Burnt Offerings is a novel you have to brace yourself for.
The injustices against healers and women deemed to have sinned makes it a difficult but gripping read.
Set in Scotland in 1589 and based on historical records, this is a no holds barred re-telling of the infamous North Berwick Witch Trials that took place in the 16th century.
Like the women in this stirring tale, the readers are not spared from the horror or persecution and torture.
Besse Craw is a young mother whose husband vanishes mysteriously. In a time when women were powerless, she is accused of witchcraft, abused by her employer and destined to lose her daughter Jenny, her freedom and her life.
The story is told from the lips of the accused.
As Besse fights for justice in a world of suspicion and lies, she uncovers long-held secrets.
Throughout this tale, the invested reader wills Besse on. How far will she go to save herself when telling the truth can not set her free?
Burnt Offerings is writer Danielle Devlin’s debut novel. She studied for a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing and won a place on the Future Bookshelf mentoring programme with a story that would later become this book, published by Polygon this month. Paperback is £9.99 and it is is also available as an eBook.
Caption: Burnt Offerings by Danielle Devlin
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