The Burnings by Naomi Kelsey, a book review

This was my book club’s book for this month, but I’ve now changed venues so it’s my book for next month and I have a week to read this month’s book!! I have read historical books about witches before so I was looking forward to reading The Burnings by Naomi Kelsey.

The Blurb

Nothing scares men like witchcraft…

1589. Scottish housemaid Geillis and Danish courtier Margareta lead opposite lives, but they both know one thing: when a man cries “witch”, no woman is safe.

Yet when the marriage of King James VI and Princess Anna of Denmark brings Geillis and Margareta together, everything they supposed about good, evil, men, and women, is cast in a strange and brilliant new light.

For the first time in history, could black magic – or rumours of it – be a very real tool for women’s political gain?

As the North Berwick witch trials whip Scotland – and her king – into a frenzy of paranoia, the clock is ticking. Can Margareta and Geillis keep each other safe? And once the burnings are over, in whose hands will power truly lie?

Inspired by the incredible true story that set 16th-century Scotland and Denmark alight, The Burnings is 2023’s most bewitching debut novel, by a multi-award winning new star of historical fiction.

My Review of The Burnings

It actually makes me shiver to think that this book is based on a true story. At the end the author gives her historical notes. She certainly did her research.

It’s a long but riveting story. With old language but not too old that it makes it hard to read. I had the paperback and the writing was small and the book thick so I knew it was going to be a long read, and it was.

Straight away you are swept into horror of witch burning in Denmark, but then the Princess is sent to marry King James VI in Scotland and along with her, her maiden and long time friend Margareta.

There is witchcraft performed, first to stop the boats from crossing from Denmark to Scotland, then to prevent the young married royals from keeping a baby. The midwives were often the first blamed for being witches because they used herbs and potions. If the babies or mothers died then it was often believed to be witchcraft. Why anyone would even want to be a midwife back then I really don’t know. But, unlike her tutor, Geillis really did want to help young women bring their babies into the world.

Geillis forms a kind of friendship with the lady Margareta, but in a long story she gets tangled up in things she really doesn’t want to be part of. Poor Geillis is also abused by her employers and she really doesn’t have a good life, so the kindness of a Lady is a rare jewel in her life.

Then the book gets dark as James VI starts a round up of witches in Scotland and knows that his throne is threatened by Bothwell and his coven. He ends up torturing and murdering over 100 people in the name of witchcraft. The torture they endure, both men and women, is described and it’s really awful what they went through.

Will Geillis stay safe or be accused too, and what about her association with Margarita? Is anyone safe from a half crazy king who can’t bear a heir because he loves another man more than his queen?

I am actually glad I read this book. I know that Naomi Kelsey changed a few facts but her historical knowledge was quite apparent. It’s not a pleasant read in some places, but it’s also not all bad.

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