"Caliban and the Witch: Women, the Body, and Primitive Accumulation" is a book written by Silvia Federici. In this book, Federici explores the origins of capitalism, focusing on its relationship with women, the body, and the concept of primitive accumulation. The book challenges the traditional narrative of the transition from feudalism to capitalism, which often portrays capitalism as a natural and inevitable progression. Federici argues that the rise of capitalism was not a smooth and peaceful process, but rather a violent and oppressive one. Federici proposes that capitalism was built on the dispossession of the common people, especially women, who were targeted through the witch hunts of the 16th and 17th centuries. She argues that these witch hunts were not simply a superstitious phenomenon, but rather a deliberate strategy to control women's bodies and labor.
“A Thousand Boy-Kisses” was the last adventure Poppy’s beloved dying grandma sent her in. Poppy had to collect a thousand “boy-kisses” from her soulmate in a lifetime. Only the most special kisses, the ones that made her heart almost burst. This scene and all the meaning behind the “boy-kisses” was so sweetly highlighted. It made me think about the actual essence of love, what it is supposed to be: being totally lost in the person in front of you, the fact that all those kisses should mean more… unforgettable memories, unique emotions and the feeling of being “home”. This book, from its very first chapters, aimed my whole heart.
One summers day, after finishing reading her thousandth book on her much loved and treasured Kindle, Tillie turned to her husband and declared, D you know, I have a great idea for a story. and loves to immerse herself in the complex study of World Religions, History and Cultural Studies and creates fantasy stories that enable her to thread serious issues and topics into her writing -- yep, there s more to this girl than profanity and sparkles.
She argues that these witch hunts were not simply a superstitious phenomenon, but rather a deliberate strategy to control women's bodies and labor. According to Federici, women were seen as a threat to the emerging capitalist order because of their reproductive capacity and their role in communal forms of production. By targeting them as witches and accusing them of witchcraft, the ruling elite could gain control over women's reproduction and labor, which were seen as crucial for the accumulation of capital.
A Thousand Boy Kisses
One kiss lasts a moment. But a thousand kisses can last a lifetime. One boy. One girl. A bond that is forged in an instant and cherished for a decade. A bond that neither time nor distance can break. A bond that will last forever. Or so they believe.
When seventeen-year-old Rune Kristiansen returns from his native Norway to the sleepy town of Blossom Grove, Georgia, where he befriended Poppy Litchfield as a child, he has just one thing on his mind. Why did the girl who was one half of his soul, who promised to wait faithfully for his return, cut him off without a word of explanation? Rune's heart was broken two years ago when Poppy fell silent. When he discovers the truth, he finds that the greatest heartache is yet to come.
A stand-alone young adult tearjerker romance, recommended for ages fourteen and up.
-
Genres RomanceYoung AdultContemporaryFictionContemporary RomanceAudiobookHigh School
316 pages, ebook
First published March 15, 2016
Book details & editions Loading interface. Loading interface.About the author
Tillie Cole 43 books 21.2k followersHaving been born and raised as a Teesside Smoggie, Tillie, at age nineteen, moved forty miles north to the 'Toon', Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, where she attended Newcastle University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts honours degree in Religious Studies. She returned two years later to complete a Post-Graduate Certificate in Teaching High School Social Studies. Tillie, regards Newcastle to be a home from home and enjoyed the Newcastle Geordie way of life for seven 'proper mint' and 'lush' years.
One summers day, after finishing reading her thousandth book on her much loved and treasured Kindle, Tillie turned to her husband and declared, "D'you know, I have a great idea for a story. I could write a book." Several months later, after repeating the same tired line at the close of another completed story, she was scolded by her husband to shut up talking about writing a novel and "just bloody do it!" For the first time in eleven years, Tillie actually took his advice (he is still trying to get over the shock) and immediately set off on a crazy journey, delving deep into her fertile imagination.
Tillie, ever since, has written from the heart. She combines her passion for anything camp and glittery with her love of humour and dark brooding men (most often muscled and tattooed – they’re her weakness!). She also has a serious side (believe it or not!) and loves to immerse herself in the complex study of World Religions, History and Cultural Studies and creates fantasy stories that enable her to thread serious issues and topics into her writing -- yep, there's more to this girl than profanity and sparkles!
After six years of teaching high school Social Studies and following her Professional Rugby Player husband around Europe, they have finally given up their nomadic way of life and settled in Calgary, Alberta where Tillie spends most of her days (and many a late night) lost in a writing euphoria or pursuing a dazzling career as a barrel-racing, tasselled-chap wearing, Stetson-sporting cowgirl. Ye-haw!
Federici also discusses the ways in which the witch hunts served to create divisions among women and to suppress resistance to capitalist exploitation. By demonizing women and accusing them of witchcraft, the ruling elite could destroy the solidarity that existed among women and ensure their control over them. In addition to analyzing the witch hunts, Federici examines the ways in which women's bodies were commodified and controlled in the early stages of capitalism. She explores how women's reproductive capacity was exploited through practices such as the enclosure of common lands, the establishment of a wage system, and the rise of the nuclear family. Overall, "Caliban and the Witch" provides a powerful critique of capitalism and its relationship with women, the body, and primitive accumulation. It challenges the dominant narrative of capitalist development and offers insights into the ways in which gender oppression is intertwined with class exploitation..
Reviews for "The Intersection of Witchcraft and Labor in "Caliban and the Witch"
1. Sarah - (1 star)
I found "Caliban and the Witch" by Silvia Federicci to be a highly disappointing read. The author attempts to analyze the intersection of capitalism and patriarchy through a historical lens, but her argument is weak and disjointed. The writing style is dry and academic, making it difficult to engage with the material. Despite the promising concept, Federicci fails to deliver a compelling and cohesive narrative that would have made her points more convincing. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
2. John - (2 stars)
"Caliban and the Witch" by Silvia Federicci left me frustrated and unsatisfied. While the book raises some interesting points about the witch trials and the origins of capitalism, the execution falls short. Federicci's repetitive and excessively dense prose made it a struggle to get through the pages. Additionally, I found her arguments to be overly speculative and lacking concrete evidence to support them. It reads more like a wild conspiracy theory than a scholarly analysis. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations.
3. Emily - (2.5 stars)
I have mixed feelings about "Caliban and the Witch" by Silvia Federicci. On one hand, I appreciate the author's attempt to shed light on the historical oppression of women and the ways in which capitalism and patriarchy intersect. However, I found the book to be overly academic and inaccessible. Federicci's writing style is too dense and full of jargon, making it difficult for a general audience to fully grasp her arguments. Additionally, her analysis often feels one-sided and lacks nuance, leaving out important counterarguments. Overall, while there are some thought-provoking ideas in this book, it is not a highly recommended read for those looking for a more approachable exploration of the topic.
4. Michael - (2 stars)
"Caliban and the Witch" by Silvia Federicci was a tedious and frustrating read. The author's arguments are convoluted and poorly supported, leaving little room for engagement or understanding. The book jumps from one topic to another without clear transitions, making it difficult to follow. Furthermore, the writing style is dry and lacks any sort of narrative momentum, making it hard to stay engaged. While I appreciate the attempt to explore the intersections of capitalism and patriarchy, this book falls short in delivering a coherent and persuasive analysis. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a thorough and well-supported exploration of the subject matter.
5. Emma - (1.5 stars)
I was deeply disappointed by "Caliban and the Witch" by Silvia Federicci. The book had potential to shed light on the historical oppression of women during the witch trials, but it ultimately fails to deliver any meaningful insights. Federicci's arguments are poorly constructed and lack evidence. Her reliance on speculation and conjecture weakens any potential impact her book could have had. Additionally, the writing style is overly academic and inaccessible, making it difficult for a general audience to engage with the material. Overall, I found this book to be a missed opportunity and would not recommend it to others.