Minerva is a graduate student researching the life and work of Beatrice Tremblay, a lesser-known writer of macabre tales. When Minerva discovers that Tremblay’s most famous novel, The Vanishing, was inspired by a true story, her research takes a darker turn. During the Great Depression, Beatrice attended the same university Minerva now attends, and her roommate disappeared under mysterious circumstances. As Minerva uncovers more about Beatrice’s time at school, she begins to wonder whether the same sinister forces that followed Beatrice and her roommate are still lingering on campus. Even more unsettling, these forces echo the stories Minerva’s great-grandmother, Alba, once told her about her childhood in early 1900s Mexico and her own encounter with a witch.
The Bewitching is a supernatural horror novel that weaves together three different timelines: Minerva in the 1990s, Beatrice’s college years in the 1930s, and Nana Alba’s story in the early 1900s. Each timeline felt lush and vividly written, and the author did a wonderful job bringing them to life. While all three stories were captivating, Minerva’s was my favorite, and I really enjoyed how her storyline ended. My least favorite was Nana Alba’s. Although it was interesting and helped set the stage for the rest of the novel, there was a part of her story that gave me the ick.
This book was both creepy and mysterious. I loved the author’s interpretation of witches, warlocks, and their lore. The pacing did feel uneven at times, but the story really picks up in the second half, especially as the timelines begin to converge and it becomes clear how they are all connected.
I did have some unanswered questions by the end. There were a few intriguing characters who were pushed to the sidelines, and I think those relationships could have added even more depth to the story.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and while it wasn’t perfect, I thought it was good overall. I’d definitely consider picking up another one of her books in the future.
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