The Highland Witch is a figure deeply rooted in Scottish folklore. She is often portrayed as a mysterious and powerful woman, endowed with supernatural abilities and knowledge of magic. The Highland Witch is known for her ability to commune with spirits and cast spells, which can either bring good fortune or cause harm to those who cross her path. In Scottish history, witches were often feared and persecuted, especially during the period of the witch trials. The Highland Witch was believed to represent a threat to the established order and was seen as a dangerous influence on society. Many people believed that witches were in league with the devil and could use their powers to harm others.
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The era of witch-hunts is coming to an end but Charles Leslie, an Irish propagandist and Jacobite, hears of the Massacre and, keen to publicise it, comes to the tollbooth to question her on the events of that night, and the weeks preceding it. Leslie seeks any information that will condemn the Protestant King William, rumoured to be involved in the massacre, and reinstate the Catholic James.
Many people believed that witches were in league with the devil and could use their powers to harm others. The Highland Witch was believed to have the ability to control the weather, cure illnesses, and foretell the future. It was said that she could bring storms or fair weather, depending on her mood or the desires of those who sought her help.
Sherry Sharpnack's Reviews > The Highland Witch
This was a much better story than I expected. I was not expecting the depth of emotion and lovely description of the Highlands of Scotland.
Corrag is the daughter and granddaughter of “witches”—woman who didn’t fit in to the society of the seventeenth-century English-Scottish borderlands. Corrag’s grandmother was judicially drowned as a witch, w/ her husband watching, helpless. Corrag’s mother, Cora, raised her daughter alone, out on the moors. They made what money they could w/ their herbs and medicinal preparations. Cora was visited by the men of the village after dark, but called her “witch” in the daylight. She made fun of her plight by naming her daughter “Corrag”—a mix of “Cora” and “hag,” which was another name for a witch.
The story is told backwards. We meet Corrag in a Scottish prison, awaiting her execution for witchcraft. An Irish minister, an early “Jacobite”—someone who wanted the restoration of the deposed King James to the English throne—visits Corrag to find out what she knows of the massacre at Glencoe, where a branch of MacDonalds was wiped out by British soldiers. Had the MacDonalds committed treason, or was it treachery on the part of the soldiers?
We watch Mr. Leslie’s opinion of Corrag soften from his anti-witchcraft stance to one of understanding and then sympathy for Corrag, through the plot device of letters to his wife back home in Ireland. These end every chapter. We find out that Mr. Leslie also know sorrow, as he and his wife lost a daughter at her birth.
Corrag had fled northern England w/ a stolen mare on the night the townspeople finally turned on her mother. She ended up in a beautiful, secluded valley where she builds herself a dugout home and a life off the land. She meets the McIain, the head of the Glencoe clan MacDonald when she is called to tend a wound. She falls for his second son, who is married already. I was worried that this would turn sordid, but it never did. In fits and starts, Corrag finally tells Mr. Leslie about witnessing the massacre, when the soldiers turned on their MacDonald hosts and murdered most of them. Corrag is caught warning the family to flee and she is imprisoned.
Mr. Leslie is moved to try to save Corrag from her fate. I don’t want to spoil the ending, so will again emphasize the painstakingly-drawn beauty of the Highlands and descriptions of women living outside of what society considered “normal” at that time. A surprising five stars.
What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):
She was also believed to have the power to place curses on individuals, causing them great misfortune or even death. The Highland Witch was often portrayed as an old woman, dressed in tattered clothing and carrying a staff. She was associated with the wild and untamed landscape of the Scottish highlands and was believed to have the ability to shape-shift into animal forms. Despite her perceived malevolence, the Highland Witch was also believed to possess healing powers. Many people would seek her out for remedies or charms to cure ailments or protect against evil spirits. She was also believed to have the ability to bless crops and ensure a successful harvest. In modern times, the Highland Witch continues to be a popular figure in Scottish folklore and is often depicted in literature, art, and entertainment. Her image has become a symbol of Scottish heritage and mysticism. While the belief in witchcraft has largely faded, the legend of the Highland Witch continues to intrigue and captivate audiences, keeping alive the spirit of Scottish folklore..
Reviews for "The Highland Witch and the Moon: Harnessing Lunar Energy"
1. John - ★☆☆☆☆
The Highland Witch was a major disappointment for me. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it impossible for me to connect with them. The plot was completely predictable and lacked originality. I found myself skimming through the pages just to get to the end, as it failed to hold my interest. Overall, this novel felt like a cookie-cutter romance set in a historical backdrop, with nothing new or exciting to offer.
2. Emily - ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for The Highland Witch, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the story dragged on unnecessarily. The romance between the main characters felt forced and lacked chemistry, making it difficult for me to invest in their relationship. The writing style was also lackluster, with overly descriptive passages that didn't contribute much to the overall story. While the historical setting was well-researched, it wasn't enough to salvage the dull plot and underdeveloped characters.
3. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
I couldn't finish The Highland Witch. The dialogue was stilted and lacked authenticity, making it difficult for me to immerse myself in the story. The protagonist's actions and decisions were unrealistic and frustrating, which made it hard for me to root for her. Additionally, there were several inconsistencies and plot holes throughout the book that detracted from the overall reading experience. I was hoping for an engaging historical romance, but unfortunately, this novel fell short in many aspects.