A Secret History of Witches

Title: A Secret History of Witches

Author: Louisa Morgan

Genre: Fiction/Occult Fiction

Published: 2017

Obtained: Barnes & Noble

Spanning five generations, A Secret History of Witches is a tale of witchcraft that is passed down from mother to daughter through the Orchiére family. Beginning in early 19th century in Brittany, the story begins with Grandmére Ursule and her sacrifice for her lineage. Her female descendents continue practicing the craft, with the magic coming to each woman in unique ways. As the world evolves and changes, so changes each generation of witch…and so changes the craft.

I had high hopes for this novel. I selected it as my first fall read, and, quite frankly, the cover is what initially hooked me. Unfortunately, the novel did not live up to my expectations. I found the plot repetitive, a majority of the characters underwhelming and the story itself anti-climatic. Louisa Morgan has a beautiful knack for prose and the seeds of a potentially great story.

Each of the main female characters has their own story within the novel. Therefore, the reader does not experience the entire story within one realm of characters. Each of the women’s stories—Nanette, Ursule, Irene, Morwen and Veronica—seem to follow very similar patterns…at least up until the last daughter, Veronica. It’s a redundant pattern that had me disappointed—for most of these strong, powerful females continually use their magic to hook a man OR use one in order to get pregnant. With such a set up of women where the matriarchy is crucial and capable, they easily bend to the patriarchal ways. Of course, I understand that Morgan is including actual history in regards to how society ran with gender roles, but I was so hoping for something more substantial. I will say that I enjoyed Veronica’s story the most out of all the women, for she uses her craft to help fight the war and to make the world a better place. For me, Veronica is the most astounding female character in the book, for she uses her powers effectively with very little thought for herself. Unfortunately, it wasn’t just the plot that was repetitive, but the themes, as well. Every section reminds the reader that men are oppressive beings who hate what they fear—powerful women.

A majority of the characters were not fulfilling for me as a reader. Immediately, I was drawn to Grandmére Ursele for her strength and mystery. However, as the stories continues, the characters range from dull to frustrating to repulsive (again, with the exception of Veronica). Irene is the worst, in terms of personality. She’s manipulative, selfish and ungrateful. But, I would also argue that it is her story where the book begins to become more tolerable. Irene’s story is unique as she is so vastly different from any of the women in the Orchiére clan up to that point. Due to her repulsive personality, I was able to empathize with her daughter Morwen and the decisions she makes in regards to the craft. However, her story feels cut-short before tumbling into Veronica’s tale. I would like to note that Veronica’s book made me happy that I decided to see the novel to the end.

Morgan’s writing is beautiful in regards to the prose and the turn of phrases. She uses vivid imagery when setting the scene and nailed down personalities to a point. I was hoping for a little more of that descriptive composition when it came to the scenes involving magic…I mean, I was looking for a bewitching, whimsical book here! For me, in the end, it came off a little disenchanting. I truly believe the idea and potential were there for a phenomenal story. In the end, I think the novel’s weakness lies in the redundant cycling of the tales, themes and character choices. I enjoyed the tenderness between various characters, the love and loyalty that flowed through the generations of the women and the ferocity of Veronica’s character. I recommend this book for those that enjoy pretty prose and a hint of fantasy. Overall, I give this book 2/5 stars.

Though I was sick for the second half of the novel and primarily stuck to hot tea, I enjoyed Carnivor Cabernet Sauvignon while reading the first half of A Secret History of Witches. This wine has earthy undertones of berries, coffee and toasted oak which, for me, paired well with the earthy, rustic tones of the novel. The characters are typically dabbling in potions or mixing simples that reminded me of the flavors of this wine.