THE ELEGANT WITCH

by Robert Neill ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 13, 1952

Well, speaking about witches -- or were we? -- and skipping the sometimes lyrical, sometimes profounder treatises -- this will do very well, in its period trappings, its concern with food and drink and clothes -- and manners. For it has to do with Margery, 16 years old early in the 17th century, who is sent to her cousin Roger in Lancashire and who learns that a Puritan (while hunting Papists) can have an elegance of living even though a damned coven of witches threaten. That she finds she can condone a massing priest, can surrender to her rebellion against strict Puritanism, and make friends among sinners is just a small bit of the part she plays in the rousting out of the vile brood that are given to the work of evil. And when All Hallows Eve and All Saints Day show what the witches can do, it is her relationship with intelligent Roger which puts an end to the vile brood. Romance, inheritance making esquires but God making gentlemen, and a formality and dignity for the manners of day -- this makes its learning in brisk recapitulation. Very smooth.

Pub Date: March 13, 1952

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1952

Categories: FICTION