The Highland Witch

A Novel

By: Susan Fletcher

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 12 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

A breathtaking novel of passion and betrayal in 17th-century Scotland and the portrait of an unforgettable heroine.

February 13, 1692. Thirty-eight members of the MacDonald clan are killed by soldiers who had previously enjoyed the clan’s hospitality. Many more die from exposure. Forty miles south, brilliant, captivating Corrag—accused witch and orphaned herbalist—is imprisoned in the Scottish highlands for her involvement in the massacre. As she awaits her death, she tells her story to Charles Leslie, an Irish propagandist who seeks information she may have condemning the Protestant King William. Hers is a story of passion, courage, love, and the magic of the natural world. By telling it, she transforms both their lives.

As in her award-winning debut novel, Eve Green, Susan Fletcher shows that she is "a novelist with the soul of a poet" (Booklist). This deeply philosophical and dramatic book is about an epic historic event and the difference a single heart can make—and how deep and lasting relationships can come from the most unlikely places.

©2010 Susan Fletcher (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“A stirring historical romance…. Sweeps out a lot of the old clichés about witches and casts an enchanting spell in favor of bold women everywhere.” ( Washington Post)

loved it!

very good book, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a bit of folklore

The Highland Witch

Susan Fletcher paints a detailed picture of the Scottish Highlands and the characters therein her tale. Based on a real event in the late 1700’s, the massacre at Glenco (not sure of the spelling), is devastating and bloody. The author is very wordy and repetitive as she spends a tremendous amount of time with her descriptions of Corag.

Charles Leslie’s letters to his wife, Jane, are a great relief to the listener as they are brief and don’t wander and circle around as Corag’s meandering thoughts do.

Rosalyn Landor is wonderful! I can’t say enough about her changes in voice and tone for each speaking character.

The story could have been cut in half and been even better. A lot less meandering thoughts and descriptions would have sufficed, but I enjoyed the tale and I’d like to read more on the same subject. I’m just not sure if I want to read something quite so “wordy” again. I’m willing to try another book by Fletcher, though.

Grab the kleenex

Occasionally I will unknowingly reread a book and not remember the first reading until something about it seems vaguely familiar. This is not one of those books. I will never forget this story, it’s characters, and the emotions I felt while reading. It touched my soul.

A unexpected gem of a book.

A well read narrative from a unique perspective. Well fleshed out characters and a tight story line.

Favorite Book

I read this book twice back to back! I loved the story, the narrator, and the detail. You could picture each scene like you were there. I’ll keep it in my library and read it again!

Glad I stuck with it! Wonderful story!!

I nearly gave up on this book but am so glad other reviews encouraged readers to stick with it. The way the dialogue is written - mostly one sided with little actual conversation between the characters - was different, but actually grew on me and worked perfectly for this story. One of the sweetest, most redeeming books I’ve listened to in a while. Definitely makes you reconsider how we apply different labels to those deemed different, and how simple compassion and listening can literally change lives.

Wonderful!

Both story and narration were excellent. I will always remember Corag's life and her love.

Immersive... Beautifully written and narrated.

I've read and listened to 1000's of books. This is my second review... Just breathtaking.

Beautifully told story

The beginning seemed so mean and ugly I nearly stopped listening. I’m so glad I kept with it as it developed into a rich and beautiful story of a girl turned young woman who was branded with the name “witch” because she was different and lived by her wild heart and saw beauty in all things. It took me to the Highlands and I felt the sunshine, the rain, the wind. Her life is woven into a mournful piece of the history of the clans.

Blown away

I listened to this as I worked in my studio and finished it in 5 days! So beautiful and the fact that it's historical fiction blows me away...