Review of The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
From the moment I laid eyes on the beautifully crafted cover of The Once and Future Witches, I was drawn in—not just by its aesthetics, but by the promise of a narrative that intertwines magic, sisterhood, and the fight for women’s rights. Alix E. Harrow, whose previous work had already captured my imagination, offers readers a spellbinding journey that not only transports us to the tumultuous year of 1893 but also evokes the timeless struggles of women throughout history.
At its heart, the story revolves around the Eastwood sisters—James Juniper, Agnes Amaranth, and Beatrice Belladonna—who emerge from a world where witchcraft is little more than a whisper of the past. This reimagining of history cleverly merges the suffragette movement with the emergence of witchcraft, a fusion that feels both revolutionary and deeply resonant. Through these three sisters, Harrow paints a vivid portrait of resilience and defiance, compelling us to question what it truly means to wield power in a society that has written women out of its narrative.
The pacing of the novel is both rhythmic and engaging, blending moments of tension with quieter, reflective passages that allow the characters’ emotions to breathe. Harrow’s prose is lyrical and evocative—one can’t help but appreciate the way she conjures imagery that feels both haunting and familiar. The book is anchored by memorable quotes, such as when one character reflects on the importance of “forgotten words and ways,” a reminder that history is not just about what has been documented, but also about what women have always known in their bones, passed down in whispers and wild stories.
What truly stood out for me were the characters themselves. Each sister embodies different facets of femininity, grappling with their own identities and desires, yet united in their quest for autonomy and agency. Juniper’s fierceness, Agnes’s unwavering pragmatism, and Beatrice’s struggles with vulnerability make them relatable and wholly alive. Their dynamics reminded me of my own relationships with the powerful women in my life, filled with love, conflict, and the unbreakable bond that only siblings can forge.
In a world too often characterized by disdain for women who dare to reclaim their power, The Once and Future Witches stands out as a celebration of what it means to be a woman. Harrow’s homage to the suffragette movement is poignant; she deftly intertwines magic with activism, urging us to reflect on our own roles in the grand tapestry of history.
This novel is perfect for readers who enjoy a blend of historical fiction with a touch of the fantastical. If you’ve ever felt the desire to push against the boundaries of what society expects of you, or if you’re simply drawn to rich narratives about witchcraft and sisterhood, then this book will bewitch you.
Reading The Once and Future Witches felt like a rekindling of my own power and connection to the fierce women who came before me. It reminded me that though witches may not walk among us in the traditional sense, their legacy of strength and resistance lives on—in us, in our words, and in our fight for the future.
You can find The Once and Future Witches here >>