Book Club Chat :: Weyward

I first read Wayward in 2023, drawn in by its stunning cover. Once I started Emilia Hart’s debut, I was captivated by its themes and structure, weaving together three women’s parallel stories, all experiencing different forms of captivity.

Altha, in the 1600s, is literally imprisoned, awaiting trial after being accused of witchcraft. Her crime? Being present at the mysterious death of a local farmer.
Violet, in the 1930s, is trapped by societal expectations and a domineering father who prioritizes her younger brother’s education and future simply because he’s male, despite Violet’s natural intelligence and curiosity.
Kate, in 2019, is caught in an abusive marriage, reminiscent of Sleeping with the Enemy, controlled and suffocated by her husband’s oppressive behavior.

These three women are connected not only by blood but by a shared gift—a legacy passed down through their family. This gift offers profound knowledge of the natural world and a unique ability to communicate with it, tying them to both nature and one another.

I wasn’t the book club member who pitched Wayward but because of the common elements of the three narrators’ stories, I voted for it believing it would make a good discussion. And, Weyward ends with this quote from Adrienne Rich: “The connection between and among women are the most feared, the most problematic, and the most potentially transforming force on the planet.” I thought that set the stage pretty well.

While the discussion was rich – the opinions were quite varied from “pretty good for a debut” to “hated it”. Ratings ranged from 2 – 4.25 (mine) with a final average of 3.39.

Here’s some highlights of our discussion:

Various parallel structure and common themes
The interwoven stories of Altha, Violet, and Kate parallel each other, all rooted in captivity and their struggles to overcome it.
A recurring theme is guilt tied to a death.
The recurring family names and similarities from generation to generation
The women’s gift allows them to connect with nature—manifested in crows, cows, and mayflies. Nature becomes both ally and tool, enabling them to exert control and accomplish their goals.
How guilty are each of the women? Do the ends justify the means?
Violet’s encounter with the bug seems to serve as a warning or guidance, a striking example of how nature intervenes.
The novel portrays nature as nurturing to women, offering solace and strength in their struggles.
Is the fantasy subtle and grounded, adding an appropriate touch without overwhelming the story or is it too much?
The idea of using nature to do one’s bidding walks the line between realism and magic.
The lack of redeeming male characters feels fitting for such a strongly feminist novel, though it raises questions about narrative balance; John, Frederick, and Simon share traits of oppressive control and self-interest, creating clear antagonists.
Graham – is he the one male character who seems capable of change?
The epilogue: was it a necessary conclusion or indulgent?
In general, does the book lack complexity, with repetitive descriptions