THE WITCH DOESN’T BURN IN THIS ONE: BOOK REVIEW
Witches do more good than harm. There are witches among us. They are our mothers, aunts, sisters, and friends. We come across them in passing, each and every day. Their magic, or courage, is what keeps us afloat.
Enchanting and mystical, the witch doesn’t burn in this one by Amanda Lovelace centers women against the marginalization they face. By highlighting their strengths, which appear in the day-to-day and may seem ordinary, Lovelace proves that their courage is more than just natural, it is supernatural. She uses a variety of devices, and most notably the extended metaphor of witches. She alternates the meaning behind the noun and changes our perception of witchcraft forever.
The book is a pleasant and thoughtful read. In the beginning, Lovelace places a trigger warning listing all potentially sensitive topics to readers. She understands the intricacies and sensitivities of womanhood in such subtle ways. She makes it clear that her work is undoing the detrimental effects of misogyny. She utilizes the motif of match-boys to witches, exploring the ways patriarchy chases women away from mental and physical security. It is the core conversation being had throughout the book.
She also provides instances of other systems of oppression that arise. There are very clear images she paints that I associate with disordered eating habits, something that impacts many women and often stems from misogyny. It is a repeated theme to her work that I feel is often overlooked when understanding the systemic oppression that many women (especially women of color) face. These struggles are multidimensional—” witches” are complicated. There is so much to admire, despite the various setbacks they face. Their challenges differ albeit stemming from the same source of oppression. Lovelace shows us that self-love is important and obtainable.
But Lovelace doesn’t only discuss the trials and tribulations of womanhood. She also shows appreciation for women and their strength, the unique qualities of existing. One theme that stood out to me most was the need for codependency. Often communicating through their body language, women can learn of and escape situations with each other's help. Especially in the all-too-common nightlife setting, a space where women are commonly targeted, a large part of strength stems from looking out for one another. Despite their predisposed vulnerabilities, women offer a safety net for one another.
Lovelace is witty and charming. Utilizing the extended metaphor of witches to describe women is creative. It alters readers’ perceptions of how women have been displayed in history, which is often demonized and alienated. However, despite the many setbacks women are bound to face, there is strength in codependency and beauty in their witchcraft.
