Book Review: Slewfoot

Slewfoot a tale of bewitchery

A tense dark fairy tale like historical fiction combining elements of familiar folk lore and magic in a puritan New World setting of Sutton Connecticut. A struggle that starts fairly believable and normal when Abitha loses her husband and his brother wants to push her off the land or demands she marry him. However, there is something else in the woods. This tapestry of storytelling reflects a dark fairy tale qualities in tone including illustration plates. There are few main characters to focus on, and some supporting cast. However the book mostly focuses on two, the title Slewfoot (also later called Samson) and Abitha. Both these characters are transformed over the course of the book. A slower build as information about the identity of the Slewfoot, is discovered by the reader and the character himself as his memory is fuzzy/gone and the influence of goals is shifted. Themes of perception of self goodness vs society views of right, and changing after hardships and trauma. Becoming what is feared as a witch because they already have labeled Abitha as one.

The mysterious forest creature has woken from a slumber with few scattered memories. This ancient being has many names, one being Slewfoot. Agatha has lost her husband, tragic yet she's determined to keep her land from his brother, who wishes to take it from her, at any expense. A mythical tone with elements of folklore, the characters change and shift, Slewfoot/Samson being to collect his memories and find himself, torn between what he is being told he should be and what he desires. Agatha struggles with the village and her roles in the society, butting heads with what it means to be an independent woman and labeled a witch, when circumstances lead her to question her own roles in this world. A book with vivid rural imagery of a bygone era yet steeped with emotions that still resonate.