“Weyward” by Emilia Hart – A Review
⭐ Rating: 4.75/5
Year Published: 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction, Magical Realism
Page Count: 336
Quick Summary
Weyward is a beautifully atmospheric, multi-generational story following three women—Altha (1619), Violet (1942), and Kate (2019)—who are all connected by their lineage and a deep-rooted connection to nature. Each of them faces their own struggles, whether it's being accused of witchcraft, fighting for independence in a society that wants to keep women powerless, or escaping an abusive relationship. As their stories unfold, we see how history keeps repeating itself—but also how resilience, sisterhood, and a touch of magic can break the cycle.
What I Loved
Deeply Feminist Themes – This book really dives into the ways women have been controlled, policed, and punished across time. From witch hunts to reproductive rights to escaping toxic relationships, Weyward doesn’t shy away from the realities of being a woman in a world that constantly tries to diminish them.
Gorgeous, Immersive Writing – The way Hart describes nature and magic? Stunning. It feels gothic, eerie, and alive. The Weyward women’s connection to the land and wildlife made everything feel that much richer.
Violet’s Story Stood Out – I found her story the most compelling—her struggle with bodily autonomy and her forced isolation after an unwanted pregnancy hit hard. It was painful, but also so well done.
The Quiet Power of Revenge – Nothing is more satisfying than seeing women take back their power. This book delivered on that in a way that felt both subtle and deeply satisfying.
What Didn’t Quite Work for Me
A Slow Start – It took a little while for me to really get into it, but once I was in, I was in.
What Was the Final Message? – This book made me feel a lot, but when I finished, I was left wondering, What exactly was the big takeaway? It’s powerful, but a little open-ended in terms of a final resolution.
Who Should Read This?
If you love witchy, atmospheric books with feminist themes, or if you’re a fan of multi-generational storytelling, this is a must-read. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy a touch of magical realism woven into historical fiction.
Final Thoughts
This book was everything I wanted it to be—haunting, immersive, and deeply thought-provoking. It was hard to read at times, but that’s part of what made it so powerful. If you’re looking for a book that celebrates female resilience while making you want to run barefoot into the woods and embrace your inner witch, Weyward is absolutely worth your time.
