The Alewives Quotes

“God cannot help when natural stupidity is driving the cart.”
― Elizabeth R. Andersen, The Alewives

“Gritta climbed to her feet, aware of the cracking noises emanating from her knees and hips. Age wasn’t sneaking up on her; it was overtaking her like a horse and cart.”
― Elizabeth R. Andersen, The Alewives

“Appel stood and straightened her skirts, leveling Gritta with a haughty glare. “Well, at least I am trying to do what is right in the eyes of God.” “God’s eyes are rolling in his head right now.”
― Elizabeth R. Andersen, The Alewives

“They made a small batch at first – grain, water, a bit of honey, and some bread mash. Their first task was to malt the grain by drying it over a flame, which they did with more enthusiasm than necessary, resulting in a brew that, as Gritta put it, “tasted like someone pissed in the ash pit of hell.”
― Elizabeth R. Andersen, The Alewives

“Appel was everything that Efi thought a mature widow ought to be – stately, demure, protective, and pious. Someday, she thought, after I have remarried and become widowed again, I shall be like this woman. I aspire to it. She glanced at Appel, and the old woman smiled, dipping her head like an agreeable monk.”
― Elizabeth R. Andersen, The Alewives

“When her father had complained that Harald had less sense than a nanny goat, Efi defended him passionately because that is what one must do to protect a handsome man.”
― Elizabeth R. Andersen, The Alewives

“Tis also a sin to rid a woman of a child, yet every woman in Colmar knows that you can do it.” “Not through potions nor incantations, my dear. I ain’t no witch. I help women remain without child through revulsion.” “Tell me again, Appel, how does this ‘revulsion’ against children work? And what does ‘revulsion’ mean?” “Ah, yes.” Appel straightened and cleared her throat with the gravity of a philosopher. “You take the womb of a she-goat who has never borne a kid and carry it against you when Jorges starts a’plowing in your field. This will prevent you from getting with child again, mark me.” They looked at each other and laughed. “Well, it works because he doesn’t wish to go investigating anything so foul! You see? Revulsion!” They roared with such laughter that they didn’t hear the knock at the door.”
― Elizabeth R. Andersen, The Alewives

“Hochsommer In which a hoe has gone missing”
― Elizabeth R. Andersen, The Alewives