Overview

The Burnings is a historical novel set during the witch trials in sixteenth-century Scotland and Denmark. The story follows two women whose lives are shaped by fear, belief, and power, even though they stand on very different sides of it. As accusations spread and panic grows, the novel shows how quickly suspicion can turn neighbours against each other, and how dangerous it is to be a woman who does not fit.

Writing & Atmosphere

The writing is direct and fast moving, with short chapters that build tension steadily. We are taken from coastal villages to royal courts, from quiet homes to public trials. The world feels harsh and uncertain, with weather, travel, and religion shaping daily life. Nothing feels safe or stable, and that sense of threat runs through the whole book.

Characters

The two central women are clearly drawn and easy to tell apart. Each is trying to survive within strict limits placed on her, using the tools available to her. Around them are ministers, officials, healers, and neighbours, many of whom act out of fear as much as cruelty. Relationships shift as pressure increases, and trust becomes a rare and risky thing.

Themes

This book looks closely at power, belief, and misogyny. It shows how stories and rumours can become weapons, and how institutions use fear to control people. While rooted in history, the questions it raises about who is believed and who is blamed still feel very current.

What Worked

• Strong momentum: the plot moves quickly without losing emotional weight.
• Evocative setting: cold rooms, dangerous journeys, and uneasy communities feel real.
• Clear moral focus: the book condemns the system while keeping its characters human.

Minor Quibbles

• The number of historical figures and roles can be a little dense in the middle.
• A late reveal resolves quite neatly after a long build of tension.

Final Thoughts

The Burnings is a tense and compassionate historical novel that brings the horror of the witch trials into sharp focus through the lives of women trying to endure them.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)