Perfect read for Samhain!

A little while ago, I was given «The Last Witch in Edinburgh», written by, Marielle Thompson by NetGalley for an honest review, and I finished reading it this morning.

A hand holding an e-reader showing the book The Last Witch in Edinburgh. In the background is a rock covered in red leaves.
Photo: Mittens and Sunglasses © 2024

This story is set in alternative Edinburgh in 1824. Nellie Duncan lives with her drunk of a father, and a little brother she’s trying to take care of. Her mother passed away while giving birth, and she’s lost her post as a maid in a rich family’s home after the man of the house couldn’t take his eyes off of her. The lady of the house blames Nellie, and doesn’t just make her leave her post, but also makes sure Nellie doesn’t get a post anywhere else.

She then finds the Rae Women’s Apothecary, where women can come for teas and potions for their problems. It doesn’t take long before Nellie too works at the shop, and is taught the Cailleach.

Being a woman is a dangerous thing, though, and they live in fear that they can be the next victim of the gallows, hanged for witchcraft. Despite of this, Nellie embrace her newfound community, and also develops feelings for the strong and fierce Jean.

Nellie soon learns that the Cailleach has an ancient enemy. A diety that wants to strip the Cailleach for all the power, and wipe out all her witches, and create a world full of patriarchal violence and destruction.

This is a very feminist story, and I must advice you to check out the trigger warnings for it should you need them. I absolutely loved it, and I would love to read more from this author at some point.