In so many YA stories, we can see all the choices the protagonists makes-and the easy ones they’re oblivious to-that make us scream in frustration at the stupidity of it all. We can understand why she’s so desperate to get money and get out. Her character is flawed, stubborn to the bone and bold in a somewhat frightening way, but I think it’s part of what drew me to her it makes her character resourceful and independent, sometimes to a fault, but human in a way I feel all readers can relate to.Īnd it makes Katrell’s choices surrounding her ability, though morally wrong and obviously misguided, all the more compelling. I found myself screaming at all the horrid people in her life, mourning her losses, caring for her future, and wanting her to find a way out.
There were times I was close to tears or so full of fury for her situation that I was spitting fire. Bad Witch Burning hit home for me in ways I can’t articulate at the moment. Perhaps the most heart-breaking (and relatable) aspect of Katrell’s life is her having to deal with the disappointments of childhood. We witness the pendulum of emotions abused children often experience: love for the ones who hurt us, but also resentment, the desire to escape, insecurity, anger, longing, the endless wonders of what if this time is really different. There is an escalating level of domestic violence throughout the story, which some readers might find uncomfortable, but in my opinion, is a crucial aspect of understanding Katrell’s journey. Her mother is a selfish, manipulative thief, and she enables her boyfriend to abuse Katrell. Katrell isn’t merely a girl with the ability to summon the dead for a little chat she’s also a teen struggling to graduate from high school, work full time, pay all the bills, and navigate the complicated feelings she harbors towards her mother.Ībusive would be too light a word for it, honestly. It’s emotional, powerful, and dark-readers should review content warnings before diving in-but there was also hope, relief, and empowerment. Not all the adults were horrible peopleīecause of these reasons, Bad Witch Burning is hands down one of my favorite books of 2021.But before I gush about how this book utterly destroyed me, I want to highlight the main reasons I couldn’t put Bad Witch Burning down: This made Bad Witch Burning all the more compelling and bittersweet.
I found myself torn between fury, fear, sorrow, and even moments of joy and relief. It’s been awhile since I’ve found myself so emotionally-involved with a story, but damn, Bad Witch Burningby Jessica Lewis hit all the raw places.
Narrative style: third person | Perspective(s): Katrell
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