Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
The Lancashire Witches begins in the 16th century, in Lancashire, England. When a Cistercian monk, Borlace Alvetham, is falsely accused of witchcraft and condemned to death by his rival, Brother Paslew, he sells his soul to Satan and escapes. Years later, granted the powers of a warlock, he returns in the guise of Nicholas Demdike to witness Paslew's execution for treason. Dying, Paslew curses Demdike's offspring -- who become the titular 'Lancashire Witches.' The rest of the book set in the 17th century. Mother Demdike, a powerful witch, and her clan face rival witches, raise innocent young Alizon Devi as their own, and try to corrupt Alizon despite her innocent ways. Ultimately, the book becomes a struggle between Heaven and Hell, with Alizon's fate hanging in the balance. Ainsworth's last masterpiece, The Lancashire Witches proved a best-seller in its day and influenced many contemporary authors.
Is The Lancashire Witches, a Romance of Pendle Forest appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
This Victorian Gothic novel features witchcraft, Satanic pacts, executions, and a supernatural battle between good and evil, with moderate period-appropriate violence and dark religious themes. No sexual content or strong language.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include death, death of parent, and death of child (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens interested in classic Gothic horror and witch stories will find a dramatic tale of curses, supernatural powers, and one girl's fight to resist evil.