In Defence of Witches

A short, feminist polemic that argues that the afterlife of the witch hunts continues today: the same reasons for which women were demonized in the past - being single, ageing, deciding to not have children - lead to them be persecuted now.

'Intriguing' – Sunday Times
'A rousing read' – Irish Times
'A bright light of Francophone feminism' – New York Times

Renowned journalist Mona Chollet recasts the witch as a powerful role model: an emblem of strength, free to exist beyond the narrow limits society imposes on women.

Taking three archetypes from historic witch hunts – independent women, women who avoid having children and women who embrace ageing – Chollet examines how women today have the same charges levelled against them.