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In Defence of Witches
- Why Women Are Still on Trial
- Narrated by: Alix Dunmore
- Length: 7 hrs and 47 mins
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In Defence of Witches
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Summary
A source of terror, a misogynistic image of woman inherited from the trials and the pyres of the great early modern witch hunts—in In Defence of Witches, the witch is recast as a powerful role model to women today: an emblem of power, free to exist beyond the narrow limits society imposes on women.
Whether selling grimoires on Etsy, posting photos of their crystal-adorned altar on Instagram or gathering to cast spells on Donald Trump, witches are everywhere. But who exactly were the forebears of these modern witches? Who was historically accused of witchcraft, often meeting violent ends? What types of women have been censored, eliminated, repressed over the centuries?
Mona Chollet takes three archetypes from historic witch hunts and examines how far women today have the same charges levelled against them: independent women; women who choose not to have children; and women who reject the idea that to age is a terrible thing. Finally, Chollet argues that by considering the lives of those who dared to live differently, we can learn more about the richness of roles available, just how many different things a woman can choose to be.
Translated from the French by Sophie R Lewis.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
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Critic reviews
"What remains of the witch hunts? A stubborn misogyny, which still tints the way our societies look at single women, childless women, aging women, or quite simply, free women.... Today more than ever, witches tell us about our world and lead the way." (Télérama)
What listeners say about In Defence of Witches
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- Varvara the Fox
- 07-01-24
Brilliant in every aspect
A book every woman doubting her life choices needs to read. Reading this book is like talking to a very insightful, patient, and tolerant friend. Thanks to the author for deep research of the topic and a very readable format and content.
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- Ife
- 18-10-22
An eyeopening and inspiring insight
Lately, I have been greatly interested in reading books that assess the treatment, or lack there of, of women in society. Being in one that rests on patriarchial values, it wasn't surprising but still disheartening to hear how much women are still oppressed by men and the culture they have enforced on the world.
At the same time, it also filled me with a burning passion to change the narrative and do what I can so other women and witches like myself have the choice and opportunity to live as we choose, wthout guilt or reservation.
Thank you for this book. I will be relistening many many times I am certain.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Gemma Brady
- 08-11-23
Fascinating and Enjoyable Reading
I really enjoyed ‘In Defence of Witches’. A fascinating analysis of how the legacy of executing women continues today from the treatment of older women to the medical misogyny that we all experience and recognise. Can’t recommend this book highly enough.
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- Rachael Ross
- 22-07-22
Fantastic
Absolutely brilliant. This book has made me look at the world in a completely different way, and how I look at things. Informative and interesting this is an amazing representation and opinion on the treatment of women throughout the ages and an interesting view of our treatment now, especially following the events in America 2022
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Festilady
- 03-11-23
Every woman needs to hear this!
I really enjoyed the way this historical review of how male domination over the lives, thoughts and desires of women has been achieved. An excellent book.
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- Anonymous User
- 14-12-23
Men are repulsive: the contempt I hold them.
The shocking history of what misogynistic men did to women. It is truly a miracle that we are still here.
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- Jess09
- 19-02-24
Every woman needs to read this
An eye opening book performed wonderfully. Every woman needs to read this. It aided in my understanding of why society has such a choke hold over women even today.
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- Anonymous User
- 09-07-23
Massively recommend
Really eye opening. Love the links to historical misogyny. Excellent narration and a very original look at the situation as it stands
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- Amazon Customer
- 03-02-24
Great comparison
Amazing to see that the “witches” of the past aren’t different to the women of today just trying to get by in this crazy world
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