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The Herbalist: Memoirs of a 'so-called' Witch: The early years
From best selling author, Norman Turrell, an adventure in an imagined past.Amelia--now an old woman, suffering from the onset of dementia--relates her life story to her daughter, Jenny. Thrown from her childhood home when men in black attack, Amelia must find her way in a world she knows little about, armed only with her skills as a herbalist.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
114 pages, Paperback
Published December 24, 2018
31 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Norman Turrell
12 books12 followersNorman Turrell is a commercial writer/editor and best-selling Amazon author of science-fiction, fantasy, horror and just strange stories. He blogs on Huffington Post, produces printed local publications, run live writers critique groups and is a member of many online communities - in particular Now! Writer, which he leads.
He studied Mathematics at college, obtaining a 2.1 Hons and later a MSc (Merit) in Artificial Intelligence.
In his spare time he runs a ukulele group and reads as much as he can. He also has a full time job as a Software Department Manager, which includes programming systems in C++.
Full information on all his activities, including some dabbling in photography and art, can be found at www.normanturrell.com - with a free gift as thanks to all who register.
He studied Mathematics at college, obtaining a 2.1 Hons and later a MSc (Merit) in Artificial Intelligence.
In his spare time he runs a ukulele group and reads as much as he can. He also has a full time job as a Software Department Manager, which includes programming systems in C++.
Full information on all his activities, including some dabbling in photography and art, can be found at www.normanturrell.com - with a free gift as thanks to all who register.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 30, 2018
I have learned to look beyond the ‘regular’ book in fiction, having found great stories in a wide variety of genre. This is a relatively short tale, but absorbing from the outset.
We have a clear, precise and descriptive narrative, which is matched by a similar standard of dialogue. Important to me is graphic imagery, which may irritate some readers, but for this story, I felt it was a necessity. The characterisation of Amelia past and present is masterful.
Amelia tells her tale in short bursts, alternately losing her train of thought, or growing tired. The author has skilfully woven the reminiscent passages and the present time to create intimacy—allowing the reader to feel that they’re there in the room as Amelia struggles to recall, and Jenny patiently records, cajoles and suggests when rest is required. By the same token, the reader is also transported back into Amelia’s past.
Only a couple of centuries ago, herbal, or ‘natural remedies’ would have appeared to be witchcraft, but if this were still true today, a certain international retailer would be going through rough times. I particularly enjoyed reading the names of the various natural solutions to physical issues, recognising all but a few of the herbs.
The storytelling both draws in the reader and holds the attention. A superb tale.
We have a clear, precise and descriptive narrative, which is matched by a similar standard of dialogue. Important to me is graphic imagery, which may irritate some readers, but for this story, I felt it was a necessity. The characterisation of Amelia past and present is masterful.
Amelia tells her tale in short bursts, alternately losing her train of thought, or growing tired. The author has skilfully woven the reminiscent passages and the present time to create intimacy—allowing the reader to feel that they’re there in the room as Amelia struggles to recall, and Jenny patiently records, cajoles and suggests when rest is required. By the same token, the reader is also transported back into Amelia’s past.
Only a couple of centuries ago, herbal, or ‘natural remedies’ would have appeared to be witchcraft, but if this were still true today, a certain international retailer would be going through rough times. I particularly enjoyed reading the names of the various natural solutions to physical issues, recognising all but a few of the herbs.
The storytelling both draws in the reader and holds the attention. A superb tale.
March 1, 2019
I was immediately pulled into this story and enjoyed the narrative as well as the perspective, though I wasn't always sure exactly where or in which time the story was set. The main character was very relatable and likable, and the storytelling straight forward and easy to follow. It was a very quick read. I was a bit disappointed that it was over so quickly, since it's rather short and leaves off without a really satisfying ending, which is why I'm sorry to be giving only giving four stars.
December 30, 2018
A sometimes sad but equally enchanting tale of recollection and another time, when the magic of nature and witchcraft were often confused.
Advertised in an online social media post as ‘a short, cheap read’ hardly does this little gem justice. I must admit, a cursory glance of the cover would have had me scroll pass this one, assuming it to be a book on either homoeopathic remedies or cooking with natural ingredients. Thankfully I was intrigued enough to catch the sub-title and blurb, and was rewarded with a short novella length story and an hour and half of bewitching entertainment. Even before I got into the wider story, the opening imagery struck me as some of the best I've read in a long time. Far from just providing unnecessary padding or distracting me as is so easily the case when they're over-done, the descriptive elements here really brought the story alive for me; images of picturesque woodland cottages with old-worldly rustic kitchens and sitting rooms, bottled potions and herbs sitting on shelves, and wizened old witches and the spritely younger generation learning their craft filled my imagination.
This is a story that through its flashbacks to the past spans three generations, of old and now somewhat forgotten knowledge being passed from mother to daughter in each case. It's also one filled with drama as both a young and then aged Amelia recalls the past, and what today might be called superstition and old wives' tales, but which was once as very real to the people of the time as modern medicine and science are to all of us today. Though hardly on a par with the witches of Salem or burnings at the stake, there is throughout a strong undercurrent of witchcraft and magic, and indeed the danger of such practices or even the suspicion of it brought on by the use of herbs and potions. If I had but one minor concern, I would have preferred a more conclusive ending, though having said that, perhaps the author will reveal more of the young Amelia's past life in the future and answer some of the questions the story left me with. Nonetheless, an easy five stars for this one.
Advertised in an online social media post as ‘a short, cheap read’ hardly does this little gem justice. I must admit, a cursory glance of the cover would have had me scroll pass this one, assuming it to be a book on either homoeopathic remedies or cooking with natural ingredients. Thankfully I was intrigued enough to catch the sub-title and blurb, and was rewarded with a short novella length story and an hour and half of bewitching entertainment. Even before I got into the wider story, the opening imagery struck me as some of the best I've read in a long time. Far from just providing unnecessary padding or distracting me as is so easily the case when they're over-done, the descriptive elements here really brought the story alive for me; images of picturesque woodland cottages with old-worldly rustic kitchens and sitting rooms, bottled potions and herbs sitting on shelves, and wizened old witches and the spritely younger generation learning their craft filled my imagination.
This is a story that through its flashbacks to the past spans three generations, of old and now somewhat forgotten knowledge being passed from mother to daughter in each case. It's also one filled with drama as both a young and then aged Amelia recalls the past, and what today might be called superstition and old wives' tales, but which was once as very real to the people of the time as modern medicine and science are to all of us today. Though hardly on a par with the witches of Salem or burnings at the stake, there is throughout a strong undercurrent of witchcraft and magic, and indeed the danger of such practices or even the suspicion of it brought on by the use of herbs and potions. If I had but one minor concern, I would have preferred a more conclusive ending, though having said that, perhaps the author will reveal more of the young Amelia's past life in the future and answer some of the questions the story left me with. Nonetheless, an easy five stars for this one.
December 31, 2018
Amelia is a brilliantly created character who shows instantly why Norman Turrell is a best-selling author. Every tiny detail of her bodily and mental state in the last year of her life is tellingly vivid. I would recommend The Herbalist for that alone, but it is only one facet of the story.
We seem to have carelessly tossed aside knowledge of the healing properties of plants, or were they rejected by our not-too-distant ancestors for fear of witchcraft? The evil it might do to us or the fate of those suspected of practising it. Amelia was cared for as a young girl by an aunt burned as a witch, and the adventures that follow, as told by Amelia to her daughter Jenny, are of a life spent using her knowledge of herbs to heal.
Evil is never far below the surface, threatening to use and kill Amelia as it killed her aunt, but there is humour too. Amelia is known to have skill with tarot cards, but she’s old and tired, and she has no patience with the neighbour who comes for a massage from Jenny, but wants to know her future…
We seem to have carelessly tossed aside knowledge of the healing properties of plants, or were they rejected by our not-too-distant ancestors for fear of witchcraft? The evil it might do to us or the fate of those suspected of practising it. Amelia was cared for as a young girl by an aunt burned as a witch, and the adventures that follow, as told by Amelia to her daughter Jenny, are of a life spent using her knowledge of herbs to heal.
Evil is never far below the surface, threatening to use and kill Amelia as it killed her aunt, but there is humour too. Amelia is known to have skill with tarot cards, but she’s old and tired, and she has no patience with the neighbour who comes for a massage from Jenny, but wants to know her future…
February 17, 2019
An interesting subject well handled
If ever the phase, don't judge a book by its cover, applied, this is it! The cover looks remarkably like one of my mum's cook books and I fear it may be overlooked as a result.
Getting past the cover, the storyline keeps the reader interested throughout, quickly taking us to the lead characters childhood and the traumatic event which set the course for the rest of her life and the rest of the book.
I recommend this book and believe it to have something for everyone. An easy five stars.
If ever the phase, don't judge a book by its cover, applied, this is it! The cover looks remarkably like one of my mum's cook books and I fear it may be overlooked as a result.
Getting past the cover, the storyline keeps the reader interested throughout, quickly taking us to the lead characters childhood and the traumatic event which set the course for the rest of her life and the rest of the book.
I recommend this book and believe it to have something for everyone. An easy five stars.
November 3, 2019
The first person narration adds intimacy to the story as we live Amelia’s present as an old infirm woman, and relive her youth spent with her mystical aunt. Aunt Browen was either a witch or a healer, depending upon who was telling the story. She had helped many people with her potions, tinctures and tarot readings. The wonderful descriptions of the little cottage and the plants take us back to a time when everything we needed was provided by nature. It gives a very cosy feeling. A well-written story with believable characters. I read it in one sitting.
November 11, 2019
A wonderful one day read
A very enchanting tale for fantasy lovers that I'm was quickly pulled into. This short but fascinating story is about an old naturopathic woman reliving her memories of her life. The movement between the elderly woman dictating her life story to her niece and her as the young woman living the adventure is seamless. The descriptions are rich and the characters believable. Be warned the tale does stop short. I was left wanting the story to be fully told. Note: Intriguing bonus material at the end is included that you must read.
A very enchanting tale for fantasy lovers that I'm was quickly pulled into. This short but fascinating story is about an old naturopathic woman reliving her memories of her life. The movement between the elderly woman dictating her life story to her niece and her as the young woman living the adventure is seamless. The descriptions are rich and the characters believable. Be warned the tale does stop short. I was left wanting the story to be fully told. Note: Intriguing bonus material at the end is included that you must read.
November 18, 2020
Needs a better ending
The pacing of this short story is good, but the ending leaves much to be desired. I’m hoping this was a character exercise and will be flushed out in a future book.
The characters are a bit two dimensional and the author keeps mentioning another main character, but we never get to meet him. Other disappointments include the author’s habit of telling as opposed to showing.
If you’re able to find a free copy of it (as I did through BookBub) it’s a pleasant enough read, but I wouldn’t pay for it.
The pacing of this short story is good, but the ending leaves much to be desired. I’m hoping this was a character exercise and will be flushed out in a future book.
The characters are a bit two dimensional and the author keeps mentioning another main character, but we never get to meet him. Other disappointments include the author’s habit of telling as opposed to showing.
If you’re able to find a free copy of it (as I did through BookBub) it’s a pleasant enough read, but I wouldn’t pay for it.
December 30, 2018
Moving “Memoir”
As I age, I become more interested in reading about others similarly situated. This succinct bit does this admirably, without generating the feeling of terror so often proffered up by other works when a sentient is succumbing to dementia. The writing is taut and engrossing, bringing the reader into the mind and memories of the protagonist.
On the other hand, I was not thrilled at the end! I wanted more!
As I age, I become more interested in reading about others similarly situated. This succinct bit does this admirably, without generating the feeling of terror so often proffered up by other works when a sentient is succumbing to dementia. The writing is taut and engrossing, bringing the reader into the mind and memories of the protagonist.
On the other hand, I was not thrilled at the end! I wanted more!
November 25, 2019
Rich and Vibrant
If there is one thing that I can say about this book it would be the detail is so rich and vibrant that I could almost taste and smell it. I was completely immersed in the different sensations. I could imagine the woods and the smells of the herbs and the taste of the food. I love books that can pull you in like this. The story was well written and lovely.
If there is one thing that I can say about this book it would be the detail is so rich and vibrant that I could almost taste and smell it. I was completely immersed in the different sensations. I could imagine the woods and the smells of the herbs and the taste of the food. I love books that can pull you in like this. The story was well written and lovely.
December 15, 2019
Fascinating read!
Interesting premise, well written, a plotline I've never read before....I must see if there's a sequel and read it...and find other stories by this author, who has just become my new favorite!
Interesting premise, well written, a plotline I've never read before....I must see if there's a sequel and read it...and find other stories by this author, who has just become my new favorite!
February 14, 2020
I loved this book. It's so well written and so interesting and I didn't want it to end. You have to give it a try or you'll be sorry you missed such a wonderful read.
February 26, 2020
Enjoyable and interesting read, but it finished too soon. Hope there is another book to follow as I am hooked. Well done Norman you know how to tell a story.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews