Summary
Weyward, the captivating debut novel by British-Australian author Emilia Hart, has taken the literary world by storm since its release in March 2023. This feminist historical fiction blends elements of the supernatural with a powerful narrative of female resilience, earning it a spot on the Barnes and Noble Best New Books of the Year 2023 longlist.
The novel weaves together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries, exploring themes of witchcraft, nature, and the struggle against patriarchal oppression. Hart's masterful storytelling has resonated with readers, propelling Weyward to number 8 on The New York Times bestseller list upon its debut.
Critics have praised Hart's skillful blend of historical fiction and modern feminism, with Publishers Weekly hailing the novel as “captivating” and “triumphant.” The audiobook version, featuring a multicast performance by Aysha Kala, Helen Keeley, and Nell Barlow, has been particularly well-received, with Library Journal commending the narrators' “magical, moving” delivery of the parallel narratives.
Plot
Weyward intertwines the stories of three women across different time periods. In 2019, Kate escapes an abusive relationship in London and flees to Weyward Cottage, inherited from a great aunt. As she settles into the secluded property, Kate begins to suspect her aunt harbored a secret linked to the 17th-century witch hunts.
The narrative shifts to 1619, where Altha awaits trial for the alleged murder of a local farmer. Taught natural magic by her mother, Altha must use all her skills to defend herself against accusations of witchcraft in a time when unconventional women were considered dangerous.
In 1942, during World War II, Violet finds herself confined to her family's declining estate. Constrained by societal expectations, she yearns for the education afforded to her brother and seeks connections to her deceased mother, rumored to have gone mad. Violet's only links to her mother are a locket with the initial “W” and the word “weyward” scratched into her bedroom baseboard.
As the novel progresses, the three storylines gradually reveal connections between the women, their shared heritage, and a mysterious power rooted in nature. Each woman must confront the challenges of her time while uncovering the secrets of the Weyward lineage and embracing their innate strengths.
Themes
Female empowerment and resilience
Connection to nature and natural magic
Intergenerational legacy of women
Struggle against patriarchal oppression
Secrets and hidden histories
Witch hunts and societal persecution
Transformation and self-discovery
Setting
Weyward spans three distinct time periods, weaving together the stories of women across centuries. The novel unfolds in 1619, 1942, and 2019, offering a rich tapestry of historical contexts from the witch hunts of the 17th century to the social constraints of World War II-era Britain and the present day.
The geographical setting of the story is primarily rural England. A key location is Weyward Cottage, a ramshackle dwelling with an overgrown garden that becomes a refuge for Kate in 2019. This cottage, with its tumbling ivy and hidden secrets, serves as a link between the past and present. The novel also features a grand, crumbling estate where Violet finds herself confined in 1942.
While specific towns or counties are not mentioned in the provided descriptions, the story's backdrop includes both urban and rural environments. From the bustling streets of London that Kate flees to the natural world that plays a significant role in Altha's story in 1619, the settings reflect the changing landscapes of England over four centuries. The natural world itself becomes a character in the novel, intertwining with the women's lives and their mysterious powers.
Characters
Kate: A present-day woman fleeing an abusive relationship in London. She inherits Weyward Cottage from her great aunt and begins to uncover family secrets. Kate discovers her connection to a long line of Weyward women with special abilities. As she explores her newfound powers and connection to nature, she finds strength to confront her past and forge a new future.
Altha: A 17th century woman awaiting trial for witchcraft in 1619. Taught nature magic by her mother, Altha possesses a deep understanding of the natural world. She must use all her skills and knowledge to survive in a time when unconventional women were persecuted. Altha's story explores themes of prejudice, superstition, and female empowerment in a hostile patriarchal society.
Violet: A young woman living on her family's estate during World War II in 1942. Constrained by societal expectations, Violet yearns for education and freedom. She investigates the mysteries surrounding her deceased mother and her family's hidden history. Violet's journey of self-discovery leads her to embrace her heritage and challenge the limitations placed upon her.
Kate's Abusive Partner: The man Kate flees from at the beginning of the story. His presence looms over Kate's narrative as a source of fear and trauma she must overcome.
Violet's Brother: Receives the education Violet desires, highlighting the gender inequalities of the time. His character serves as a contrast to Violet's restricted circumstances.
Quick facts
Weyward intertwines the stories of three women across five centuries—1619, 1942, and 2019.
Weyward is Emilia Hart's debut novel.
The book was long-listed for Barnes and Noble's Best New Books of the Year 2023.
It features elements of historical fiction, the supernatural, and feminism.
The audiobook version is narrated by three different voice actors—Aysha Kala, Helen Keeley, and Nell Barlow.
The novel explores themes of female resilience and the power of the natural world.
It debuted at #8 on The New York Times bestseller list.
The book has been described as an example of “witcherature”—a genre blending witchcraft and literature.
Each of the three main characters has a connection to a mysterious power derived from nature.
About the Author
Emilia Hart is a British-Australian novelist who has made a significant impact with her debut novel, Weyward. Born in Sydney, Hart pursued a dual degree in English Literature and Law at the University of New South Wales before embarking on a career as a lawyer in both Sydney and London.
Hart's journey as a writer took a decisive turn when she completed Curtis Brown Creative's Three Month Online Novel Writing Course. Her talent was recognized early on, as she received a Highly Commended mention in the 2021 Caledonia Novel Award. This recognition, coupled with publications of her short fiction in Australia and the UK, set the stage for her literary career.
The author's life took an unexpected turn at age 26 when she suffered a stroke, an event that inspired her to pursue her dream of writing a novel. Hart began crafting Weyward while living in Cumbria, drawing parallels between the historical Pendle Witch Trials of 1612 and the contemporary rise in violence against women during the COVID-19 lockdown. This unique perspective contributed to the novel's critical acclaim and commercial success.
Weyward has garnered significant recognition since its publication in early 2023. It became a New York Times bestseller and won two Goodreads Choice Awards in December 2023 for Best Debut Novel and Best Historical Fiction. Hart's sophomore novel, The Sirens, is eagerly anticipated and scheduled for release on February 13, 2025, further solidifying her place in the literary world.
