Grady Hendrix’s work often explores themes I wouldn’t typically expect a male author to handle with nuance, yet he consistently proves me wrong. In this novel, he delves into complex issues like teen pregnancy, systemic patriarchy, and the dynamics of power (gendered, racial, age, religious, etc.) with remarkable insight and empathy. While the title might suggest a more overtly supernatural tale, the witchcraft here is less the focus, rather the girl’s experiences and relationships take center stage. I had the opportunity to hear Hendrix speak on the historic portrayal of witches, and that context makes the book’s core message unmistakable: women possess immense power, regardless of whether witches are real, and society has repeatedly sought to diminish that power. Hendrix doesn’t just tell a story, he challenges societal norms and brings important social issues to the forefront.

Trigger warning: Contains graphic body horror, particularly related to pregnancy