The Witch of the Afternoon is a short story written by Marjorie Bowen. The story revolves around a mysterious woman known as the Witch of the Afternoon who resides in a small village. The villagers are all afraid of her due to her supposed powers and dark reputation. The main character of the story is a young girl named Nan, who becomes intrigued by the Witch of the Afternoon and decides to investigate further. Nan is curious and fearless, unlike the other villagers, and is determined to find out the truth about the witch. As Nan delves deeper into her investigation, she discovers that the Witch of the Afternoon is not what she appears to be.
"This is quintessential reading not just for the wannabe witches among us, but for its nuanced telling of a cruel and silenced history. A compendium of pungent and poignant biographical narratives of numerous so-called witches, The Witch of Eye is difficult to put down. Nuernberger deftly weaves memoir with well-researched material to create a fascinating, idiosyncratic intellectual history, plucked from the annals of science, medicine, theology, and feminist and critical theory. . . .you must read The Witch of Eye slowly and with astonishment, not unlike the way you witness the work of a camera placed next to a bud that slowly and inexplicably blossoms before your eyes."
—"LANGUAGE IS THE SPELL: KATHRYN NUERNBERGER’S THE WITCH OF EYE," The Rumpus
The Witch of Eye turns its gaze on the witches of history and the multiplicity of narratives about their experiences which nearly always drained into one gutter the official witch trial court transcriptions. Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-free versions of Wizard Afternoon Tea are available, and must be requested in advance and at the time of booking, as additional preparation is needed.
As Nan delves deeper into her investigation, she discovers that the Witch of the Afternoon is not what she appears to be. Despite her eerie appearance and reputation, the witch is actually a kind-hearted woman who has spent her life helping others. The villagers' fear and prejudice have unfairly tainted her reputation.
The Witch of Eye, Kathryn Nuernberger
Reading Group Choices, Most Read Books from RGC 2021
Reading Group Choices 2021 Official Selection
2021 Foreword INDIES Finalist for Essays
Publishers Weekly, “Books for Short Attention Spans 2021”
Entropy, “Best of 2020-2021: Nonfiction Books”
The Rumpus, “What to Read When You Want to Celebrate Women’s History”
The Rumpus, “What to Read When 2021 Is Just Around the Corner”
The Week, "Megan Giddings' 6 Favorite Magical Books"
This amazingly wise and nimble collection investigates the horrors inflicted on so-called “witches” of the past. The Witch of Eye unearths salves, potions, and spells meant to heal, yet interpreted by inquisitors as evidence of evil. The author describes torture and forced confessions alongside accounts of gentleness of legendary midwives. In one essay about a trial, we learn through folklore that Jesus’s mother was a midwife who cured her own son’s rheumatism. In other essays there are subtle parallels to contemporary discourse around abortion and environmental destruction. Nuernberger weaves in her own experiences, too. There’s an ironic look at her own wedding, an uncomfortable visit to the Prague Museum of Torture, and an afternoon spent tearing out a garden in a mercurial fit. Her researched material is eye-opening and lively. An absolutely thrilling collection.
Quantity: Add To CartThrough her interactions with the witch, Nan learns valuable lessons about judging others based on appearances and the importance of looking beyond superficial stereotypes. The story explores important themes such as empathy, acceptance, and the power of perception. The Witch of the Afternoon is a beautifully written story that captivates the reader with its vivid descriptions and engaging characters. It serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving and that it is important to approach others with an open mind. The main idea of the story is to challenge stereotypes and not to judge others based on superficial qualities..
Reviews for "The Witch of the Afternoon: a master of potions and spells"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Witch of the afternoon" based on the promising synopsis, but I was sorely disappointed. The story dragged on and the characters felt flat and uninteresting. The plot twists were predictable and lacked the element of surprise that I was hoping for. Overall, the book failed to captivate me and I found myself struggling to finish it.
2. Mark - 1 star - As a fan of fantasy novels, I was let down by "Witch of the afternoon". The world-building was weak and inconsistent, making it hard for me to fully immerse myself in the story. The magic system was poorly explained and there were several plot holes that left me confused. Additionally, the pacing was extremely slow, making the book feel tedious and uneventful. I ended up giving up halfway through because I just couldn't get into it.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Witch of the afternoon" had so much potential, but it fell flat for me. The writing style was lackluster and failed to evoke any emotions or create a vibrant atmosphere. The protagonist was unrelatable and lacked depth, making it hard for me to care about her struggles. The romance subplot felt forced and unnecessary, detracting from the main plot. Overall, the book felt like a missed opportunity and left me feeling unsatisfied.
4. Peter - 3 stars - While "Witch of the afternoon" had some interesting elements, it ultimately failed to live up to my expectations. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. The dialogue lacked natural flow and the characters often came across as one-dimensional. The world-building, although imaginative, lacked depth and left many unanswered questions. While it had its moments, this book didn't leave a lasting impression on me.
5. Megan - 2 stars - I found "Witch of the afternoon" to be a disappointing read. The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, with too many subplots that distracted from the main storyline. The writing style was mundane and lacked flair, making it difficult to engage with the narrative. The ending felt rushed and unresolved, leaving me with a sense of dissatisfaction. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to others as it failed to capture my interest or leave a lasting impact.