The Witch's Heart by Genevieve Gornichec

Bibliographic Information:

Title: The Witch's Heart

Author: Genevieve Gornichec

Publisher: Ace

Copyright Date: February 2021

ISBN: 9780593101193

Format: Print Prose Book

Genre: Fantasy/ Retelling/ Romance/ LGBTQIA+

Awards: Alex Award- 2022

Interest Level: Grade 10- Adult (Booksource)

Plot Summary:

In this Norse mythology retelling, Angrboda is stabbed and burned alive. Somehow, she's not dead. Wandering around the woods after fleeing from her murder, Odin, she meets a strange man who offers her heart back. This man is none other than trickster, Loki, blood brother of Odin. Angrboda creates her new life in a cave within the Ironwood and creates a partnership with the giantess Skadi. After much time of Loki popping in and out of Angrboda's cave they develop a strong connection. They marry and have three children.

Angrboda is still fearful of Odin coming to find her and now her family. In her previous existence refused to show him the future which she can see through her magic, Skeid. But when Angrboda is lured in her dreams to use Skeid, she uncovers the truth of Ragnarök. Angrobda needs to rediscover strength and truths lurking deep within her to move forward as the life she has built collapses around her. She may not be able to change fate but with the help of her determination and true companionship she may be able to build a future out of the ashes of the past.

Author Background:

Genevieve Gornichec lives in Ohio where she received a degree in history at The Ohio State University. She states that she got as close to majoring in Vikings as she possibly could and the education she has dedicated in Norse myths and Icelandic sagas inspires her writing, as does her viking family. The Witch's Heart was Genevieve's Debut novel. Check out her second novel The Weaver and the Witch Queen, a reimagining of Viking age history. (Gornichec, n.d.).

Critical Evaluation:

I think that The Witch's Heart is a beautifully written and intimate story that speaks volumes about motherhood, fate, love, and self understanding. This book reminded me a lot of Circe by Madeline Miller in theme and style. Retellings can be challenging and, I think, must be done in a respectful and researched way, which Genevieve has done here. I felt moved by what Angrboda went through, her outlook on life, and her ability to persist even in the most challenging and depressive states. I especially loved the queer representation in this novel it was unexpected and added so much to the story. Fate is a tricky thing to talk about and Genevieve did so in a unique way that added to character development and understanding.

While this novel is special in literary merit and impactful in many ways, I do not necessarily understand why this novel received an Alex Award. Teens love mythology, I was a mythology obsessed teen myself, in this way I think that this novel would attract teen readers. But beyond that I see teens struggling to relate to many of the themes in this book. This book postulates marriage, motherhood, age, connection with nature, fate, and disloyalty in a mature way that few teens may associate with. And while some teens do experince thee themes, they are introduced with what I see as more of a middle-age tone which may not captivate attention of teens. Don't get me wrong this book was great but I'd be lying if I didn't say that I was bored at times. I read the majority of this in my grandparents living room which is as close to a modern day cave as imaginable and man did life feel bleak while reading. In addition, this book does not contain chapters which I think added to the somewhat slow nature of this book. I can see reluctant readers and even the avid teen reader struggling to stay focused or maintain interest during parts of this novel.

Creative Use for Library Program:

Norse Crafting- The Witch's Heart features crafting as a love language with some examples of Loki whittling a wolf for Hel, Skadi creating furniture for Angrboda, Gerd embroidering a belt for Angrboda and teaching Hel nalėbinding, and Angrboda crafting potions to save the people she encounters. Librarian either learns or invites volunteer to teach teens how to create norse crafts made from nalėbinding, whittling, or embroidery. Teens are encouraged to give craft to a loved one.

Speed Round Book Talk:

Could you not get enough of Circe by Madeline Miller, The Witch's Heart prolongs the vibes with this norse mythology retelling. Angrboda should be dead, Odin made sure of it. But Somehow she's not and now she's living in a cave with Odin's blood brother Loki co-parenting some rather unique children. With her magic resurfacing will Angroboda fight the fate of Ragnarök that haunts her dreams or will Odin once again destroy her and her family?

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:

Genevieve definitely has the credibility to create this retelling based on her education. However, often myth has more than one story and sources, some of which may contradict each other. In order to address these challenges in myth accuracy Genevieve notes in the appendix where she took information from and how she incorporated within her rendition. She states that she uses the Prose and Poetic Edda which she declares is the main source of norse mythology.

Reason for Inclusion:

I have had The Witch's Heart on my shelf for a couple years now, just never getting to it. When I discovered that this book was awarded the Alex Award, it was time! I quickly discovered that this book was like Circe by Madeline Miller, which I adored. Another reason why I decided to read and include this novel is due to my obsession with mythology, something I believe teens and I share.

Check Out:

Running along the left side of this blog is a rendition of the Norse God Family Tree created by Korwin Briggs. I have included this to help keep track of some characters in The Witch's Heart. Some characters are omitted in this family tree. There are discrepancies between this depiction and The Witch's Heart.

To the right is fan art by @alu-runa posted on Genevieve's X profile of Skadi who's theme song to be Good Luck , Babe!(peep Chappell Roan)

References:

Booksource. (n.d.). The Witch's Heart. Accessed July 2024 from https://www.booksource.com/products/witchs-heart--the__9780593101193.aspx

Briggs, K. (n.d.). Norse God Family Tree [Photo]. Veritable Hokum. Accessed July 2024 from https://veritablehokum.com/comic/the-norse-god-family-tree/

Goodreads. (n.d.) The Witch's Heart. Accessed July 2024 from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53438195-the-witch-s-heart

Gornichec, G. (n.d.). The Weaver and theWitch Queen. Accessed July 2024 from https://genevievegornichec.com/the-weaver-and-the-witch-queen

Roan, C. (2024, April). Good Luck, Babe! [Song]. Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/track/0WbMK4wrZ1wFSty9F7FCgu?si=3a604616217f4630

@gengornichec. (2021, February). Skadi Fan Art [Post]. X. https://x.com/gengornichec/status/1358432265877995521