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The Witch's Get
The Witch’s Get tells the story of a healer; a woman who talks to plants, discerns illnesses by smell, and whose hands guide babies as they come into being. She lives in a time when it is not safe to be a woman, especially one who has been given the gift of healing. Mancy has hidden herself away from the world, determined to avoid the fate that has befallen so many women before her—being accused of witchcraft. But, when a wounded stranger is left in her care, she cannot suppress her nurturing instincts. As she cares for him, bringing him back to health, slowly she finds her own heart being healed as well.
170 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2013
7 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
About the author
Diana Janopaul
2 books11 followersDiana Janopaul is a homebirth midwife who lives and practices in North Florida. She has been catching babies for many years and loves midwifery and crafting herbal salves and balms She also loves sharing stories--especially stories about birth--and has included many of her own experiences as a midwife in "The Witch's Get." She is married and is mother to Luke, Kenna, Evan, and Ben, who keep her life full of noise, laughter, and love. She writes on the sly when she absolutely can't postpone it any longer.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 23, 2013
Quotes: "There is no explaining away madness and cruelty. They existed then and they exist today." (p 2)
"The trouble with words is that they are just that-words. Sitting by themselves on a page, or hanging in the air after an utterance, they are, in and of themselves, meaningless." (p 2)
"The difference between us, me and Annie, was that my loneliness was self-imposed, chosen purposefully to evade other, more unbearable fates. Her loneliness was a creature of its own doing. It invaded her life. Uninvited, it snuck in through a crack in the wall or under the door and took root among the children and animals, staring at her and mocking her. She tried to deny it, perhaps. After all, how can a person be lonely when sharing a small cottage with four or five children-I never could keep count--and a husband. Nevertheless, there it was, always lurking about." (p 46)
""What if someone sees me, sees us? Maybe this is not a good idea."
"We're just a man and wife going out for a scoot. No law against that, is there?"" (p 51)
"By that point, the sweet hope of happiness that we are all blessed with at birth had been chipped away through my life--sometimes coming off in huge chunks, but mostly sliver by sliver--leaving me hollow inside. Hollow and hardened, like an old tree struck by lightning." (p 68)
"I fell in love with her at that moment, all of her spite and harsh words forgotten. How does that happen so quickly? Why doesn't it happen more often?" (p 71)
This was a wonderful book! It will appeal to those who read books for their excellent writing and to those who read for the beautiful story! I know the author and found that in the first chapter I just kept rereading each paragraph because I was in awe of the writing and the truths captured into words (see above quotes). But the story was so gripping that soon, I forgot about the writer and just got caught up in the story! I highly recommend this book!
"The trouble with words is that they are just that-words. Sitting by themselves on a page, or hanging in the air after an utterance, they are, in and of themselves, meaningless." (p 2)
"The difference between us, me and Annie, was that my loneliness was self-imposed, chosen purposefully to evade other, more unbearable fates. Her loneliness was a creature of its own doing. It invaded her life. Uninvited, it snuck in through a crack in the wall or under the door and took root among the children and animals, staring at her and mocking her. She tried to deny it, perhaps. After all, how can a person be lonely when sharing a small cottage with four or five children-I never could keep count--and a husband. Nevertheless, there it was, always lurking about." (p 46)
""What if someone sees me, sees us? Maybe this is not a good idea."
"We're just a man and wife going out for a scoot. No law against that, is there?"" (p 51)
"By that point, the sweet hope of happiness that we are all blessed with at birth had been chipped away through my life--sometimes coming off in huge chunks, but mostly sliver by sliver--leaving me hollow inside. Hollow and hardened, like an old tree struck by lightning." (p 68)
"I fell in love with her at that moment, all of her spite and harsh words forgotten. How does that happen so quickly? Why doesn't it happen more often?" (p 71)
This was a wonderful book! It will appeal to those who read books for their excellent writing and to those who read for the beautiful story! I know the author and found that in the first chapter I just kept rereading each paragraph because I was in awe of the writing and the truths captured into words (see above quotes). But the story was so gripping that soon, I forgot about the writer and just got caught up in the story! I highly recommend this book!
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August 31, 2014An effective narrative exploration of scapegoating within the context of Scotland prior to modernity. Specifically dealing with women who choose to eschew Christianity in favor of communing with nature and using herbs and intuition to assist those in need, whether they be dying, birthing, or somewhere in between.
The narrator speaks from beyond the pale, holding the plot's tension up until the very end. The use of the word "witch" is mostly used as a pejorative term—by the narrator in the main story though in the otherworldly introduction, she does express more of a sense of ownership of that word. By which I mean that within the act of narration, the character stresses repeatedly that she is nothing more than a healer—and at times even denies such, out of fear of being thought of as a witch.
The language was straightforward and effective, the imagery nice, the resonances on time.
There is the sex, yes, and it is heavily arousing, yes, but by no means explicit—there's much more fleshing out of how the two character's relate on a day-to-day, moment-to-moment basis. You know, like, emotionally.
As a reader, I approached this text rather much the same: rushing through more than half of the thing in a single night, attempting to sneak a few pages in during the day, and then trying to finish it all the next night except falling asleep; then starting to reading around other texts before returning for the climax & then slowing it all way way down so as to savor the words.
The censor in me wants to let prospective readers know that there are some graphic depictions of violence and torture. Which is perhaps to be expected of a book written for adults that contains the word "witch" in the title, given the long sad record of castigating those who use the earth to heal. So, yeah, trigger warning, in case you're at all sensitive to unseemly cruelty.
Overall, it was good. Though I borrowed this, I would purchase another book by Janopaul.
The narrator speaks from beyond the pale, holding the plot's tension up until the very end. The use of the word "witch" is mostly used as a pejorative term—by the narrator in the main story though in the otherworldly introduction, she does express more of a sense of ownership of that word. By which I mean that within the act of narration, the character stresses repeatedly that she is nothing more than a healer—and at times even denies such, out of fear of being thought of as a witch.
The language was straightforward and effective, the imagery nice, the resonances on time.
There is the sex, yes, and it is heavily arousing, yes, but by no means explicit—there's much more fleshing out of how the two character's relate on a day-to-day, moment-to-moment basis. You know, like, emotionally.
As a reader, I approached this text rather much the same: rushing through more than half of the thing in a single night, attempting to sneak a few pages in during the day, and then trying to finish it all the next night except falling asleep; then starting to reading around other texts before returning for the climax & then slowing it all way way down so as to savor the words.
The censor in me wants to let prospective readers know that there are some graphic depictions of violence and torture. Which is perhaps to be expected of a book written for adults that contains the word "witch" in the title, given the long sad record of castigating those who use the earth to heal. So, yeah, trigger warning, in case you're at all sensitive to unseemly cruelty.
Overall, it was good. Though I borrowed this, I would purchase another book by Janopaul.
March 11, 2014
Diana is a good friend of ours from Florida who, like the main character in her book, has a true gift for healing. Her calming, nurturing presence helped me bring my two oldest children into the world, and I couldn't have done it without her. Diana weaves her experiences as a home-birth midwife into this wonderful story about witchcraft, identity, love, and healing.
December 20, 2020
A story just as powerful and beautiful as the woman who wrote it. It is a wonderfully crafted little novel. I really liked it, maybe even more so this second time around. No words I have seem to be enough.
March 31, 2014
what a beautiful written book ! i enjoyed this book completly . i would highly reccomend everyone read the book . thank you diana for letting me get a copy first ..
October 5, 2025
Reading this book was a very sensory experience. The language was beautiful without being too flowery. Although there were slice-of-life moments and endearing moments, this was not a cozy lighthearted book. There was some misery, and towards the end I was getting distressed. But the ending relieved me although I admit I'm also a little sad for some reason. I also didn't want the story to end.
This book reminded me a bit of another book that was set in modern times, and has an agoraphobic witch. But it had similar themes of healing, opening up, learning to trust and falling for a sweet supportive guy.
I would definitely read another book by this author.
This book reminded me a bit of another book that was set in modern times, and has an agoraphobic witch. But it had similar themes of healing, opening up, learning to trust and falling for a sweet supportive guy.
I would definitely read another book by this author.
September 18, 2023
Just an interesting read
You’ll like Mancy, though her life has been tough. She’s someone mothers can identify with. You can also understand her fears; taught through experience. Her knowledge of plants and illness speak of a time before modern doctors. The plants still work today.
Mancy finds love through her compassion and that love saves her. Not a depressing book in spite of its’ content.
You’ll like Mancy, though her life has been tough. She’s someone mothers can identify with. You can also understand her fears; taught through experience. Her knowledge of plants and illness speak of a time before modern doctors. The plants still work today.
Mancy finds love through her compassion and that love saves her. Not a depressing book in spite of its’ content.
August 12, 2018
Best story I have read in some time
December 9, 2013
A powerfully moving, provocative read that is utterly magical!
3 Stars
‘The Witch’s Get’ by Diana Janopaul explores the ancient connection between healing and Witchcraft; something that for many years merged together as one and the same. You could easily say that new life being brought into the world is ‘magical’ and yet it is also something natural. This wonderful book looks at a healer’s hands and use of herbs and plants {natural life around us}, with the fine line between nature and Witchcraft so close at times you might not be able to differentiate. If you are interested in maternity or childbirth, then this tale will fascinate you as the author’s insight and knowledge makes for such illuminating {and at times tear-jerking!} reading. Unlike your typical fictional novel on catching babies, D. Janopaul’s book is distinctly different and highly original as to the strong references to historic past and Witchcraft; especially views on it in the Middle Ages.
The Witch’s Get is a short story, or Novella that is emotive and full of heartfelt sincerity and warmth. Whether you are interested in ‘magic’ of the supernatural kind or you are interested in herbs, plants and healing ailments then you will find this a most intriguing read. I was drawn initially to this book for the magical elements and yet I found myself somewhat surprised by what I discovered…
This is a story about healing hearts and detecting hope. It focuses on the future and the divergence between fate and destiny, in all of our own lives. Rarely do I seldom come across a novel that is so full of heartfelt honesty, truth and significant inner meaning that it lingers within your mind for a long time afterward. The Witch’s Get is a beautiful book that I would highly recommend to all who seeks a sensational read of multilayered meaning and delicately interwoven subplots. {I won a paperback copy through a Goodreads, first-read book giveaway}.
3 Stars
‘The Witch’s Get’ by Diana Janopaul explores the ancient connection between healing and Witchcraft; something that for many years merged together as one and the same. You could easily say that new life being brought into the world is ‘magical’ and yet it is also something natural. This wonderful book looks at a healer’s hands and use of herbs and plants {natural life around us}, with the fine line between nature and Witchcraft so close at times you might not be able to differentiate. If you are interested in maternity or childbirth, then this tale will fascinate you as the author’s insight and knowledge makes for such illuminating {and at times tear-jerking!} reading. Unlike your typical fictional novel on catching babies, D. Janopaul’s book is distinctly different and highly original as to the strong references to historic past and Witchcraft; especially views on it in the Middle Ages.
The Witch’s Get is a short story, or Novella that is emotive and full of heartfelt sincerity and warmth. Whether you are interested in ‘magic’ of the supernatural kind or you are interested in herbs, plants and healing ailments then you will find this a most intriguing read. I was drawn initially to this book for the magical elements and yet I found myself somewhat surprised by what I discovered…
This is a story about healing hearts and detecting hope. It focuses on the future and the divergence between fate and destiny, in all of our own lives. Rarely do I seldom come across a novel that is so full of heartfelt honesty, truth and significant inner meaning that it lingers within your mind for a long time afterward. The Witch’s Get is a beautiful book that I would highly recommend to all who seeks a sensational read of multilayered meaning and delicately interwoven subplots. {I won a paperback copy through a Goodreads, first-read book giveaway}.
December 5, 2013
An extraordinary story. An otherworldly narrator begins her story, letting us, the reader know, it is a snippet of her life, that she was a liar from necessity and very good at it - but she has no need of it now. Samantha, "Mancy", the village healer, although she wishes not to be called that, for it is only a step closer to the whisper of being called a witch, has kept to herself. The intuition she listens to, the herbs and flowers she gathers, the dreams that guide her - she knows these things are dangerous, knows first hand..from her mother to the woman she studied under, so she never wants coin or attention.
That changes one night, when a man is brought to her gravely injured by his brother, left to heal or die. With her determination she works fervently to heal him and begins to weave a lie even she can not escape - that he is her long, lost husband, William. He is there to heal her too. But soon the whispers begin and witch is muttered.. it might be too late.
Expressive and descriptive, powerful writing in an original story. The reading is so pleasant, like Irish lilt is to the ear. Ms. Janopaul has a voice, I am listening and looking forward to more.
*****This is a First Reads Thank You Goodreads*****
That changes one night, when a man is brought to her gravely injured by his brother, left to heal or die. With her determination she works fervently to heal him and begins to weave a lie even she can not escape - that he is her long, lost husband, William. He is there to heal her too. But soon the whispers begin and witch is muttered.. it might be too late.
Expressive and descriptive, powerful writing in an original story. The reading is so pleasant, like Irish lilt is to the ear. Ms. Janopaul has a voice, I am listening and looking forward to more.
*****This is a First Reads Thank You Goodreads*****
February 14, 2015
This book was excellent. It was quite well-written, with an engaging narrator. She had a unique voice that managed to pull the reader in at the same time she appeared to hold you at a distance. I became so engaged in her "earthly" narrative that I completely forgot she was speaking from beyond the grave. It was not a predictable ending, which I appreciate, and there were two specific moments late in the book that really got my heart soaring (and one that made me gasp and cry--the names!). I can wholeheartedly recommend The Witch's Get.
May 13, 2014
Diana is an amazing, sweet caregiver - and reading her book gave me the same sense of calm peace she radiates when caring for a patient. Loved the story - but admit I'm not entirely sure what to make of the conclusion.
March 10, 2014
Really good! Diana Janopaul is a wonderful friend and a healer too. And now it turns out she's an excellent writer. The book is vivid and gripping, and the characters are great. Highly recommended.
May 12, 2014
I started it once. Renewed it twice and then finally got into it the day before it was due. Loved it. Glad I read it. That was a hard time to live in. Very superstitious.
June 22, 2017
Amazing. Beautifully written and a wonderful story. Thanks Diana!
December 16, 2014
I really enjoyed this story and the writing was pretty good! A wonderful surprise of a book!
November 22, 2016
Quick read!
I enjoyed the main character and her romantic tale. This is not your stereotypical witch story, as it takes place in Scotland.
I enjoyed the main character and her romantic tale. This is not your stereotypical witch story, as it takes place in Scotland.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews