speak to Ursule. But magic always comes at a price. She does her best to honor the Goddess, her ancestors, and her family but superstition lies in every society, so she must take care as danger lurks everywhere.
“People are horrible, my girl, learn that early, and you’ll fare better in this world.”
THE GREAT WITCH OF BRITTANY
Trigger Warnings: racial slurs, misogyny, an attempt of rape, revolution, pregnancy trauma
Louisa Morgan is one of those writers who give so much to her characters. It is like readers can see into their souls. There is so much emotion and despite the book taking place in another time and infused with magic, the situations that these women endure are actually relatable. One of the main themes that are always present in her novels is the importance of family, specifically mother-daughter relationships. Like in The Secret History of Witches, Ursule and her daughter Leonie love each other dearly but don’t see eye to eye when it comes to family traditions. Ursule has to come to terms with the fact that Leonie turns her back to her Romani roots. Later, Leonie will learn what lengths a mother would go to protect her children.
Not only do Louisa Morgan’s characters have depth, but there is also the historical detail. First, there is the terror of the Witch Hunts. Women who did not conform to the beliefs and standards were often subjected to being accused of being a witch and burned for it. There are also the trials of the Romani. I loved learning about the Romani people! I was so thankful for all the resources that Louisa Morgan cited at the end of the book because I definitely plan to read more about them. Not many know about the racism and prejudice that the Romani faced. Towards the end of the book, we see a new terror arise and that is the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution. All these events and moments come together and create an emotional and insightful setting.
Overall, Louisa Morgan can never disappoint me. This book is magical, just like all her other books! 5 out of 5 stars.
Louisa Morgan is one of those writers who give so much to her characters. It is like readers can see into their souls. There is so much emotion and despite the book taking place in another time and infused with magic, the situations that these women endure are actually relatable. One of the main themes that are always present in her novels is the importance of family, specifically mother-daughter relationships. Like in The Secret History of Witches, Ursule and her daughter Leonie love each other dearly but don’t see eye to eye when it comes to family traditions. Ursule has to come to terms with the fact that Leonie turns her back to her Romani roots. Later, Leonie will learn what lengths a mother would go to protect her children.
Not only do Louisa Morgan’s characters have depth, but there is also the historical detail. First, there is the terror of the Witch Hunts. Women who did not conform to the beliefs and standards were often subjected to being accused of being a witch and burned for it. There are also the trials of the Romani. I loved learning about the Romani people! I was so thankful for all the resources that Louisa Morgan cited at the end of the book because I definitely plan to read more about them. Not many know about the racism and prejudice that the Romani faced. Towards the end of the book, we see a new terror arise and that is the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution. All these events and moments come together and create an emotional and insightful setting.
Overall, Louisa Morgan can never disappoint me. This book is magical, just like all her other books! 5 out of 5 stars.