I really enjoyed this novel! The book does not shy away from dark moments or heartbreaking experiences. Certain parts were difficult for me to read, but I thought those situations were handled very well by the author. There were also some bright points. I loved how Violet managed to bring together both magic and science in her life.

The audiobook is narrated by Aysha Kala, Helen Keeley, and Nell Barlow. I’m really happy that each of the three main characters had their own distinctive narrator. It made for a rich and immersive listening experience.

Weyward is the story of three women, all from the same family, but all at different points in history. In each of their stories, Altha (1619), Violet (1942), and Kate (2019) have something a bit uncanny about them: an affinity for insects, birds, and animals. It sets them apart as “other.”

And all three women suffer at the hands of men: Altha is accused of witchcraft and put on trial; Violet is at the mercy of her father and cousin Frederick; and Kate has a controlling and abusive husband. As women under the thumbs of power-hungry men, they must figure their own ways out, their personal salvations, and they each escape to Weyward cottage.

The three stories are intertwined, one woman’s story influencing the other.

❗️CW: I do wish I would have been aware of the content warnings going into this one, particularly the sexual and domestic abuse.

🐜 My thoughts:
To sum it up: This book is absolutely amazing, but it’s one of the most depressing books I’ve read in a while. Reading the indignity Altha, Violet, and Kate each faced made me not only sad, but angry and disgusted. And this book is meant to make you feel that way. It’s a sharp look at how women have been treated, and a reminder that abuse still happens today.

🐜 The magical thread that runs through this book was my favorite part of the story. I loved how the bugs responded so well to Violet and the white-striped crows to the Weyward women. And I love that the gift they were all so despised for is ultimately their salvation.

🦅 Read this one if you like magical realism, and women who have to fight for themselves and endure despite the tragedies of life.

🎧 The audiobook had three female narrators - one for each woman - and all do an absolutely incredible job. Their voices pulled me right into the story!

QUICK BITS
•Three POVs & timelines
•Nature magical realism
•Where The Crawdads meets Behind Closed Doors

REVIEW
First I have to say this is one of my favorite covers of the year so far, not only in aesthetic, but also in its ability to capture the essence of the story inside.

Overall this was a conflicting read for me.

There were parts of it that I really loved (Kate's part of the story), as well as others that really left me disappointed (the actual magic, the climax of all three stories, the lack of empowerment).

So although I loved that this story followed three family members from different eras and their fight to survive in each timeline, there was a lot that felt underdeveloped and unexplored.

There was never that moment where the characters to step into their power and truly own their magic and autonomy, rather fleeting moments of desperation that resulted in a whiff of retribution.

I think more than anything I was never able to truly find my footing and settle into the story, which ultimately hindered my enjoyment.

I would still recommend this to readers who love a genre bending novel about women who find the power to survive while being victims of circumstance.

RATINGS
6 Characters
7 Atmosphere
7 Writing Style
7 Plot
6 Pace
6 Intrigue
4 Enjoyment
TOTAL= 43/14= 3.07

3.00/5.00 Rounded Rating

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I thought I was going to love this book. The cover of the book is stunning. But the more I read the book the more disturbed I became. The book has many triggers people should be aware of. Abortion, miscarriage, abuse, suicidal ideation, bug phobia and bird phobia. This story involves not only abuse but generations of abuse. This book literally gave me nightmares. Dreamt I was trying to kill bugs that were after me. Chapter 50 escalates so much that I felt like I was in the 1963 movie called “The Birds” This book just left me with a disturbed feeling for many reasons. I’m sorry. I really wanted to love it.

The narrators for the book do a wonderful job. Each voice is perfect for the character they are portraying.

Gorgeous. Amazing writing. This being debut is mind-blowing. It is a fantastic novel.
Witches and I am in, historical fiction now that is a hard sell, but I was instantly hooked with the tinges of magical realism. The novel follows three women of the Weyward family, each woman tells her story, and the reader follows along how each story helps the next member of the family. I will be telling everyone to read this, but there is need for content warning: Domestic Abuse and Non-Consensual Sex

"I am a Weyward, and wild inside."

The author tells the story of three women from different time periods. This narrative beautifully weaves the three women, while sharing different and separate perspectives, into one overall arching storyline.
This was a book that was strongly written with feminine overtone and while the men in this story are not always likeable, the author does not go out of the way to make the reader despise them or feel any particular ill-will toward them. The story is that of strength, perseverance, endurance, resilience, facing adversity, and the deep connection they all find in nature.

In 1619, Altha Weyward is a healer, just like her mother was. However, during this time being a healer could result in being accused of witchcraft. Altha has a deep connection with nature and has been accused of witchcraft and being held imprisoned as she awaits her fate.
1942, Violet Ayres, who is just 16 leads a privileged, but lonely and smothering life at an estate home with her father and younger brother. She dreams of becoming a scientist and traveling to far off lands. She too has a connection to nature. She is unsure of what had become of her mother exactly, except for what she had been told or overheard by the staff. One day her life’s path was altered and she was cast out of the home into a little cottage in the woods where she found the truth, her strength, and her power.
2019, Kate Ayres, who has been in an abusive relationship flees to the little cottage that had been left to her by her great Aunt Violet. She slowly begins to rebuild her life; she begins to learn about her aunt and her family history. She learns about the incredible women who have come before her, forging a path and Kate finds a strength in herself to take back control over her life just like her ancestors.

Feminist, witchy, perfection. I alternated between the audio and physical book while reading this one. I loved both formats. This book was a little Salem Witch Trials and a little The Scarlet Letter. I really loved how the 3 timelines and 3 POV's wove together to create such a rich story. It's a story of women over coming adversity, a mother's strength and love, finding the power within yourself, and being strong enough to begin again.

My only caution is this one has some tough themes. Triggers include child loss, abortion, and domestic abuse.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the free e-audio book in exchange for an honest review.

OK, so I know that there has been a lot of hype surrounding this book and it lives up to it all!!! This is a beautiful story of three women in the same family but generations apart. All are faced with abusive family members that prey on them as women. All are the first born Weyward women and gifted with the same natural gifts. All discover their power and strength as Weyward women when faced with individual traumatic experiences at the hands of their male cousin, husband, and in saving a friend from abuse by her husband. Maybe because I listed to this on National Womens Day but this was an absolutely fantastic, atmospheric, gothic, twisty, woman's, family drama that should be read!!

There are three narrators for the audio book including: Nell Barlow (Narrator), Aysha Kala (Narrator), Helen Keeley (Narrator). Each takes on one of the 3 Weyward women narrators and its so well done. I loved the book and consumed it. I highly recommend the audio book as it accurately portrays the atmosphere, emotions, and time period of each of the three narrators and their stories.

HIGHLY Recommend!!!

I know I'm not the only one who was sucked in immediately by the cover art. Even though we know better than to judge books by their covers, in this case, it was a fitting peek inside! Love a good multigenerational saga, so one with an empowering feminist twist was absolutely up my alley.

This one was excellent on audio. The three narrators for the three characters absolutely nailed this. The voices for nuanced. I really enjoyed the story and how the three women connected. I also obviously got annoyed at the patriarchy. Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this one.

Weyward by Emilia Hart: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
Format: audio courtesy of Macmillan Audio through NetGalley

“The connections between and among women are the most feared, the most problematic, and the most potentially transforming force on the planet- Adrian Rich”

Emilia Hart’s debut novel Weyward is splashing into the book scene this month. Featured as a Book of the Month choice and officially published yesterday, Weyward weaves together the tales of three women, separated by generations but united by their bloodline and the gifts that come with it. In 1619, Altha awaits trial after a respected member of her community dies in a tragic and peculiar accident. Hundreds of years later during WWII, Violet seeks answers about the mother she never knew, answers that no one seems keen to shed light on. And in 2019, Kate flees an abusive marriage and finds her way to Weyward cottage and to the true history of her family.

All three of the titular Weyward women come to life in these pages. They all have a semi-supernatural connection to nature that enhances their ability to seek the truth and stay alive. However, Hart puts the REAL of magical realism into her characters- Altha, Violet, and Kate are not superwomen. They are human, they trust the wrong people, make mistakes, live with regret, and do their best in their own ways. Their stories are told simultaneously in a way that keeps the reader hooked for “just one more chapter” to find out what happens next. Also- the narration performances from Ayesha Kala, Helen Keeley, and Nell Barlow are absolutely stellar!

Appropriately published in time for International Women’s Day (today, March 8, 2023) Weyward embodies the adage of strong, powerful women; may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.

Special thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the audio ARC of this magical novel in exchange for my honest review.

Three women. Five centuries of male asshole-ness.

2019 - Kate is pregnant and leaves her abusive husband to live in a cottage that her late-great aunt left her in her will. Weyward cottage. Kate learns a little about her family history and about her great-aunt, Violet, while starting a new life for herself, and her soon-to be daughter. She will gain her independence, strength and learn how to fight for herself.

1942 - Violet is violated by her asshole and gross cousin, then sent off to live in a cottage that once belonged to her mother. While locked there, she learns about her mother, the legacy she left, and how big of a bastard her father is. Her brother is nice, so at least there's that. Violet will come to learn how to stand up for herself and live her own life.

1619 - Altha is accused of being a witch. She is on trial for murdering a man who was trampled to death by his cows. Altha has a way with herbs, animals, and loves nature. Her mother was the same way. She must be clever and careful to live through the age of witch-trials and help a friend who is being beaten by her husband.

All these women have been subjected to horrors of a patriarchal society and/or abuse at the hands of a man. All will fight back. They learn they have more power than they know, then anyone knows.

I enjoyed this.

This was darker and grittier than I was expecting, but I suppose I should have guessed it wasn’t going to be a fun magical frolicking romp by the cover.

I just wasn’t interested in any of the 1600s, 1900s, or 2000s timelines. It’s particularly irritating to me when the women are weak and believe they deserve the abuse from a sig other.

Weyward is a beautifully written, moving novel about generations of women in a family and their experiences and connections to each other over centuries.

I loved the multitude perspectives, from a girl accused of witchcraft in the 1600s, to a woman in the 1940s, and a young woman in an abusive relationship in 2019. Each of the characters was so well developed and relatable. The slow build towards generational awareness in the more modern timelines and the subtle suggestions of magical realism were so well done.

I think this is great for fans of historical fiction and anyone who loves a story about the witch panic or the power of women.

I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook on Netgalley. The narrators do a good job of distinguishing the characters and each provides their own "personality" to the character itself. I love how the author blends all the women's stories together and ties them together at the end. Really a fascinating read as it spans over centuries and describes how these women who are all in the same family line have struggled with very similar issues across each and every generation. From the 1619 story of witch trials to the 1940's war time struggles, and on to present day issues, each women is strong in her own right but has to deal with issues of the times. There were certain sections of the book that I was not able to stop listening.

Of the three narrators I did end up having a favorite "voice" and a least favorite, but all three were great to listen to. The audio was almost seamless - there were a few spots throughout where they needed to re-do the voices, but overall very pleasant to listen to.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction, thrillers, and women's literature.

#Weyward #Netgalley

Another 2 star from me and I found this one to really be underwhelming, I felt like it had so much potential but inevitably fell flat and I would rather of read a different book, I hope to revisit this book and this author because the characters were wonderful

Historical fiction with a bit of magic – a fantastic debut novel about women finding their strength in times of need. A blend of narratives, a story that goes back in time to the Witch trials, moves through war-time Britain and into our time. Three fantastic „Weyward“ women finding their own paths, witchcraft (of the natural and healing/medicinal variety - mainly!), and a slow reveal of secrets. Throw in some truly beautiful, naturally descriptive writing, and you are in the heart of this book!
I loved it - the characters of Altha, Violet and Kate, the Weyward women, are distinct and carefully drawn. Each has her own personal journey and struggle, but repeated themes emerge, such as abusive men, or strong bonds with other women – mothers, friends or a good man, especially a brother or a father. Mothers and daughters feature strongly, but also the support a good man can provide.
For me this was a quick read, because I just wanted to know how it was going to turn out, and was so invested in these characters. At the same time I was sad to see this one end and wanted to stay in the story a little bit longer – great for lovers of historical fiction and magic.
The narration was perfect and added to the atmosphere for this one !

Weyward (out today, 3/7/23!)

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finished this audiobook yesterday just in time for its pub day today!

“Weyward” follows 3 women spanning 5 generations: Kate in 2019, Violet in 1942, and Altha in 1619. Alva is on trial for witchcraft, Violet is misunderstood by her father after her mother passed away, and Kate is on the run from an abusive boyfriend. Readers go back & forth between these 3 POVs as we watch Kate, Violet, and Altha’s stories unfold.

I love a historical fiction / women’s lit fiction book that follows multiple generations. I also am alllll for magical realism and can suspend disbelief when needed to fully immerse myself in a story… however, this book found itself in this intersection of historical fiction & magical realism in a way that didn’t 100% work for me. I liked the writing style, but I wanted more explanation around the natural “powers” that these women had, or I wanted more connection points between Altha and her descendants. Was this more a story about 3 women who dealt w/ the rough turns their life took or was it about 3 women who could bend nature and animals to their will? It was kinda both, and it didn’t land for me.

(I will say, I liked Altha’s story following the 17th century witch trials the best — there is something about being able to “be one” with crows and insects that works in the 1600s more so than it does in 2019 🤣)

PSA: check the trigger warnings before embarking on this read — there are a lot of parts that are hard to stomach in each story. I get that the big idea was women are resilient, but about 80% in I was fatigued and sad with all of the things that kept happening 😭

Overall, I think this book will definitely appeal to the right reader. I’d recommend if you liked “The Lost Apothecary” or “Hester.” Thanks to @stmartinspress @netgalley @macmillan.audio for the early audio copy!

Weyward - Emilia Hart
4.5 stars
Synopsis:
"Weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries, Emilia Hart's Weyward is an enthralling novel of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world."
Thoughts
I loved it. So much. It's one of those books you have to sit and marinate on for a couple of days afterwards.
Beautifully written. I loved seeing how the three women's stories wove together. I'm a huge fan of witchy vibes and this served that up on a silver platter.
Some of the topics were really difficult, but they were written with so much care.
I highly suggest this one! The only reason it's not a full 5 star, it took me a few chapters to get into it. Once it had me, I was hooked!
Thank you @netgalley and @macmillan.audio
TW: r*pe, SA, abuse, abortion, miscarriage, suicidal thoughts, death, gore. All acts detailed on page (not memories/secondhand information).

Wayward by Emilia Hart is a fun and engaging historical fictional piece based upon family secrets and the witch trials. This book was read by an orator who was engaging and involved in the story. I felt as though the characters were strongly put forth and the story was captivating. We start off with our main character and we introduce other characters in her family such as her aunt and she learns about a secret from her past and her family that she feels is affecting her today.

We follow her struggles through discovering the secret and learning how to cope with it as well as coming to grips with the fact that she's in an abusive relationship. It's a well thought out book and well portrayed leaving the reader to feel as though they are actually involved in the moment. I definitely suggest picking up a copy of this book as not only is it engaging but it is also historically engaging so you get a little bit of history with a little bit of mystery.