Samhain reading: How to Kill a Witch

How to Kill a Witch: The Patriarchy’s Guide to Silencing Women, by Zoe Venditozzi & Claire Mitchell

I’ve been longing to read more physical books lately. For the past ten years (i.e. since becoming a parent), the majority of my reading has been audiobooks. And I love them - I adore hearing stories read by amazing narrators who can bring a story to life in their telling. But I miss the feeling of holding a book in my hands, turning the pages, and smelling that book smell. If you’re a reader and lover of books and paper ephemera, you know what I mean.

So you can imagine my delight when I stumbled on this book at our local bookshop last week. My 10-year-old son was horrified at the title, and very much confused as to why I’d want to read a book about killing witches, as 1) witches are people, 2) I am a witch, and 3) killing is bad. He said, “that’s awful, mom!” - and then listened intently as I explained the premise. (Though, to be fair, his response was still the same. This time with a passionate dash of “down with the patriarchy” added, because if you’re going to burn something, it should be that. I’m so heartened to be raising such a kind, gentle-hearted, and wise child.)

I cannot wait to start reading. We have ancestral connections to Scotland on my paternal side, so Samhain feels like the perfect time to begin this act of reading and remembering. Honoring the legacy of the witches and wise women who came before me, because I wouldn’t be here if not for them.

This book also has a lovely surprise hiding under the dust cover - the actual hardback cover is decorated with the Witches of Scotland tartan. Such a powerful spell for this book to carry. If you are thinking about getting the book, I highly recommend the hardcover for that reason.

If you’ve read How to Kill a Witch - or if you’re interested in reading it, send me a note! I’d love to chat with you about it. 🖤✨