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In Defence of Witches

A dynamic feminist polemic examining why women are still on trial in modern society

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In Defence of Witches

By: Mona Chollet, Sophie R Lewis - translator
Narrated by: Alix Dunmore
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About this listen

'Intriguing' – The Sunday Times
'A rousing read' – The Irish Times

Renowned journalist Mona Chollet recasts the witch as a powerful role model: an emblem of strength, free to exist beyond the narrow limits society imposes on women.

Taking three archetypes from historic witch hunts – independent women, women who avoid having children and women who embrace ageing – Chollet examines how women today have the same charges levelled against them. She calls for justice in healthcare, challenging the gender imbalance in science and questioning why female bodies are still controlled by men.

Rich with popular culture, literary references and media insights, In Defence of Witches is a vital addition to the cultural conversation around women, witches and the misogyny that has shaped the world they live in.

With a foreword by Carmen Maria Machado and translated from French by Sophie R. Lewis.

'Thought-provoking . . . a bright light of Francophone feminism' – The New York Times

 Gender Studies Magic Other Religions, Practices & Sacred Texts Social Sciences Women Magic Users Witchcraft

Critic reviews

A thought-provoking, discursive survey by Mona Chollet, a bright light of Francophone feminism . . . Chollet has emerged as a quiet revolutionary, pushing back against the clichés and the patriarchy that shapes them. (Rachel Donadio)
What sets Chollet’s book apart is her aligning so clearly the historical mistreatment of so-called witches with the misogyny of the 21st century. The subtitle sums it up: why women are still on trial . . . a rousing read. (Sarah Gilmartin)
Explores the worldview that the witch hunt has sought to promote - and its consequences on society today
Mona Chollet reminds us how an infamous label has become a symbol of women's resistance to male domination.
[Mona Chollet] rehabilitates the figure of the witch, this dangerously independent, educated and strong woman.
[Mona Chollet] dissects this figure from our history – and our imagination – and demonstrates how women today, those who free themselves from certain social norms, are in fact the direct heirs of those who were pursued, hunted, censored, eliminated during the Renaissance.
The term “witches” is still used today to caricature women of power, aging women or quite simply free women . . . Mona Chollet wonders about what remains today of the great witch hunts, that is to say the massacre of tens of thousands of women in Europe between the 16th and 17th centuries . . . [She] ends up convincing: the witch is a figure more fascinating and empowering than repulsive.
What remains of the witch hunts? A stubborn misogyny, which still tints the way our societies look at single women, childless women, aging women, or quite simply, free women . . . Today more than ever, witches tell us about our world and lead the way.
A smart feminist treatise reclaiming the witch and her radical way of life as a path forward for womem . . . Chollet’s informed and passionate treatment will appeal to readers looking for more substance amid the witch trend that’s otherwise been largely commodified and often scrubbed of its feminist origins
All stars
Most relevant
Lately, I have been greatly interested in reading books that assess the treatment, or lack there of, of women in society. Being in one that rests on patriarchial values, it wasn't surprising but still disheartening to hear how much women are still oppressed by men and the culture they have enforced on the world.
At the same time, it also filled me with a burning passion to change the narrative and do what I can so other women and witches like myself have the choice and opportunity to live as we choose, wthout guilt or reservation.
Thank you for this book. I will be relistening many many times I am certain.

An eyeopening and inspiring insight

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This should be essential reading, for men and women. A whistle-stop run through of significant history, bringing it up to the present day.

Highly informative

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The shocking history of what misogynistic men did to women. It is truly a miracle that we are still here.

Men are repulsive: the contempt I hold them.

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Amazing to see that the “witches” of the past aren’t different to the women of today just trying to get by in this crazy world

Great comparison

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Absolutely brilliant. This book has made me look at the world in a completely different way, and how I look at things. Informative and interesting this is an amazing representation and opinion on the treatment of women throughout the ages and an interesting view of our treatment now, especially following the events in America 2022

Fantastic

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