Kissing the Witch is a collection of interconnected fairy tale retellings written by Emma Donoghue. The book was first published in 1997 and offers a refreshing take on the traditional tales. Instead of focusing solely on the familiar stories, Donoghue weaves a narrative that connects the lives of the female protagonists. In Kissing the Witch, Donoghue explores the complexities of female relationships and the power dynamics present in traditional fairy tales. The retellings often give voice to the marginalized characters, emphasizing their agency and resilience. From Cinderella to the Little Mermaid, Donoghue subverts the original narratives and creates thought-provoking stories that challenge societal expectations.
When Thomas came home angry and drunk one night and threw Mary into the hearth, she began to be more afraid of her husband. Later, Mary’s mother gifts her with three-tined forks that her father imported from England. Mary refuses them as they are seen as “the Devil’s tines”’ in her community. Soon after, Mary finds two of the forks buried in front of her house. Wishing to see who placed the satanic offerings in her yard, she reburies them. Catherine finds her doing so and accuses Mary of placing them there herself and of practicing witchcraft. That night, after Catherine flees and Thomas wakes up, he stabs one of the forks into Mary’s hand, breaking the bones. The next day, Mary flees to her parent’s house, telling them everything, and prepares to divorce Thomas.
She is originally from England and has been living with her husband, Thomas Deerfield, the antagonist of the novel, and his indentured servant girl, Catherine. HOUR OF THE WITCH offers a propulsive and powerful tale of what can happen when a person who is pushed to the brink simply refuses to accept the status quo and pushes forward in a quest for justice.
From Cinderella to the Little Mermaid, Donoghue subverts the original narratives and creates thought-provoking stories that challenge societal expectations. Each story in the collection serves as a stepping stone to the next, creating a cohesive and intricate web of narratives. The tales bleed into each other seamlessly, allowing the reader to actively engage with the interconnected world Donoghue has created.
Hour of the Witch
The themes of love, desire, and identity are explored through multiple lenses, giving depth and nuance to the characters and their motivations. One of the notable aspects of Kissing the Witch is its exploration of queer relationships and non-conventional forms of love. Donoghue introduces same-sex relationships, questioning gender norms and heteronormative expectations often prevalent in traditional fairy tales. These nuanced representations add another layer of complexity to the retellings and challenge the reader's preconceived notions. The title, Kissing the Witch, alludes to the idea of breaking free from societal constraints and embracing one's true desires and identity. The act of kissing the witch becomes a metaphorical symbol of liberation and defiance. It represents the courage to challenge authority and the willingness to face the consequences. Furthermore, the emphasis on the witch as a central character subverts the traditional associations of vilification and instead offers a more nuanced portrayal of powerful women. Overall, Kissing the Witch is a captivating collection that reimagines traditional fairy tales with a feminist lens. Emma Donoghue expertly interweaves the stories, creating a vibrant tapestry of interconnected narratives. The book challenges societal norms, explores the complexities of female relationships, and celebrates the power of self-discovery and liberation..
Reviews for "Navigating Love and Loss in 'Kissing the Witch"
1. John - 2 stars - "I found 'Kissing the Witch' to be highly confusing and disjointed. The author jumps from one fairy tale to another without any clear transitions, making it difficult to follow the story. Additionally, the characters lacked depth and development, making it hard to connect with any of them. Overall, I was disappointed with the lack of a cohesive narrative and characterization in this book."
2. Emily - 1 star - "I couldn't get past the first few pages of 'Kissing the Witch' as it just did not capture my interest at all. The writing felt convoluted and pretentious, with excessive use of flowery language that made it hard to understand what was actually happening. The feminist twist on classic fairy tales sounded promising, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and engaging read."
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "I struggled to finish 'Kissing the Witch' as I found the writing style to be overly dense and difficult to grasp. The author's attempts at reimagining fairy tales felt forced and lacking in originality. The stories seemed to drag on without much purpose or direction. While I appreciate the feminist undertones, they weren't enough to make up for the lackluster storytelling and unengaging prose. Sadly, this book did not live up to my expectations."