Content levels
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 appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
Contains execution scenes, witchcraft themes, and supernatural horror elements including soul-selling to Satan. The struggle between Heaven and Hell involves attempts to corrupt an innocent young woman through dark magic.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include torture, murder, and death (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Readers who enjoy historical witch stories with a supernatural battle between good and evil will find this Victorian-era tale compelling.