The Hammer of Witches: A Historical Novel

by Begoña Echeverría

In 1610, a small Basque town is convulsed by accusations of witchcraft. Based on historical events, The Hammer of Witches tells the incredible story of Maria, a girl determined to honor her mother’s memory by learning to read and improving her lot in life; the priest Salvador Zabaleta, who has sworn to protect Maria but whose own identity is beset by struggles; and the mysterious and sophisticated Sabine Elizalde. As Maria is drawn into their lives and into a series of macabre events, she learns about the depths of her own courage. Drawing a nuanced, detailed, rich portrait of early modern Basque society to tell a gripping story of love, betrayal, and sacrifice in a world turned upside down, The Hammer of Witches delves into the dark places of the human spirit and shows that even in the face of tremendous evil, justice can prevail.

345 pages, Paperback

First published August 14, 2014

Reviews

[Mitch Gariador]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the Hammer of Witches by Begona Echeverria. I am a huge historical fiction fan. I truly enjoy learning about history through stories about the people that lived it, intermixing the real and fictional, and their interaction within the historical environment of the time. This book was especially interesting for me as my own ancestors came from this region of the Basque country. I felt as if I was witnessing life as it might have been for my own family. Ms. Echeverria has done a great job of weaving the personal story within the rich Basque culture and characters of the time with the horrific events that took place in the region due to accusations of witchcraft. It is clear that she has spent a great deal of time researching the historical facts which makes the story all the richer. It is hard to believe that this is the first historical fiction novel by this author as the story flows so well from chapter to chapter. This ranks among my favorite all time historical fiction books. Congratulations and I look forward to reading more novels from her.

[Maryk]

Good read, sad introduction to a horrid time and practice of zealots, the Spanish Inquisition. Calling witchcraft what often was age old practices of using plants, herbs and such for medicinal purposes. But because these were most often women, uneducated and practicing outside the scope of the church, they were branded as witches.

[Nicole Evelina]

Review to come once it appears in Historical Novels Review.

I received a free copy of this book from the Historical Novel Society in exchange for an honest review.

[Christine]

Heartbreaking story. But? Too drawn out.

[Rhonda]

I would not recommend this book. It was repetitive and tiresome.