The Book of Gothel

By: Mary McMyne

Narrated by: Vanessa Johansson

Length: 13 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

This dark, lush, and beautiful reimagining of the story of Rapunzel presents the witch’s perspective in this tale of motherhood, magic, and the stories we pass down to our children.

"Smart, swift, sure-footed and fleet-winged, The Book of Gothel launches its magic from a most reliable source: the troubled heart. Mary McMyne is a magician."—Gregory Maguire, NYT bestselling author of Wicked

Everyone knows the tale of Rapunzel in her tower, but do you know the story of the witch who put her there?

Haelewise has always lived under the shadow of her mother, Hedda—a woman who will do anything to keep her daughter protected. For with her strange black eyes and even stranger fainting spells, Haelewise is shunned by her village, and her only solace lies in the stories her mother tells of child-stealing witches, of princes in wolf-skins, of an ancient tower cloaked in mist, where women will find shelter if they are brave enough to seek it.

Then, Hedda dies, and Haelewise is left unmoored. With nothing left for her in her village, she sets out to find the legendary tower her mother used to speak of—a place called Gothel, where Haelewise meets a wise woman willing to take her under her wing.

But Haelewise is not the only woman to seek refuge at Gothel. It’s also a haven for a girl named Rika, who carries with her a secret the Church strives to keep hidden. A secret that reveals a dark world of ancient spells and murderous nobles behind the world Haelewise has always known...

Told from her own perspective, The Book of Gothel is a lush, historical retelling filled with dark magic, crumbling towers, mysterious woods, and evil princes. This is the truth they never wanted you to know, as only a witch might tell it.

©2022 Mary McMyne (P)2022 Redhook

Critic reviews

"Fable and history rhyme in McMyne's captivating vision of a medieval past steeped in women's magic and bound by women's love."—Jordanna Max Brodsky, author of The Immortals and The Wolf in the Whale

"The Book of Gothel is wonderfully rich with historical detail, and sparkles with the intermingled magic of gods and goddesses, seers and wisewomen. Haelewise is a memorable heroine, worthy of legend. Readers will see the story of Rapunzel in a new and refreshing light."—Louise Marley, author of A Secret History of Witches

"An inventive retelling of a classic tale that pulls you deep into the wild woods of medieval Germany. The Book of Gothel is a spell-binding debut."—Signe Pike, author of The Forgotten Kingdom

A most pleasant listen. Couldn't turn it off!

I will have to listen again. It is one of those books with so much going on I will probably read it over and over. Definitely worth my credit.

Enjoyable story

This book popped into my recommendation que after listening to another in the same genre. I found this book enjoyable to listen to. I only didn't give it 5 stars because it didn't blow me away.

Although it combines elements fro other fairy tales, it gives a unique take Mother Gothel from Rapunzel. If you like alternative retellings of familiar tales, give this one a try.

best story I've listened to in a long time

i loved every minute of it!
now im waiting impatiently for her next book.

Really good

Instantly absorbing. Time just flew by. I could listen to more. Highly recommend no matter what genre you like. It has a bit of everything but not too much of any one thing. Narrator is excellent.

Really enjoyed the story

I look forward to hopefully reading more books like this from the Author, I liked how it had a bit of today in it. Made it feel more realistic, possible, magical.

Thoroughly enjoyable.

This was an interesting take on Rapunzel. I liked it, although I wasn't thrilled with the ending.

Wow!!

I really enjoyed this book!! I hope she writes something like it again. The narrator was great!

Amazing!!

Loved this book from beginning to end! It was not what I expected, not childish or Disney like. If you love historical fiction this book is for you!!

Good story… not much need for the faerie tale

I enjoyed this quite a bit, but it almost felt like the Rapunzel connection was tacked on, as it was pretty much entirely unnecessary.

A well-told tale, beautifully narrated

This beautifully created story is enhanced by lively, well-modulated narration. The intellectual retelling of the familiar tale begins with a centuries-old manuscript that is discovered by a scholar, and fascinating revelations unfold.
Highest possible recommendation!