Slewfoot: Witchy Horror in a 1600’s Puritan Colony
Are you a fan of American folk magic, Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli-style spirits, and forest gods? If so, then you’ll definitely want to check out Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery by Brom. This book is a thrilling journey of self-discovery that uses witchcraft to fight back against the patriarchal puritan culture of the 1600s.
The story follows Abitha, a young English woman who has been forced to move to a puritan colony from London after her father sold her as part of a marriage agreement. Although her new husband Edward loves and respects her, Abitha clashes with the culture of the town and its residents. She finds solace in selling charms and trinkets to the other women in town, but her behavior is viewed as witchcraft by the more pious townsfolk and some church leaders.
Abitha and Edward have a small farm just outside of town, and they are struggling to make payments to own the land themselves. When Edward suddenly dies, Abitha is burdened with the responsibility of producing the last harvest on her own. At the same time, a mysterious creature known as Slewfoot or the Devil appears around her farm. Despite her reservations about accepting help from someone who might actually be the Devil, Abitha has no choice, and Slewfoot helps her with much-needed assistance around the farm.
As the harvest deadline approaches, Abitha's troubles only increase, as the town’s suspicion against her grows. The story takes on a sensual and magical tone that is at times almost otherworldly, describing the way magic might feel when you open yourself up to the flow and will of the earth, forest, and stars. However, the book is not just about sex magic and sensuality, and there are some truly horrific moments throughout the story that depict the cruelties of living as a colonist in a harsh and unforgiving new world.
What sets this book apart is how well it conveys the constant terror of having to always be on your guard because everyone in your town is watching you. The anxiety and horror that Abitha experiences are palpable, and the book does an excellent job of depicting the social and physical cruelties of an extremely conservative puritan culture.
Overall, Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery is a fantastic book that blends magic, horror, and historical fiction. The story is engaging, and the characters are well developed, providing a satisfying journey of self-discovery and revenge. If you’re looking for a book that transports you to a world of sensual American folk magic and Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli-style spirits and forest gods, then this is the book for you.