The Witch

"The Witch" by Mary Johnston is a historical fiction novel that transports readers to England during Queen Elizabeth I's final days, unpacking tough subjects, such as who has power, differences between men and women, and what people expect from each other. It follows Gilbert Aderhold, a doctor back in England, trying to make a place for himself in a world of political games and distrust, where bad rumors can be deadly. People are thinking about Queen Elizabeth's time as ruler, which had great moments and sad ones, while Aderhold, who is an outsider, gets mixed up in the problems of the time period. Gilbert meets people from the royal court to regular townsfolk, tackling his own issues while facing what society expects and learning his way in a country full of gossip, a monarchy that is about to change, and fears about witchcraft that hang over everyone, creating a feeling of worry as both the Queen's rule and Aderhold's life are uncertain.