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The Last Witch of Scotland
- A bewitching story based on true events
- Narrated by: Samara MacLaren, Steven Cree
- Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins
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The Last Witch of Scotland
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Summary
Being a woman was her only crime.
Scottish Highlands, 1727.
In the aftermath of a tragic fire that kills her father, Aila and her mother, Janet, move to the remote parish of Loth, north-west of Inverness. Blending in does not come easily to the women: Aila was badly burned in the fire and left with visible injuries, while her mother struggles to maintain her grip on reality. When a temporary minister is appointed in the area, rather than welcome the two women, he develops a strange curiosity for them that sets them even further apart from the community.
Then arrives a motley troupe of travelling entertainers from Edinburgh, led by the charismatic but mysterious Jack. It is just the distraction Janet, and particularly Aila, needs: for the first time in a long while, their lives are filling with joy and friendship, and a kind of hope Aila hasn't known since her father's death. But in this small community, faith is more powerful than truth, and whispers more dangerous even than fire.
Haunting and deeply moving, The Last Witch of Scotland is a story of love, loyalty and sacrifice, inspired by the true story of the last person to be executed for witchcraft in Britain.
Critic reviews
"Compelling, evocative, heart-wrenching... Highly recommended." (Fiona Valpy, author of The Storyteller of Casablanca)
Featured article: Witches in fiction: 12 historical fiction books to listen to this Halloween
Throughout history, women have been branded as witches by people scared of their power, confidence and independence. In days past, accusations of being a witch – thrown at women for everything from being talented at working with herbs to being in the vicinity of a death – could result in banishment or even death. These 12 audiobooks, perfect for the longer nights, colder weather and the Halloween season, tell the stories of women through history, from goddesses to regular women, through a mix of horror, fantasy and historical fiction.
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What listeners say about The Last Witch of Scotland
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mrs.M.Clews
- 19-01-24
One of the best books I have read
This heart wrenching tale is beautifully written and narrated. It is based on the truth, which makes it more compulsive listening. The horrific description of burning was so compelling. I actually finished it in two sessions, the last one taking 4 hours, because I just had to listen until the end
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- ChristelVX
- 25-01-24
Heartbreaking
I loved this book. I was instantly back in time and feeling the pain of these people. Well researched and pieced together to make a wonderful novel. Definitely a book I will now buy in physical copy.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Fran Manca
- 12-12-23
Loved every second of it
Gripping, emotional, funny.
Beautifully defined characters and a story with twists and turns. You'll laugh, cry, be angry, then happy, then hopeful.
Absolutely brilliant.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mark B.
- 20-12-23
can't fault this book.
Admittedly it's not going to win a Pulitzer, but it will definitely win your heart .
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Sofia Jones
- 11-05-23
I laughed and cried
As a modern day witch in Scotland, this book was incredibly moving. Not only for the injustices faced by so called witches but for women everywhere.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Rhona Dickson
- 09-04-24
the injustice
I really enjoyed this book. it kept me gripped from beginning to end. the fact that it was based on a true story made it even more poignant.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- KayLeMo
- 09-01-24
mezmerizing, heartbreaking yet fringed with light and hope
It has been a while since a book has had me shed a tear, and at a certain point I was weeping as though for a friend. Each character is brought to life in just the rjght way. The story an important one to tell and although based on true events, much has been curated as history has left many gaps to be filled in Janet Hornes tale. I believe the gaps have been tenderly and respectfully filled by the author. I must note that the book has been narrated beautifully too.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mrs E.
- 19-05-23
You did Janet Horne proud.
I’ve stood at Janet’s stone in Dornoch and thought someone should write her story. I was going to do it. I’m glad I didn’t. Thank you for telling Janet’s story the way you did. You did her proud.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 29-01-24
My first Audible...
As the title suggests, this is the first audio book I have listened to. I am Scottish too, and I was drawn to the story, along with the free sample. I have no prior knowledge regarding the witch trials in Scotland, and although this book is written as fiction, it is based on true events. I feel awfully ignorant for being unaware of what so many people, mostly women, endured during the witch trials. I aspire to learn more. I loved this story, and thought it was pieced together elegantly! I've recommended it to all of my friends!
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- Kazz
- 19-04-23
Really enjoyed
Being from the central belt of Scotland, I know a bit about the history of the witch trials & enjoyed this story & it’s links to the history
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2 people found this helpful