I’ve had The Witches of Vardø by Anya Bergman calling to me from my TBR for a while so it was brilliant to be able to read it for the latest of my My Weekly online reviews.

Published by Bonnier imprint Manilla Press, The Witches of Vardø is available for purchase in all good bookshops and online including here.

The Witches of Vardø

Norway, 1662. A dangerous time to be a woman, when even dancing can lead to accusations of witchcraft. After recently widowed Zigri’s affair with the local merchant is discovered, she is sent to the fortress at Vardø to be tried as a witch.

Zigri’s daughter Ingeborg sets off into the wilderness to try to bring her mother back home. Accompanying her on this quest is Maren – herself the daughter of a witch – whose wild nature and unconquerable spirit gives Ingeborg the courage to venture into the unknown, and to risk all she has to save her family.

Also captive in the fortress is Anna Rhodius, once the King of Denmark’s mistress, who has been sent in disgrace to the island of Vardø. What will she do – and who will she betray – to return to her privileged life at court?

These Witches of Vardø are stronger than even the King. In an age weighted against them, they refuse to be victims. They will have their justice. All they need do is show their power.

My Review of The Witches of Vardø

My full review of The Witches of Vardø can be found on the My Weekly website here.

However, here I can say that The Witches of Vardø is a mesmerising, brutal and beautiful story that stays with the reader long after it has been read. This is very powerful storytelling.

Do visit My Weekly to read my full review here.

About Anya Bergman

Anya Bergman became interested in the witch trials of Vardø and the vivid folk tales of the north while living in Norway. Travelling to the Steilneset memorial, in which Louise Bourgeois and Peter Zumthor commemorated those persecuted as witches, she became fascinated by their stories. Now resident in Ireland, she is currently undertaking a PhD by Published Works at Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland where she also lectures as well as tutoring for Jericho Writers. She is working on her next novel, which unites the fates of two very different women against the tumultuous backdrop of the French Revolution.

For further information, visit Anya’s website, follow her on Twitter/X @anyacbergman and find Anya on Instagram.