The Last Witch Book

A brilliant, intelligent look at a struggle for power between the sexes; othering; and the inherent hypocrisy of misogyny. Munro really packs a punch with this powerful and atmospheric dramatization of the story of Janet Horne, the last woman to be executed for witchcraft in Scotland, in 1727.

The way the plot unfolds, and the level of ambiguity that Munro preserves, are both pitched perfectly. This further fuels the already tense atmosphere, and allows for both quietly unsettling moments, and moments of real pathos.

Janet as a heroine is fascinating, and skilfully constructed. She's endearing for her boldness of spirit, yet complex and flawed in her treatment of her disfigured daughter, Helen. She clearly loves Helen, and yet is capable of real cruelty. It becomes clear that her harsh words, designed to make her daughter feel utterly undesirable to others, are a means of keeping her close. This, however, is done as much to protect her from the dangerous world of men as it is to ensure she herself doesn't end up alone.

Despite finding herself in real danger, Janet knowingly perpetuates the belief that she may well be a witch. Neither denying it, nor outright proving it, she soon finds herself manipulated into an impossible situation. Having others fear her is her currency and her protection; the means by which she barters for goods, and provides for herself and her daughter. If she proves she is indeed a witch, she will be killed; if she admits it's all been a lie, she loses that power, and without a man to provide for her, she will be equally doomed. It is this bitter realisation that lies at the heart of Janet's excellent characterisation, and the play's somehow timeless look at how men abuse the system to keep women under their rule.

There's a suggestion running throughout that a large part of Janet's real magic is how she uses language and the powers of nature to control how people perceive her and the world around them, which I also loved. And there's a strong element of sisterhood, which was beautifully done.

It's an altogether shocking, rousing, yet moving tale; one I cannot wait to see play out on stage.