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Hag
At this, the Cailleach would release a single drop of indigo dye onto the topmost layer. See, she would tell her daughter. See? It bleeds through the topmost path and onto the next. In this way, so many things from the next world touch ours, and our world touches the layer beneath.
High above the sea, hidden in the rocky Scottish cliffs, something stirs. An ancient matriarchial power has set the wheels in motion for a long line of descendants. But to what end?
Spanning centuries of human history, these daughters of the lowland hag, the Cailleach, must navigate a world filled with superstition, hatred, violence, pestilence, and death to find their purpose. With pasts half remembered and destinies denied, the daughters of Cailleach are women with uncanny, and often feared, abilities to heal, to see the future and to cause great destruction and pain when threatened. With each passing generation, the waves crash against the shore, and the Cailleach awaits a homecoming that will bring everything full circle.
High above the sea, hidden in the rocky Scottish cliffs, something stirs. An ancient matriarchial power has set the wheels in motion for a long line of descendants. But to what end?
Spanning centuries of human history, these daughters of the lowland hag, the Cailleach, must navigate a world filled with superstition, hatred, violence, pestilence, and death to find their purpose. With pasts half remembered and destinies denied, the daughters of Cailleach are women with uncanny, and often feared, abilities to heal, to see the future and to cause great destruction and pain when threatened. With each passing generation, the waves crash against the shore, and the Cailleach awaits a homecoming that will bring everything full circle.
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2018
25 people are currently reading
3861 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Kaufman
8 books181 followersKathleen Kaufman is an author of magical realism and feminist gothic horror, exploring “the other” from ”the other’s” point of view. Her fiction explores how the horror of the past manifests in the present, and the inescapable intertwining of generational history. Her prose has been praised by Kirkus Reviews as “crisp, elegant” and “genuinely chilling” by Booklist. She is the author of the Diabhal trilogy, The Lairdbalor, soon to be a feature film directed by Nicholas Verso, Hag, and The Tree Museum. Kathleen is a professor at Santa Monica College and lives in Los Angeles with her husband, son, kitten, and hound.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
February 8, 2019
Review originally for Cemetery Dance posted Nov. 19th, 2018
The book Hag by Kathleen Kaufman is exactly what I’ve always wanted in a novel about witches. Every night, I crawled into bed and let my mind escape to the Scottish lowlands to hear more about the Cailleach — an ancient, matriarchal entity. The folklore and legend is intertwined with the modern day, coming-of-age story of the protagonist Alice Grace. Alice Grace has the ability to see things before they happen and sometimes it startles and scares her but often times, the gift serves her well.
I loved how the narrative kept going back and forth between the past and the future. It persuaded me to look fervently between the lines to find the connections.
Kaufman treats her readers to a unique storytelling style in which every chapter develops a little more of Alice’s character and persona as she ages and experiences life, love and loss. It took some getting used to at first, to trail after Alice as she moved quickly through childhood and adolescence, but I think ultimately it was an engaging literary device. It kept the story interesting as it spanned swiftly over many years instead of laboring over the details.
In tandem, we also get glimpses into a rich, historical narrative about the Cailleach and, if I’m honest with you now, these were my favorite pages. Kaufman effortlessly drew me into a magical story infused with the occult, strong female protagonists and atmospheric prose, so that I felt like I was standing on the cliffs of Scotland myself; a witness to the events unfolding. My review copy came with an Ingwaz design tattoo that I quickly applied to my left wrist. Who knows? Maybe I am a decedent with no real memory of my supernatural gifts or calling and I just need the provocation of my latent gifts to awaken my destiny. One can only hope.
I recommend this very highly to horror readers who enjoy tales of the occult told with opulence and dark mysticism — feels like reading secret tomes of old.
The book Hag by Kathleen Kaufman is exactly what I’ve always wanted in a novel about witches. Every night, I crawled into bed and let my mind escape to the Scottish lowlands to hear more about the Cailleach — an ancient, matriarchal entity. The folklore and legend is intertwined with the modern day, coming-of-age story of the protagonist Alice Grace. Alice Grace has the ability to see things before they happen and sometimes it startles and scares her but often times, the gift serves her well.
I loved how the narrative kept going back and forth between the past and the future. It persuaded me to look fervently between the lines to find the connections.
Kaufman treats her readers to a unique storytelling style in which every chapter develops a little more of Alice’s character and persona as she ages and experiences life, love and loss. It took some getting used to at first, to trail after Alice as she moved quickly through childhood and adolescence, but I think ultimately it was an engaging literary device. It kept the story interesting as it spanned swiftly over many years instead of laboring over the details.
In tandem, we also get glimpses into a rich, historical narrative about the Cailleach and, if I’m honest with you now, these were my favorite pages. Kaufman effortlessly drew me into a magical story infused with the occult, strong female protagonists and atmospheric prose, so that I felt like I was standing on the cliffs of Scotland myself; a witness to the events unfolding. My review copy came with an Ingwaz design tattoo that I quickly applied to my left wrist. Who knows? Maybe I am a decedent with no real memory of my supernatural gifts or calling and I just need the provocation of my latent gifts to awaken my destiny. One can only hope.
I recommend this very highly to horror readers who enjoy tales of the occult told with opulence and dark mysticism — feels like reading secret tomes of old.
November 30, 2018
We were never entirely in this world; even now, we both have one foot on the other side of the mist.
Based on Scottish folklore, this is a wonderful story of a long line of women and their ties to one another through the ages.
I have seen this described as horror but I don't consider this horror in any way. Much more in the lines of historical fiction with a mythological bent. This matriarchal line has ebbed and flowed throughout history and is building toward some future event. The narrative builds slowly as the story jumps back and forth in time to introduce you to the women who continue the legacy of Cailleach.
No one could enter this space without her permission; no one could even see it, and if they did, they would quickly forget. She moved the cabin out of the reality of man and just off to the side.
10/10
Based on Scottish folklore, this is a wonderful story of a long line of women and their ties to one another through the ages.
I have seen this described as horror but I don't consider this horror in any way. Much more in the lines of historical fiction with a mythological bent. This matriarchal line has ebbed and flowed throughout history and is building toward some future event. The narrative builds slowly as the story jumps back and forth in time to introduce you to the women who continue the legacy of Cailleach.
No one could enter this space without her permission; no one could even see it, and if they did, they would quickly forget. She moved the cabin out of the reality of man and just off to the side.
10/10
July 28, 2019
Abandoning at 80%. Apparently, I like my witches exclusively by Terry Pratchett.
Kaufman is talented as all get-out. But she switches POV among five, count 'em, five different generations of a Scottish family that runs heavily to wise-witchy-healing women. And I frequently can't recognize or recall which witch we're currently watching. (Coira? Alice? Muriel? Grandma Coira? Catherine?) Doesn't help a bit that they have few distinguishing traits to help me remember who's who. Once we get past Alice's red galoshes, we don't get that kind of helpful concrete level of detail.
And there's not really an overarching plot; instead, we get repeated persecution by numbskull villagers.
And ominous warnings that the Hag o' Hags is "stirring in her sleep." At the end of every. frickin'. chapter.
And I was in it for the folklore, and it turns out there's just not much of that here. Crivens!
Kaufman is talented as all get-out. But she switches POV among five, count 'em, five different generations of a Scottish family that runs heavily to wise-witchy-healing women. And I frequently can't recognize or recall which witch we're currently watching. (Coira? Alice? Muriel? Grandma Coira? Catherine?) Doesn't help a bit that they have few distinguishing traits to help me remember who's who. Once we get past Alice's red galoshes, we don't get that kind of helpful concrete level of detail.
And there's not really an overarching plot; instead, we get repeated persecution by numbskull villagers.
And ominous warnings that the Hag o' Hags is "stirring in her sleep." At the end of every. frickin'. chapter.
And I was in it for the folklore, and it turns out there's just not much of that here. Crivens!
December 26, 2019
Also available on the WondrousBooks blog.
I saw an intriguing review of this on Instagram, of all places, and I thought Hag might be my Halloween book for this year. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to finish it by Halloween, firstly, due to procrastination, and secondly, because once I got to it, it could barely hold my attention.
My expectation for Hag was something in terms of a slightly spooky, mostly mysterious witch novel set in, you might have guessed it, my new favourite place - Scotland. I guess I paid too little attention to the blurb and the GR reviews, because the book is neither one of the abovementioned things. Even when it comes to the setting, Scotland is only about 1/3 of it all, much of the book happening in Colorado, some in England.
If I had to describe Hag in one word, it would be unengaging. The novel revolves around a family of powerful witches, the chapters alternating between the Cailleach, an ancient witch, and her daughters, and Alice, one of the last descendants of the Cailleach.
The chapters about the Cailleach were brief and repetitive, and I'm saddened to think that the dull repetitiveness was rather intentional. Alice's chapters were a bit more diverse, following her throughout her entire life, from her early childhood in Glasgow, to her teenage years in the US, 20s in Venezuela, and back to Scotland.
There were quite a few daughters of the Cailleach mentioned in her chapters, with her watching over them, and them having varying degrees of her witching gift. In total, we were acquainted with more than ten hags from this family, and none were all too interesting or brought to flesh skillfully enough.
Least of all I liked Coira, because for the importance of her role in the book, she was just a blank page for the reader, completely unknowable and not even once seen through her own perspective.
If you're looking for:
a) something creepy/scary/spooky;
b) something magical;
c) well-written characters;
d) interesting plot,
I would not recommend Hag.
I saw an intriguing review of this on Instagram, of all places, and I thought Hag might be my Halloween book for this year. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to finish it by Halloween, firstly, due to procrastination, and secondly, because once I got to it, it could barely hold my attention.
My expectation for Hag was something in terms of a slightly spooky, mostly mysterious witch novel set in, you might have guessed it, my new favourite place - Scotland. I guess I paid too little attention to the blurb and the GR reviews, because the book is neither one of the abovementioned things. Even when it comes to the setting, Scotland is only about 1/3 of it all, much of the book happening in Colorado, some in England.
If I had to describe Hag in one word, it would be unengaging. The novel revolves around a family of powerful witches, the chapters alternating between the Cailleach, an ancient witch, and her daughters, and Alice, one of the last descendants of the Cailleach.
The chapters about the Cailleach were brief and repetitive, and I'm saddened to think that the dull repetitiveness was rather intentional. Alice's chapters were a bit more diverse, following her throughout her entire life, from her early childhood in Glasgow, to her teenage years in the US, 20s in Venezuela, and back to Scotland.
There were quite a few daughters of the Cailleach mentioned in her chapters, with her watching over them, and them having varying degrees of her witching gift. In total, we were acquainted with more than ten hags from this family, and none were all too interesting or brought to flesh skillfully enough.
Least of all I liked Coira, because for the importance of her role in the book, she was just a blank page for the reader, completely unknowable and not even once seen through her own perspective.
If you're looking for:
a) something creepy/scary/spooky;
b) something magical;
c) well-written characters;
d) interesting plot,
I would not recommend Hag.
April 15, 2020
4.5 Stars
It's seldom that I comment on a cover but in this case I have to say that the cover was a real disservice to the book. This is a beautiful novel with intertwined stories, principally of an ancient Scottish magical entity called Cailleach, that stems from the era of Scandinavian Scotland, and Alice Grace Kyles, one of Cailleach's descendants, along with a variety of other women descended from the Cailleach's line. Alice's story alternates chapters with Cailleach's stories and memories of her many daughters, slicing back and forth through time, eventually closing the circle. It's a beautiful novel and one that is well suited to those looking for a great Samhain read.
Those who know little about the Viking period in Scotland can read more about it here. The Ingwaz design on the cover of the book and used as chapter headers throughout the text is one of the original furthorc designs has an interesting history itself, not appearing part of the Kylver stone that lists the runes of the elder furthark. Named for Ing, a mythical male godlike figure who united the Vikings in peace and harmony, it symbolizes unity, completion. Though it is associated with maleness, I loved that it is claimed by the Cailleach as her symbol in this story.
ETA: found a link to more information on Cailleach... Beautiful images here.
I received a Digital Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It's seldom that I comment on a cover but in this case I have to say that the cover was a real disservice to the book. This is a beautiful novel with intertwined stories, principally of an ancient Scottish magical entity called Cailleach, that stems from the era of Scandinavian Scotland, and Alice Grace Kyles, one of Cailleach's descendants, along with a variety of other women descended from the Cailleach's line. Alice's story alternates chapters with Cailleach's stories and memories of her many daughters, slicing back and forth through time, eventually closing the circle. It's a beautiful novel and one that is well suited to those looking for a great Samhain read.
Those who know little about the Viking period in Scotland can read more about it here. The Ingwaz design on the cover of the book and used as chapter headers throughout the text is one of the original furthorc designs has an interesting history itself, not appearing part of the Kylver stone that lists the runes of the elder furthark. Named for Ing, a mythical male godlike figure who united the Vikings in peace and harmony, it symbolizes unity, completion. Though it is associated with maleness, I loved that it is claimed by the Cailleach as her symbol in this story.
ETA: found a link to more information on Cailleach... Beautiful images here.
I received a Digital Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2020
I’ve always wanted this book, and I’ve kinda been waiting all my life for someone to write it! It’s a beautiful exploration of family lines and witches through time. The “Hag” of the title refers to the women themselves, but also to the myth of the 3 women who can see the future.
Anyway I loved it.
Anyway I loved it.
March 5, 2019
This powerful, beautiful novel telling the story of Alice and the matriarchal line of the ‘Cailleach’ is folkloric, mystical and feminist. The themes of birthright and heritage are central to the story, and two threads weave Alice’s path with those of many other women.
Alice has the power to see others’ life paths, and as she goes back and forth between the United States and her ancestral land of Scotland, her power becomes more apparent and her relationships more complex. Her ‘sight’ is both frightening and life-affirming for her.
The stories contained within the Cailleach thread may be triggering for some (tales of abuse and violence to women), but they speak to how women have been treated for centuries, whether suspected of ‘witchcraft’ or not. These ‘hags’ who possess the ancient power of Ingwaz are all destined to join a circle that is only complete at the end of the story, and it’s then that the two threads are pulled together.
I read this as one of the picks by my fellow ‘horror postal book club’ friend, and it took a little while for me to adjust to the (actually beautiful) style of writing, but this comes across as less horror, and more folklore and myth. Spanning centuries and with a strong feminist voice, I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys literary fiction based in family and heritage, with a dark, mythical edge. It’s a unique and magical read.
Alice has the power to see others’ life paths, and as she goes back and forth between the United States and her ancestral land of Scotland, her power becomes more apparent and her relationships more complex. Her ‘sight’ is both frightening and life-affirming for her.
The stories contained within the Cailleach thread may be triggering for some (tales of abuse and violence to women), but they speak to how women have been treated for centuries, whether suspected of ‘witchcraft’ or not. These ‘hags’ who possess the ancient power of Ingwaz are all destined to join a circle that is only complete at the end of the story, and it’s then that the two threads are pulled together.
I read this as one of the picks by my fellow ‘horror postal book club’ friend, and it took a little while for me to adjust to the (actually beautiful) style of writing, but this comes across as less horror, and more folklore and myth. Spanning centuries and with a strong feminist voice, I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys literary fiction based in family and heritage, with a dark, mythical edge. It’s a unique and magical read.
June 23, 2018
A swath of undeveloped land in Glasgow holds secrets, ancient, unnerving secrets that only the young can see as the old scoff mere folklore.
Alice Grace is six years old when a vocal force saves her from an eddy of sure demise. Shortly thereafter, she and her mum leave Scotland for Colorado and, presumably, a new life. One that Alice has seen, in varied versions, of her future. It’s an escape, but it doesn’t last.
Alice can also see other people’s futures, sometimes vivid realism, other times gossamer scenarios. But there’s more and she begins to remember.
Told in alternating time lines: the days of the Cailleach, the time of Alice, tho hers fast forwards a lot, and the days of all those between. Generations of daughters, born with a gift they would have to forget, tattooed with the sign to remind, filled the Scottish hills and the herbs that grow upon them.
A sweeping telling of many birthrights, repeating in varied, yet precut, scenarios. Culminating, at last, before setting off again.
Alice Grace is six years old when a vocal force saves her from an eddy of sure demise. Shortly thereafter, she and her mum leave Scotland for Colorado and, presumably, a new life. One that Alice has seen, in varied versions, of her future. It’s an escape, but it doesn’t last.
Alice can also see other people’s futures, sometimes vivid realism, other times gossamer scenarios. But there’s more and she begins to remember.
Told in alternating time lines: the days of the Cailleach, the time of Alice, tho hers fast forwards a lot, and the days of all those between. Generations of daughters, born with a gift they would have to forget, tattooed with the sign to remind, filled the Scottish hills and the herbs that grow upon them.
A sweeping telling of many birthrights, repeating in varied, yet precut, scenarios. Culminating, at last, before setting off again.
June 21, 2018
*free copy for an honest review*
Alice is a young girl just venturing to Colorado, United States.
A girl with a vision? A girl with a curse? Just a few pages in and I am intrigued and my interest is piqued!
The intertwined story of Cailleach and her many ancestors is rather interesting and puts a beat into the story that allows you to stop and think. The backward story of all the great grandchildren from then to present is rather brilliant!
The mark of Ingwaz holds the power and connects the lineage throughout the family tree.
Thanks to the author and Turner Publishing for allowing me to read this piece of art!
Alice is a young girl just venturing to Colorado, United States.
A girl with a vision? A girl with a curse? Just a few pages in and I am intrigued and my interest is piqued!
The intertwined story of Cailleach and her many ancestors is rather interesting and puts a beat into the story that allows you to stop and think. The backward story of all the great grandchildren from then to present is rather brilliant!
The mark of Ingwaz holds the power and connects the lineage throughout the family tree.
Thanks to the author and Turner Publishing for allowing me to read this piece of art!
April 18, 2023
I read this book quickly, within 24 hours, although at first I was certain I would not finish, I don't read these types of books. It is somewhat mythological, folklore, with some magic thrown in.
It is a tale of the matriarchal line of women who descended from the Hag (called Cailleach), an ancient witch that lives for seemingly eternity. Living in a rocky cave high on the cliffs that overlook the sea in the Scottish Lowlands. The blood through the daughters gives them powers such as, to call the sea or wind, to see the path of the future. The Hag feels the powers of her daughters, and her many-great-grand-daughters, with inked on their wrist the lines of Ingwaz.
The women are often accused of being witches. Through the years the women are sometimes treated poorly by the villagers living near Glasgow.
We follow Alice Grace Kyles, snippets throughout her life. Even at six she sees her future husband and child. But her small family moves to Colorado Springs, away from the boy.
The book has these two storylines being told, one in italics, the other in modern time. There is a family tree at the back of the book, which helped during the reading. Glad I found that early on, maybe it should have been in the front section.
I found it odd, yet compelling. Good writing.
It is a tale of the matriarchal line of women who descended from the Hag (called Cailleach), an ancient witch that lives for seemingly eternity. Living in a rocky cave high on the cliffs that overlook the sea in the Scottish Lowlands. The blood through the daughters gives them powers such as, to call the sea or wind, to see the path of the future. The Hag feels the powers of her daughters, and her many-great-grand-daughters, with inked on their wrist the lines of Ingwaz.
The women are often accused of being witches. Through the years the women are sometimes treated poorly by the villagers living near Glasgow.
We follow Alice Grace Kyles, snippets throughout her life. Even at six she sees her future husband and child. But her small family moves to Colorado Springs, away from the boy.
The book has these two storylines being told, one in italics, the other in modern time. There is a family tree at the back of the book, which helped during the reading. Glad I found that early on, maybe it should have been in the front section.
I found it odd, yet compelling. Good writing.
January 11, 2022
Cailleach is pronounced Call-yatch. I just had to keep reminding myself or I would say Cal-each.
There is a family tree at the beginning of the book. I was very confused until I figured out that it was upside down. The youngest is at the top and the foremothers are at the bottom.
I’m going to have to reread the book and figure out who’s who.
A central theme of the book is that time runs in all directions and everything is happening simultaneously. Alice’s story is told in a linear fashion, but the foremothers are a bit more confusing.
I have a couple of problems with some of the early chapters. What happened to the paperboy? What happened to Alice’s Christmas pajamas? What happened to the room full of school children?
But other than that it is a very engaging book. And I felt the ending was satisfying.
There is a family tree at the beginning of the book. I was very confused until I figured out that it was upside down. The youngest is at the top and the foremothers are at the bottom.
I’m going to have to reread the book and figure out who’s who.
A central theme of the book is that time runs in all directions and everything is happening simultaneously. Alice’s story is told in a linear fashion, but the foremothers are a bit more confusing.
I have a couple of problems with some of the early chapters. What happened to the paperboy? What happened to Alice’s Christmas pajamas? What happened to the room full of school children?
But other than that it is a very engaging book. And I felt the ending was satisfying.
September 23, 2018
Alice can see things. She knows what is going to happen in someone’s life. She does not realize she is a daughter of the Cailleach or the hag. No one has taught her or made her understand her destiny.
Alice struggles through most of this story. Deep down she knows she is different but she does not quite understand what or how. She sees the future when she looks closely at someone. This leads her to a path of destruction many times, but she manages to pull herself away. She is much stronger than she thinks.
The author’s prose is wonderful. The story is extremely unique, however it is a little disjointed. Maybe if it was prefaced before each chapter which generation the chapter was about, it would have made it flow better. I did enjoy reading about the different generations with this strange “talent”. It would just take me a few paragraphs to figure out what exactly was going on. I was reading and ARC. So maybe this was corrected in the final copy.
All in all, the author’s writing in suburb. I would love to read more books by her.
I received this novel from Edelweiss for a honest review.
Alice struggles through most of this story. Deep down she knows she is different but she does not quite understand what or how. She sees the future when she looks closely at someone. This leads her to a path of destruction many times, but she manages to pull herself away. She is much stronger than she thinks.
The author’s prose is wonderful. The story is extremely unique, however it is a little disjointed. Maybe if it was prefaced before each chapter which generation the chapter was about, it would have made it flow better. I did enjoy reading about the different generations with this strange “talent”. It would just take me a few paragraphs to figure out what exactly was going on. I was reading and ARC. So maybe this was corrected in the final copy.
All in all, the author’s writing in suburb. I would love to read more books by her.
I received this novel from Edelweiss for a honest review.
April 18, 2020
My tip is :Follow the colour of the hags' hair and the colour of their eyes.
Arthur's parts made me 😭 so beautiful; the loss unbearable
The detailed meaning of Ingwaz is on pg 63:
"The interlocking jagged lines were the birth of a new whole made from parts that had formerly been ragged to fit together. Ingwaz did symbolize fertility, but on a scale that the old women in the village had no ability to comprehend".
The lives of the Hags are interlocked like the Ingwaz symbol and not span out in a linear line.
They are reborn. page 170 (look at the back cover and you'll connected Ingwazs):
"....and as the drop of indigo dye stained layer after layer, [Catherine-Alice's mum] saw flashes of the realities that lay stacked against each other. In this moment, Catherine knew that everything was happening all at once, all at the same time, no death, and no end".
Page 182 reminded me of the witch/goddess triad: the Maiden(Coira), the Mother(Alice), and the Crone(Catherine).
But when it comes to the Ingwaz motif, it could be the other way round (plot leading back to the child Catherine) or the "cross pattern of lines and sags (wrinkles page 252).
Arthur's parts made me 😭 so beautiful; the loss unbearable
The detailed meaning of Ingwaz is on pg 63:
"The interlocking jagged lines were the birth of a new whole made from parts that had formerly been ragged to fit together. Ingwaz did symbolize fertility, but on a scale that the old women in the village had no ability to comprehend".
The lives of the Hags are interlocked like the Ingwaz symbol and not span out in a linear line.
They are reborn. page 170 (look at the back cover and you'll connected Ingwazs):
"....and as the drop of indigo dye stained layer after layer, [Catherine-Alice's mum] saw flashes of the realities that lay stacked against each other. In this moment, Catherine knew that everything was happening all at once, all at the same time, no death, and no end".
Page 182 reminded me of the witch/goddess triad: the Maiden(Coira), the Mother(Alice), and the Crone(Catherine).
But when it comes to the Ingwaz motif, it could be the other way round (plot leading back to the child Catherine) or the "cross pattern of lines and sags (wrinkles page 252).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2019
Short and sweet review: I loved the multigenerational formation of this book, especially with the unexpected matriarchal family tree at the end. I think it would be beneficial to have this at the beginning, because I found myself flipping backwards to remind myself of who was who, but that's normal with stories that span generations. I enjoyed the way the witchcraft was discussed - I found it believable and understated rather than fantastical and theatrical. My one wish was that the ending was fleshed out. I felt like we were leading up to the hag's awakening the entire time, only for it to fall a little flat because everything happened so quickly. I would still recommend this to a friend.
Read
November 30, 2020“She also knew the promise of Ingwaz, the certainty of a conclusion, and the peace it would bring would manifest itself in one of their line; the pinpoint drop of indigo ink was working its way through the clean squares of muslin cloth, and the daughter of Cailleach knew it would pass through her and on and on.”
DNF at 50%—but I read the last two chapters just to be sure… I think it was the right call. 😬
(This review is *very* spoiler-heavy, for a non-spoilery review check out my Instagram page.)
Here’s what I liked about this book: this is the first retelling of the Cailleach myth that I have ever encountered and I was very excited to read it. I liked that the legacy of the Cailleach was a kind of dark, ancient knowledge that comes from the earth.
I liked the use of the Ingwaz motif (although it was revealed weirdly too late in the story? like the author had thought it up well into her writing and then didn’t go back and try to weave it in to the whole story… it was weird) and its promise of a new and better world—one that reclaims the position of humanity as an integral, allied part of the natural world and not its harmful, ill-fated enemy. I liked that the awakening catalyst of the knowledge of the Cailleach was fierce and fiery anger towards injustice and a desire to achieve the promise of the Ingwaz.
I liked the view of death in the book and how the spirits of the deceased remained a constant presence in the lives of their loved ones . I also liked the way was written. I thought it was very beautiful and tragic but also felt very real. The book overall was quite beautifully written.
Here’s what I didn’t like:
😅👎🏻
Further / Similar / Suggested Reading…
- this book is literally the same exact book as A Secret History of Witches, Magic Lessons, The Once and Future Witches, and every other weak-tea book in this subgenre of non-intersectional, heteronormative feminism. Hard. Pass.
- But if you *must* read one, I guess I would recommend The Witch’s Daughter, by Paula Brackston
- Some BETTER witchy books I would recommend include: I, Tituba, by Maryse Condé and The Mercies, by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2018
Confession. I did not even finish reading the synopsis for this one before pressing the request button in Edelweiss. The blurb above checks a lot of boxes for me–the occult, Scottland, multigenerational, women–I was in before I even turned the first page, and was left feeling anything disappointed at the last. Hag is an engrossing and atmospheric tale of magic and family connection. Kaufman moves effortlessly between past, present, and future to weave the story of the Cailleach and her powerful daughters. The opening chapter pulled me in, and the rest of the story had me reading in every spare moment.
In Hag, Kaufman uses alternating chapters to switch between the story of the Cailleach and each generation of her daughters leading up to Alice Grace Kyles. The other chapters are dedicated to Alice and her family, and the two story lines move forward together before finally meeting in time for an explosive ending. The chapters written from the perspective of the Cailleach were my favorite–magical and enchanting–they reminded me why I love magical realism so much. It was a complete coincidence that I read this book while the Kavanaugh trial was going on, but so many of the scenes ended up being such a balm. The daughters of the Cailleach are incredibly powerful and are able to defend themselves against the violence put against them. Reading Hag during this political climate in our country felt like discovering a girl power anthem in book form.
It’s been a couple of weeks since I finished, and Hag has stayed with me. I find myself thinking about it often, lost in the otherworldly landscape Kaufman created. This is an absolutely perfect book to read in the fall, especially during the month of October. Put on your comfiest sweats, get a soft blanket and some warm tea, settle in, and prepare to be spellbound by this beautiful and powerful story.
The biggest thanks goes to Edelweiss and Turner Publishing for the advanced review copy in exchange for my honest review.
In Hag, Kaufman uses alternating chapters to switch between the story of the Cailleach and each generation of her daughters leading up to Alice Grace Kyles. The other chapters are dedicated to Alice and her family, and the two story lines move forward together before finally meeting in time for an explosive ending. The chapters written from the perspective of the Cailleach were my favorite–magical and enchanting–they reminded me why I love magical realism so much. It was a complete coincidence that I read this book while the Kavanaugh trial was going on, but so many of the scenes ended up being such a balm. The daughters of the Cailleach are incredibly powerful and are able to defend themselves against the violence put against them. Reading Hag during this political climate in our country felt like discovering a girl power anthem in book form.
It’s been a couple of weeks since I finished, and Hag has stayed with me. I find myself thinking about it often, lost in the otherworldly landscape Kaufman created. This is an absolutely perfect book to read in the fall, especially during the month of October. Put on your comfiest sweats, get a soft blanket and some warm tea, settle in, and prepare to be spellbound by this beautiful and powerful story.
The biggest thanks goes to Edelweiss and Turner Publishing for the advanced review copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 13, 2018
First let me say that I am one of those people the judges a book by the cover--if it doesn't grab me I keep on moving. Well, this cover did NOT grab me and would have completely overlooked this gem if it weren't for my Bestfriend recommending it for our Bestie Book Club. She did good!
I loved this book for a couple reasons--it takes place in Scotland; it has magic and witches; and its full of history/folklore that I just ate up!
It was a little hard to keep things straight because there were no years mentioned when we went back in time/history, the only reference of time being longer than man. But the richness of the snippets/flashbacks made up for it. The central story focuses on Alice. We meet her at age six playing in the puddles outside her Glasgow home, and the supernatural things start happening right off the bat.
As Alice grows we learn more and more about the long line of hags she comes from, and a little bit more about everything coming full circle. Then Alice's daughter Coira becomes the central character--she's the strongest of the line.
**SPOILER ALERT**
Coira ultimately brings all the women's spirits from way back when back so she can lead them essentially back home (is what it felt like). Alice, her daughter and her Mum die in the end--having come full circle. Wasn't exactly expecting that!
I loved this book for a couple reasons--it takes place in Scotland; it has magic and witches; and its full of history/folklore that I just ate up!
It was a little hard to keep things straight because there were no years mentioned when we went back in time/history, the only reference of time being longer than man. But the richness of the snippets/flashbacks made up for it. The central story focuses on Alice. We meet her at age six playing in the puddles outside her Glasgow home, and the supernatural things start happening right off the bat.
As Alice grows we learn more and more about the long line of hags she comes from, and a little bit more about everything coming full circle. Then Alice's daughter Coira becomes the central character--she's the strongest of the line.
**SPOILER ALERT**
Coira ultimately brings all the women's spirits from way back when back so she can lead them essentially back home (is what it felt like). Alice, her daughter and her Mum die in the end--having come full circle. Wasn't exactly expecting that!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2021
This is a small little book with a great story. I read it in one day and I'm sure I'm going to read it again. This is both an old and new mythology. Beautiful written.
Definitely worth more than five stars for me.
Definitely worth more than five stars for me.
November 22, 2019
I loved this book until the end, which I felt was anticlimactic. Also there’s no way there would be tens of generations of witches that are all heterosexual.
May 21, 2022
An interesting and engaging story about many generations of Scottish witches. I liked how the author wove together the myth of the Cailleach with the lineage of women followed in the book.
January 14, 2020
One of my favorite books ever. It sticks with you. However my guess is that it has a pretty specific audience pool that will love it as much as me and there’s just no way of knowing unless you try it. Highly recommend for lists including witchy, historical, lore-based, slightly experimental, multi-generation-spanning, feminist fiction.
September 16, 2019
This book is so delicious and so unusual and just entranced me that I could hardly put it down. Multi-generational and full of powerful women it was so real feeling I didn’t want it to end!
October 3, 2018
You guys! This book just came out yesterday!
As with everyone else in the Known Universe, I love fall. You know how this goes, and everyone has been writing about it in All The Social Media Places so I’ll just take my comfy sweaters and pumpkin flavors and hot chocolate and move along. I really love October, actually, because I think that Halloween is awesome and I love all the stuff that goes with it. Being a book nerd, I LOVE indulging in some spooky literature during October. It seems like the perfect excuse to over-indulge in ghosts and witches and scary things. I read these things all year round, let’s be real, but they seem especially delicious and pertinent during October.
I’m excited to review this book for you because it’s new and just came out and if you’re into time jumps and witchy things and woman power, this is a book for you. It’s perfect for your Halloween season reading!
I felt a particular connection to this book because I am of Scottish descent, and my Granny actually emigrated from Scotland, so the connection to it is close and very real to me. My Granny spoke with a proper British accent, not a Scottish one, as she was from an aristocratic family and attended boarding school. However, I have the family tartan, family crest, etc. I have always felt a strong connection to Scotland and my Granny, so this book resonated with me. I don’t come from a family of witches (or maybe I do?!) but I love strong female characters and women with ancient powers and matriarchal lines.
And really, ancient powers and matriarchal lineage is the strength of this book. I loved how it was mostly about women, and these women were witches. They are powerful, they are from an ancient line of powers, and they are taking exactly NO CRAP from anyone, man or woman, who would stand in their way. I also loved the idea of an ancient matriarch who was lurking and orchestrating. It’s awesome. There’s also a matriarchal tattoo that was really cool.
And get this. The publisher told me that the picture on the cover is actually a picture of the author’s great great grandmother Charlotte. Which is awesome. The picture is captivating and actually one of the things that drew me to the book in the first place. Charlotte is obviously a woman with depth. You can see it on the cover. Although she is not specifically the character in this book, you can tell that Kaufman has a lineage of women to draw from who inspired her.
I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be really interesting and spooky, with a fun story and an interesting vibe. You should definitely check it out this Halloween season!
Read this and other reviews here:
http://readingforsanity.blogspot.com/...
As with everyone else in the Known Universe, I love fall. You know how this goes, and everyone has been writing about it in All The Social Media Places so I’ll just take my comfy sweaters and pumpkin flavors and hot chocolate and move along. I really love October, actually, because I think that Halloween is awesome and I love all the stuff that goes with it. Being a book nerd, I LOVE indulging in some spooky literature during October. It seems like the perfect excuse to over-indulge in ghosts and witches and scary things. I read these things all year round, let’s be real, but they seem especially delicious and pertinent during October.
I’m excited to review this book for you because it’s new and just came out and if you’re into time jumps and witchy things and woman power, this is a book for you. It’s perfect for your Halloween season reading!
I felt a particular connection to this book because I am of Scottish descent, and my Granny actually emigrated from Scotland, so the connection to it is close and very real to me. My Granny spoke with a proper British accent, not a Scottish one, as she was from an aristocratic family and attended boarding school. However, I have the family tartan, family crest, etc. I have always felt a strong connection to Scotland and my Granny, so this book resonated with me. I don’t come from a family of witches (or maybe I do?!) but I love strong female characters and women with ancient powers and matriarchal lines.
And really, ancient powers and matriarchal lineage is the strength of this book. I loved how it was mostly about women, and these women were witches. They are powerful, they are from an ancient line of powers, and they are taking exactly NO CRAP from anyone, man or woman, who would stand in their way. I also loved the idea of an ancient matriarch who was lurking and orchestrating. It’s awesome. There’s also a matriarchal tattoo that was really cool.
And get this. The publisher told me that the picture on the cover is actually a picture of the author’s great great grandmother Charlotte. Which is awesome. The picture is captivating and actually one of the things that drew me to the book in the first place. Charlotte is obviously a woman with depth. You can see it on the cover. Although she is not specifically the character in this book, you can tell that Kaufman has a lineage of women to draw from who inspired her.
I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be really interesting and spooky, with a fun story and an interesting vibe. You should definitely check it out this Halloween season!
Read this and other reviews here:
http://readingforsanity.blogspot.com/...
May 20, 2020
Witches and Scotland was all I needed to read in this synopsis to pick up the book. And while it was fun to be transported back to Glasgow, and I enjoyed the witchy female power, underneath the surface, I didn't feel like there was a lot of substance to the book.
The writing itself was not the best. A lot of repetition of phrases, metaphors that fell flat and didn't really convey anything concrete. There was a lot of telling, less showing. I didn't ever feel in touch with the characters; the narration style always kept me at arm's length. I did appreciate the maternal support that Alice receives from her mother. Often supernatural fiction about a young protagonist orphans the hero, or at least makes the mother remote and unhelpful. Here, mothers understand and nurture.
I did find the book's solution for "world peace" an interesting one. To begin again, the world needs to be unburdened from their past pain and conflict. Without that baggage, there can be peace. It's our history of conflict that drags us down.
The writing itself was not the best. A lot of repetition of phrases, metaphors that fell flat and didn't really convey anything concrete. There was a lot of telling, less showing. I didn't ever feel in touch with the characters; the narration style always kept me at arm's length. I did appreciate the maternal support that Alice receives from her mother. Often supernatural fiction about a young protagonist orphans the hero, or at least makes the mother remote and unhelpful. Here, mothers understand and nurture.
I did find the book's solution for "world peace" an interesting one. To begin again, the world needs to be unburdened from their past pain and conflict. Without that baggage, there can be peace. It's our history of conflict that drags us down.
October 10, 2018
The mystical reach of the Cailleach throbs as the heartbeat of the story. Stacks of cloth and drops of indigo, Glasgow, Colorado, and London, heath and hearth, children growing and dying, girls becoming mothers and grandmothers all in a family connected by maternal blood and names.
There is magic in the knowing, danger in the forgetting and power in the remembering of the distant past, the depths of the unconscious. The mark of the rune, the dreamy mist of half-light where prediction comes forth, in the links of lineage- I am she and she is we. we are one.
It is refreshing to see the male element bound to conception and not authority, as this is a story of the remnant of the Matriarchs.
A well crafted woman's tale. Some confusion as to the solstices in the plot, as long night and short night are constantly switched by the writer. I enjoyed the tone and texture of the book.
There is magic in the knowing, danger in the forgetting and power in the remembering of the distant past, the depths of the unconscious. The mark of the rune, the dreamy mist of half-light where prediction comes forth, in the links of lineage- I am she and she is we. we are one.
It is refreshing to see the male element bound to conception and not authority, as this is a story of the remnant of the Matriarchs.
A well crafted woman's tale. Some confusion as to the solstices in the plot, as long night and short night are constantly switched by the writer. I enjoyed the tone and texture of the book.
February 7, 2020
LOVED the bulk of the book—I couldn’t put it down. Solid 5 stars.
Unfortunately, much like Game of Throne’s incongruous last episode, this book’s finale didn’t land at all. The last 20 pages were vague, more metaphorical than descriptive, and generally unclear. I have no idea if what I was picturing was close to what the author envisioned. For me, the ending was anti-climactic even though it was, fortunately, still fast. (I had to read the last chapter a few times to make sure I understood what happened. Maybe I do?) I can tell the author had planned the unique story in advance, but to accommodate it, the style of writing changed at the very end, and I wasn’t into that change.
Unfortunately, much like Game of Throne’s incongruous last episode, this book’s finale didn’t land at all. The last 20 pages were vague, more metaphorical than descriptive, and generally unclear. I have no idea if what I was picturing was close to what the author envisioned. For me, the ending was anti-climactic even though it was, fortunately, still fast. (I had to read the last chapter a few times to make sure I understood what happened. Maybe I do?) I can tell the author had planned the unique story in advance, but to accommodate it, the style of writing changed at the very end, and I wasn’t into that change.
December 11, 2025
"She hasn't woken up yet. But Soon. She talks to me in my dreams. Don't be afraid."
The narrative alternates between two stories that are really one: In one story, we follow a girl named Alice into adulthood and then motherhood, her daughter full of a strange power descend through the family line. In the other, we follow that family line from the Cailleach (defined on Wikipedia as "a divine hag, associated with the creation of the landscape and with the weather, especially storms and winter") down through the generations, with a power growing ever stronger.
An enjoyable read.
4/5
The narrative alternates between two stories that are really one: In one story, we follow a girl named Alice into adulthood and then motherhood, her daughter full of a strange power descend through the family line. In the other, we follow that family line from the Cailleach (defined on Wikipedia as "a divine hag, associated with the creation of the landscape and with the weather, especially storms and winter") down through the generations, with a power growing ever stronger.
An enjoyable read.
4/5
April 8, 2018
I loved this story! It was beautiful and magical. It reminded me a bit of Sarah Addison Allen though a bit darker. I love this line of the book because I think it sums it up very well, "it's all about cycles, and as mad as it sounds, I feel like I'm part of a grand cycle, all the women who came before me, and when I have a daughter of my own, it will all come round to where it began." That is what this book is about, the power of family and how we are all connected through time. Amazing book!
I received an arc from the publisher.
I received an arc from the publisher.
October 16, 2018
Hag is truly unique. I absolutely loved the journey through the generations of strong and fierce women.
What I found most interesting is the concept of time & reality existing on different levels at the same time.
The author does a brilliant job of illustrating this concept of time with layers of Muslin cloth stacked together with a drop of indigo ink permeating each layer. I find that the story is written to explore these layers with each chapter.
The story is magical and dark but is a beautiful and enchanting read. I couldn’t put the book down.
What I found most interesting is the concept of time & reality existing on different levels at the same time.
The author does a brilliant job of illustrating this concept of time with layers of Muslin cloth stacked together with a drop of indigo ink permeating each layer. I find that the story is written to explore these layers with each chapter.
The story is magical and dark but is a beautiful and enchanting read. I couldn’t put the book down.
December 11, 2018
I knew from the first few pages that this book would capture, and deserve, my uninterrupted attention. I took my time and absorbed every word. Hag is far more than fable or fantasy. Woven within are the lives of strong, capable women linked by DNA. Their abilities exceed any I am familiar with though we boast generations of Scottish grandmothers. Do such characters exist? I challenge a reader to make that determination. I turned the last page eager to know of future generations! Incredible read!!
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