Book description
'A thought-provoking, discursive survey by Mona Chollet, a bright light of Francophone feminism' - The New York Times
'Rousing . . . a very interesting take on contemporary feminist politics' - Irish Times
A source of terror, a misogynistic image of woman inherited from the trials and the pyres of…
Why read it?
2 authors picked In Defense of Witches as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
I originally read this book in French, so for me it was a little challenging as English is my first language. I got more out of it when reading the English version, but reading both for me was helpful. It drove home the idea, (that is very important to me, personally), that when a culture goes after witches, what they're actually doing is going after women with power, or women who refuse to submit.
They didn’t burn witches; they burned women. That is the central premise of this incredible book. I read the original in French and then re-read the English version. The translation is excellent. This book explores the idea of the Witch as a supernatural force and points to how magic was used as an excuse for the unconscious social forces that aimed to keep women in submission.
Women who will not submit are the actual witches. This book is a powerful reminder that whether a woman self-identifies as a witch or is called one, the real message is that she isn’t…
From Stacey's list on dangerous books for women to read.
If you love In Defense of Witches...
These Blue Mountains
A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.
German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…
Want books like In Defense of Witches?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 85 books like In Defense of Witches.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,366
readers submitted
so far, will you?
📚 If you like In Defense of Witches, you might also like...
Deadly Revenge
Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with…
The Duty of Memory
Separating the true stories from the myths, The Duty of Memory provides a deeper understanding of the diverse motivations that drove ordinary people to join an underground network of French Resistants despite terrible odds and horrifying consequences.
This book takes the reader inside the true story of men and women…
