November 2024 FBR - Main Buddy Read: Weyward by Emilia Hart

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Welcome to the November "Main" Buddy Read!
starts 1-Nov-2024, ends 30-Nov-2024

Our theme this month is Historical Fiction and we're reading Weyward by Emilia Hart. side note! It's currently available on KU if you have it!

I am a Weyward, and wild inside.

2019: Under cover of darkness, Kate flees London for ramshackle Weyward Cottage, inherited from a great aunt she barely remembers. With its tumbling ivy and overgrown garden, the cottage is worlds away from the abusive partner who tormented Kate. But she begins to suspect that her great aunt had a secret. One that lurks in the bones of the cottage, hidden ever since the witch-hunts of the 17th century.

1619: Altha is awaiting trial for the murder of a local farmer who was stampeded to death by his herd. As a girl, Altha’s mother taught her their magic, a kind not rooted in spell casting but in a deep knowledge of the natural world. But unusual women have always been deemed dangerous, and as the evidence for witchcraft is set out against Altha, she knows it will take all of her powers to maintain her freedom.

1942: As World War II rages, Violet is trapped in her family's grand, crumbling estate. Straitjacketed by societal convention, she longs for the robust education her brother receives––and for her mother, long deceased, who was rumored to have gone mad before her death. The only traces Violet has of her are a locket bearing the initial W and the word weyward scratched into the baseboard of her bedroom.

Weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries, Emilia Hart's Weyward is an enthralling novel of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world.

When using this Buddy Read to get Bonus Points for a Challenge, please check with the mod running the Challenge for any posting requirements not listed below!

To receive bonus money for the following Games/Challenges...

✨(Impossible) Disney Challenge

...you must read the book and participate by doing ONE of the following:
*Post at least 3 meaningful comments below (more than "This was great!")
*Answer at least 3 of the discussion questions below

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Buddy Read Discussion Prompts

Reflections
1. One word to describe the book?
2. First thoughts after finishing the book?
3. Did the book live up to your expectations?
4. Best moments in the book?
5. Worst moments in the book?
6. Were there any subplots that you found interesting?
7. Were there any plot twists that surprised you?
8. How did you feel about the ending?
9. How did the book make you feel overall?
10. What would you change about the plot?

Characters
1. Who was your favorite character and why?
2. Were there any characters you didn't like?
3. Did you find any characters relatable?
4. Who would you like to experience the story as? Why?
5. Which character would you like to learn more about?

Fun
1. Who would be your dream movie cast?
2. If you could rewrite the ending of the book, how would you change it?
3. What was your favorite scene in the book and why?
4. If you could visit any place from the book, where would you go?
5. If you could ask the author one question, what would it be?

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

1. One word to describe the book? Empowering

4. Best moments in the book? I really liked when Kate finds her strength. It was a great scene!

5. Worst moments in the book? I'm not sure I would go so far as to label them the "worst", but the mention of so much sexual and domestic abuse and violence against women was tragic, but unfortunately on par with humanity and it sucks.

8. How did you feel about the ending? I think the ending was very satisfying. All 3 storylines were brought together, with the women overcoming adversity. I quite enjoyed it!

[Bernadette]

I started the book a few days ago and am about 40% through. It was busy yesterday with Thanksgiving and 22 guests in our house for dinner. Lots of family fun! I'm hoping to complete it tomorrow.

I'm definitely enjoying the book so far. I find it easier to read actually books for those have time hopping back & forth between characters.

I liked all three of these women and how the author has connected their pasts so far.

[Bernadette]

Reflections

2. First thoughts after finishing the book? Men can still be horrible, and women are not believed. But women are strong and can take control of their lives if the y have the strength.

6. Were there any subplots that you found interesting? I liked how the relationship between Graham and Violet changed over time. He turned out to be a good man.

8. How did you feel about the ending? I was happy with the ending. Everything was wrapped up nicely.

[Bernadette]

Overall

This is a story of generational trauma. Altha, Violet and Kate - we get all three women’s points of view in alternating chapters, and they have clear, distinct voices.

The novel highlights how women, across generations, are often forced to reclaim their identity and power in the face of patriarchal forces.

I would read more books by this author.