The Witches of Vardo

THE WITCHES ARE COMING! ‘Glorious and vivid … It swept me away…’ – Christy Lefteri, author of The Beekeeper of Aleppo

They will have justice. They will show their power. They will not burn.

‘Three women’s fight for survival in a time of madness’ Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Mercies

Norway, 1662. A dangerous time to be a woman, when even dancing can lead to accusations of witchcraft. After recently widowed Zigri’s affair with the local merchant is discovered, she is sent to the fortress at Vardo to be tried as a witch.

Zigri’s daughter Ingeborg sets off into the wilderness to try to bring her mother back home. Accompanying her on this quest is Maren – herself the daughter of a witch – whose wild nature and unconquerable spirit gives Ingeborg the courage to venture into the unknown, and to risk all she has to save her family.

Also captive in the fortress is Anna Rhodius, once the King of Denmark’s mistress, who has been sent in disgrace to the island of Vardo. What will she do – and who will she betray – to return to her privileged life at court?

These Witches of Vardo are stronger than even the King. In an age weighted against them, they refuse to be victims. They will have their justice. All they need do is show their power.

‘An intricately woven, timeless novel about prejudice, misogyny, freedom and the power and strength we can find within’ – Christy Lefteri, author of The Beekeeper of Aleppo

‘A passionate indictment of the patriarchy … a vibrant exaltation of the resilience of women … Anya Bergman summons a historic witch trial with breathtaking detail and immediacy’ Hannah Kent, author of Burial Rites

‘Brilliant and powerful. Haunting and beautifully written. A complex and gripping novel reclaiming and retelling the stories of the women accused of witchcraft in Norway. Hugely atmospheric. Read it!’ – Liz Hyder, author of The Gifts