‘Witch Child’ by Celia Rees is about a young girl called Mary who is thought to be a witch. She has never known her parents, only her grandmother. Then some men who torture and threaten Mary, take her grandmother away and set out to prove that she is a witch. They end up killing her and Mary has set out with some allies to the new world for a new life. The book witch child is a bit slow at the start, but after a while the book turns out to be very interesting. It’s quite the read I enjoyed, but really it depends on what kind of novels you’re into. If you like a bit of wonder and mystery, then “Witch Child’ is the book for you. I haven’t finished the book but I read it whenever I can. It’s a great novel. Mary inspires you, as she is basically an outcast being a witch, and she learns to fend for herself. Even without any family left, she accompanies a few people on her journey. I won’t say any more, you will have to read for yourself. I like ‘Witch Child’ so far and I recommend the book to other teens. by Emerson, Year 9
This book starts off by pulling you straight into the story of Mary, a witch child. Her grandmother is dead, hung against her will. People said she was a witch, but Mary knew better. Now Mary has to be careful of what she does and what she says because if she does anything out of the ordinary she will share the same fate as her grandmother. Mary has to run to get away and with the help of a veiled woman, she does just that. You think Mary’s life has come to an end but it has just begun, because in a time when superstition ruled the world and things go wrong, the first person they point to is the one who is mysterious, different. People around Mary believe she is just that – different. This book is set in the 1600s. I found the book interesting at the start, but it tended to drag in the middle until a very exciting end. Despite this, for a true story I found this book compelling overall. By Melissa Yr 9
‘Witch child’ written by Celia Rees is a book about a young girl, Mary, a suspected witch who has never known her parents and lives with her grandmother.
From what I have read so far I would rate the book 3 and a half stars out of 5, but that may change as I read more of the book. To be able to read this book, you need to be patient. It opens with a little bit of action but then dies down and I have not run into anymore action yet. Also the author of this book uses old fashioned language which I cannot relate to. On a positive note, this book goes into great detail when explaining certain events, such as the thunderstorm while they’re on the ship, which I enjoyed reading. Daniel, Year 9
‘Witch Child’ is an interesting book that captures the audience. It makes the reader feel as if he/she is travelling along the journey of the book with the main character Mary. Mary is a young girl who was cared for by her grandmother during her childhood. When suspicions arise about Mary’s grandmother Eliza Nutall becoming a witch she is killed, and Mary is taken away to sail on a ship to America. The main plot of the book is about Mary’s journey on the ship and the turnout of her life once reaching America. So far this book has swept my mind into the story of Mary’s journey. I believe this is because the author goes into great detail about the events that happen throughout the story. ‘Witch child’ is an inviting book to read and I am eager to read more. Jasmine, Year 9
‘Witch Child’ is not an ordinary book. The start of the book is about Mary, a witch child whose grandmother is being accused of witchery and is sentenced to death by the people in their community. At the execution of Mary’s grandmother, she is taken away by a strange woman whom she has never met. With the woman’s intentions to keep Mary safe, she sends Mary away to America to start a new life and reveals to her that she is her mother. This book explains Mary’s journey to America and her experiences once she has reached her destination. Meeting many people on the way, Mary builds relationships which will help her through many ordeals. I recommend ‘Witch Child’ to anyone who enjoys something out of the ordinary. Great effort is placed into the description of this book which makes it appear more real. I really enjoyed ‘Witch Child’ and I would be happy to read other books written by Celia Rees. Emily, Year 9