Into the Forest discussion

Witches/Crones won for our next group theme! Now it's time to nominate books. Each person can nominate:

One Adult Book,
One Young Adult Book, and
One Traditional Book or Longer Tale.

All nominated books should have witches/crones as its focal point.

Perfect theme for Halloween!

Adult:

I'd love to nominate Age of Witches by Dyachenko wife-husband duet, but it is ruined by bad editing and horrible English translation so I don't recommend it even if it's one of my favorite books of theirs.

I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem. She is not a crone, but was accused of being a witch. Does it count?

If not, then The Master and Margarita for spoiler reasons. However, you won't find crones here.

Young Adult: Which Witch? by Eva Ibbotson . My teen/kid self loved this book. I don't know if it has aged well.

For witches who are crones as well The Little Witch by Otfried Preußler is quite OK and much better fit, though.

I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem definitely counts.

Too bad about the terrible translation! I'd love to read more Eastern European fiction. And the witch/baba yaga folklore there is so rich.

For a YA possibility: Last year I read The House with Chicken Legs & I loved it.

I’ve read Macbeth & The Cats of Tanglewood Forest for the Witch category. And I have The Master and Margarita in the “pile to be read this year”.

Castle Hangnail by Ursula Vernon for YA

Margaret wrote: "I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem definitely counts.

Too bad about the terrible translation! I'd love to read more Eastern European fiction. And the witch/baba yaga folklore there is so..."

Except for Dyachenko's "The Age of Witches", there are a few their book that I think you'd find interesting - "The Ritual", which puts an intriguing twist on maiden kidnapped by a dragon - I've heard it's translated but not published yet. Russians also produced a very loose adaptation.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4057376/

And here is an eerie chant from this movie:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtwEY...

A lot of Western readers seem to adore their Vita Nostra and The Scar

When it comes to English publishers, there is a genre they avoid like the plague. Gasp - humorous fantasy penned by , what a horror, female writers. Belarusian Olga Gromyko, Ukrainians Alexandra Ruda, Oksana Pankeyeva to name a few.

What a pity fan translation from Russian didn't catch on! At some point, Polish fans managed to translate Baba Yaga retelling with Koschey Deathless as one of the protagonists.

From Poland:

Untranslated
Dorota Terakowska specialized in YA genre with poetic, fairy tale flair. Her "Daughter of Witches" is about a young girl, who is being raised by witches to lead her People and free them from invaders. Her other book "The Loneliness of Gods" is a crazy mashup of historical fiction and time travels. It also shows the transition from Slavic Paganism to Christianity.

Anna Brzezińska created one of the most beautiful fantasy anthologies I've read written by contemporary Polish author, it reminds me of Ursula Le Guin. She also wrote kind of retelling of Baba Yaga and books set in Slavic Medieval Age :)

So now onward to available ones. You already read The Last Wish , but did you know that Stanisław Lem wrote fairy tales in sci-fi costume? :). I'm not sure if it's The Cyberiad or Mortal Engines

Soon to be released
The Tower of Fools by Andrzej Sapkowski - with witches :) . Please, don't hold your breath. French not only didn't manage to capture Sapkowski's prose, but also removed paragraphs and plenty, plenty of Latin phrases. Either Sapkowski's style doesn't translate well to English or English Publishers just don't care. I hope I'm wrong.

Ooops, sorry for going offtopic

For adult novel, "The Year of the Witching" by Alexis Henderson.

For Children's/YA, have we read "Akata Witch" by Nnedi Okorafor, yet?

Traditional or Longer Tale, what about the Russian folktale, "Vasilisa, the Beautiful"?

Mary wrote: "Castle Hangnail by Ursula Vernon for YA"

I thought Castle Hangnail was good, too!

May I nominate my own Witchlight for the adult novel slot?

I nominate The Boatman's Daughter by Andy Davidson for adult book.



Ever since her father was killed when she was just a child, Miranda Crabtree has kept her head down and her eyes up, ferrying contraband for a mad preacher and his declining band of followers to make ends meet and to protect an old witch and a secret child from harm.

But dark forces are at work in the bayou, And when the preacher makes an unthinkable demand, it sets Miranda on a desperate, dangerous path, forcing her to consider what she is willing to sacrifice to keep her loved ones safe.

Margaret wrote: "Witches/Crones won for our next group theme! Now it's time to nominate books. Each person can nominate..."

Margaret, how long do we have to nominate?

Leah wrote: "Margaret, how long do we have to nominate?"

Sorry, I should've included that! We have until the end of the day on Saturday the 29th.

Lois wrote: "For adult novel, "The Year of the Witching" by Alexis Henderson.

For Children's/YA, have we read "Akata Witch" by Nnedi Okorafor, yet?

Traditional or Longer Tale, what about the Russian folktale..."

The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson is so good!

We have read Akata Witch as a group read before, in 2018. So it's a no on nominating it again, but feel free to read it and join our older discussion! https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Asaria wrote: "Margaret wrote: "I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem definitely counts.

Too bad about the terrible translation! I'd love to read more Eastern European fiction. And the witch/baba yaga fol..."

I'm going to check all of these out! I Am Dragon looks like it's available through Prime. It might take me a long time to watch and read these recs. While I love that I write about pop culture stuff for a living, it often means that I have a schedule and backlog of things I have to watch/read for work. And unfortunately my library doesn't have any of your recs on audio, where I do most of my back list reading. :(

I think I read some Stanislav Lem as a kid, but I can't remember.

I think I answered everyone's question, but just let me know if I didn't!

I'm currently writing a list of witchy books for BuzzFeed Books due at the end of September, so this is good timing! Most of the books I'll include on the list will be new though.

I really wish I could nominate The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow, but it's not out until mid-October. It takes place during the U.S. women's suffrage movement, where women are denied their witchcraft in addition to their voting rights, until three sisters come along and upset the status quo. Spells are cast using fairytales and nursery rhymes.

I'm going to wait to nominate until later in the week.

Lois wrote: "For adult novel, "The Year of the Witching" by Alexis Henderson.

For Children's/YA, have we read "Akata Witch" by Nnedi Okorafor, yet?

Traditional or Longer Tale, what about the Russian folktale..."

Those are all great choices! Can you please write down your nominations with the links? You just click on tne add book/autor option on the right corner write the names of the books then add.
It makes it easier for us moderators! Thanks!

J.S. wrote: "May I nominate my own Witchlight for the adult novel slot?"

Sorry J.S. We don't have a lot of rules here, but one we do have is authors can not nominate their own books. If we did not do this, then everyone would be nominating their own books. We do have an authors folder where you can post about your books!
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...

Adult: Practical Magic
Young Adult: The Wee Free Men

I'm currently reading Boginie z Žítkovej. It would fit in well, but it was originally written in Czech. Apparently it has quite a few translations, but not an English one :(

Julia wrote: "Adult: Practical Magic
Young Adult: The Wee Free Men

I'm currently reading Boginie z Žítkovej. It would fit in well, but it was originally written in Czec..."

I completely forgot about Žítková's Goddesses. It was a cool read on many levels, especially Czech folklore and traditions.

My nominations are:
YA Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova
Adult Conjure Women by Afia Atakora

Traditional Tale still thinking! Is there a Tale that is the basis the 3 witches in Macbeth?

Jalilah wrote: "My nominations are:
... Traditional Tale still thinking! Is there a Tale that is the basis the 3 witches in Macbeth?"

I am no expert but aren't there witch/crone trios in mythology? There are certainly lots of witches/crones in fairy tales that play havoc with people's lives. And their little rhyme is nursery rhyme-esque.

Jalilah wrote: "Traditional Tale still thinking! Is there a Tale that is the basis the 3 witches in Macbeth?."

I see on Wikipedia (lol) that he might've based them on the 3 fates of mythology, combined with the anti-witch lore that was circling then.

Macbeth would count as traditional if you want to nominate it!

I'll nominate
Traditional: Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Adult: The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike
YA: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

Mockingbird by Sean Stewart deals with a family having to clean up the magical mess their late mother, a witch (can we count practitioners of voodoo as witches?), left behind.

Margaret wrote: "...We have until the end of the day on Saturday the 29th...."

Thanks!

Several of those already nominated are on my TBR list. So, not sure I'll even nominate anything now.

By the way, Nnedi Okorafor tweeted last week that she finished the third book in the Akata series. So anyone thinking about reading Akata Witch - go for it! If you like it, then you'll have Akata Warrior to read after and a third one to look forward to. Personally, I have yet to read a story of hers I didn't like. The Book of Phoenix my fave so far -- but she's written 18 and I've only read 5, so another one could jump ahead of current fave.

I am not sure if this one counts. For young adult I nominate Spin the Dawn, if not then I nominate Sorcery of Thorns
Also I am not sure if you read this or if it counts. For Adult I nominate The Name of the Wind

Niledaughter wrote: "I am not sure if this one counts. For young adult I nominate Spin the Dawn, if not then I nominate Sorcery of Thorns
Also I am not sure if you read this or if it cou..."

Hi Niledaughter, I don't think any of these count. The Name of the Wind definitely doesn't have any witches. I haven't read Spin the Dawn or Sorcery of Thorns, but I'm not seeing witch/crone/witchcraft mentioned in the summary or in any reviews. If anyone knows any differently and these do include witches, let me know and we can include them.

Here are my nominations:

Adult: The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

YA: Cattywampus by Ash Van Otterloo

Traditional: The Penguin Book of Witches

No problem, I guess I did not get the concept of gender, a witch has to be a female nat a male.

Niledaughter wrote: "No problem, I guess I did not get the concept of gender, a witch has to be a female nat a male."

Hmm, I can see the argument that wizards are male witches, and in a lot of novels that's the case. But many novels with wizards have no witches. If we open up to wizards and sorcerers, pretty much any fantasy novel could be nominated.

I'm actually reading a novel now with male witches--Cemetery Boys. But it uses the term "brujo" and there's brujo/bruja folklore in it.

Frozen Dreams by Moe Lane for Adult

They are called brujas, to be sure.

Margaret wrote: "Niledaughter wrote: "No problem, I guess I did not get the concept of gender, a witch has to be a female nat a male."

Hmm, I can see the argument that wizards are male witches, and in a lot of nov..."

Its my understanding Brujas are Witches and Brujos are Wizards

The specific book I'm reading defines brujo as a male witch. It says that in the book. :)

Margaret wrote: "The specific book I'm reading defines brujo as a male witch. It says that in the book. :)"
Actually I made a mistake, a Brujo translates from Spanish to English as a sorcerer.
I got mixed up because there was a Spanish alternative band called
Ojos de Brujo And in English they translated their name to Eyes of the Wizard

A good book for children is “Which Witch?” by Eva Ibbotson

Another one is The Witches by a Roald Dahl

Practical Magic is a modern classic

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Also, a really great author is Sarah Addison Allen and her debut back in 2007 was “Garden Spells”.

Aren't warlocks men that practice witchcraft?

When I think/say witch, I attach no specific gender. Crones do bring women to mind, though.

I've read fictional stories about witches with women and men as witches. In Magic for Liars, for instance, there's specific discussion that they prefer being called mages rather than witches.

Wiccans include all genders and call themselves witch. I think it's a matter of how one prefers to identify.

When I read (or watch a movie) with bruja/brujo, I assume (yeah, I know) it's the genderizing - like so many languages genderize words - of "witch."

Jalilah wrote: "Margaret wrote: "The specific book I'm reading defines brujo as a male witch. It says that in the book. :)"
Actually I made a mistake, a Brujo translates from Spanish to English as a sorcerer.
I go..."

Depends on who's translating.

So is gender a defining part of the choice for the Witchy read?

Annette wrote: "So is gender a defining part of the choice for the Witchy read?"

I would say no, gender isn't a consideration. What is a consideration is the terminology. If a writer isn't using the word witch (or the equivalent of that word in another language) and the book doesn't seem to have any witch folklore or mythology in it, then it isn't a good fit for the challenge.

Annette wrote: "Aren't warlocks men that practice witchcraft?"

Ah yes, good point!

Several years ago, I read Witches of the Atlantic World: An Historical Reader and Primary Sourcebook, and there were men accused of witchcraft, and also some descriptions of male witchcraft. I particularly remember some stories from Italy, I believe with witches of all genders battling in the dream world with people who were protectors. There was a word for it...ah, the benandanti.

Okay, I'm going to try and put a draft of this list together.

Here are the nominations so far:

Adult:
I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem by Maryse Condé
The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson
The Boatman's Daughter by Andy Davidson
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike
Mockingbird by Sean Stewart
The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Frozen Dreams by Moe Lane

Young Adult:
Which Witch? by Eva Ibbotson
Castle Hangnail by Ursula Vernon
The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett
Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
Cattywampus by Ash Van Otterloo

Traditional:
Vasilisa the Beautiful and Baba Yaga
Macbeth by William Shakespeare
The Penguin Book of Witches by Katherine Howe

Did I miss any?

Christine, did you want to nominate any of your suggestions?

Margaret wrote: "Here are the nominations so far:

Adult:
I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem by Maryse Condé
The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson
[..."

Margaret, I am the one who nominated [book:Conjure Women|51220325], but reading the reviews and description its more about a healer and not really witches.
Any thoughts?
I was considering it and seconding the nomination for I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem instead.

Margaret wrote: "Here are the nominations so far:

Adult:
I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem by Maryse Condé
The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson
[..."

Margaret, I am the one who nominated [book:Conjure Women|51220325], but reading the reviews and description its more about a healer and not really witches.
Any thoughts? If you agree it's not, I was considering seconding the nomination for I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem

Jalilah wrote: "Margaret, I am the one who nominated Conjure Women, but reading the reviews and description its more about a healer and not really witches.
Any thoughts?"

Hmm. I see some reviewers mention "witch" in their reviews. Having not read it, I don't know if that's accurate! I say if you want to nominate it, go ahead. But if you want to take it off that's fine too. We have lots of Adult noms.

As a side note, my hold for it is currently at 15 weeks, so I'll definitely be reading it...eventually, ha.

Margaret wrote: "

Hmm. I see some reviewers mention "witch" in their reviews. Having not read it, I don't know if that's accurate! I say if you want to nominate it, go ahead. But if you want to take it off that's fine too. We have lots of Adult noms.

As a side note, my hold for it is currently at 15 weeks, so I'll definitely be reading it...eventually, ha. .."

There really are a lot more adult novel nominations than YA!
Why don't we take Conjure Women off and I'll read it with you in around 15 weeks. I'm so behind in my reading now anyway.
I'll second I Tituba

Jalilah set up the polls yesterday and they'll stay open until September 6. https://www.goodreads.com/poll/list/3...

I'm going to have trouble picking!

I nominate for the YA Section a trilogy called the Circle of Nine by the well known Australian Author Josephine Pennicott. It is the first in a series, but it is to do with withches, ancient goddesses, Crones and violent supernatural. It is spellbinding blending with classical mythology and gothic fantasy. It might appeal.

Carole wrote: "I nominate for the YA Section a trilogy called the Circle of Nine by the well known Australian Author Josephine Pennicott. It is the first in a series, but it is to do with withches, ancient goddes..."

Too late dear! The polls are already up!

The winners are:
I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem by Maryse Condé
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
Vasilisa the Beautiful and Baba Yaga

The group read will begin on September 15th and ends on November 15th. I don't have time to set up threads tonight, but hopefully, I'll be able to tomorrow.

Margaret wrote: "The winners are:
I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem by Maryse Condé
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
[book:Vasilisa the Be..."

I can put up the threads tonight!

Jalilah wrote: "I can put up the threads tonight!."

Thank you!

Here are the threads!
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...