In Alix E. Harrow's novel The Once and Future Witches, set in the late 19th century, the estranged Eastwood sisters reunite in New Salem with the aim of restoring lost magic and challenging patriarchal oppression through their involvement in the women's suffrage movement and labor unions. The story explores themes of sisterhood, resilience, and the resurgence of covert female resistance against overt male abuse. The book contains instances of physical and emotional abuse.

The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow has generally received praise for its rich prose and feminist themes. Reviewers admire the complex, well-drawn characters and the blend of historical and fantastical elements. Some critics note that the pacing can be slow, and the plot a bit predictable. Overall, it’s celebrated for its empowering message and vivid world-building.

Readers who enjoy The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow likely appreciate historical fantasy with strong feminist themes, much like in Naomi Novik's Uprooted or Katherine Arden's The Bear and the Nightingale. Fans of rich, lyrical prose and tales incorporating folklore in a reimagined historical setting would find this book appealing.

Mysterious / Fantastical / Emotional / Dark / Challenging

- The Once and Future Witches blends alternative history with fantasy, combining the suffragette movement of the late 19th century with the revival of witchcraft, presenting a unique twist on historical events.
- Author Alix E. Harrow won a Hugo Award for Best Short Story in 2019 before publishing The Once and Future Witches, showcasing her talent in weaving enchanting narratives with a strong emotional depth.
- The book is noted for its exploration of sisterhood and the power of reclaiming one's voice, intertwining personal relationships with broader feminist themes in a richly imagined world.

**James Juniper Eastwood**  
The youngest Eastwood sister, representing the Maiden aspect, marked by her distinctive limp and rebellious spirit, who becomes a key player in the fight for women’s political and magical rights.

**Agnes Amaranth Eastwood**  
The middle Eastwood sister, epitomizing the Mother aspect, known for her strength and persistence, who navigates the balance between her desires for a normal life and embracing magic.

**Beatrice Belladonna Eastwood**  
The eldest Eastwood sister, embodying the Crone aspect, characterized by her wisdom and deep connection to books, who plays a crucial role in the awakening of magic due to her library work.

**Cleopatra Quinn**  
A tall and charismatic reporter for a Black newspaper in New Salem, who supports Bella in her magical endeavors while navigating the nuances of intersectional feminist movements.

**Gideon Hill**  
A conservative politician in New Salem with hidden, dark motives, whose ambitions threaten the magical and social equilibrium.

**August S. Lee**  
A union organizer with some magical knowledge, whose initial skepticism about the Eastwoods' magical abilities evolves into active support and personal involvement with them.

**Grace Wiggin**  
A representative of the Women’s Christian Union with traditional views, who serves as an example of how some women uphold existing power structures.

Alix E. Harrow

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Novel

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Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read The Once and Future Witches | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Once and Future Witches and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Once and Future Witches Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Wayward Sisters”

Introduction and Part 1, Chapters 1-6

The Once and Future Witches Introduction and Part 1, Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 7-12

The Once and Future Witches Part 1, Chapters 7-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Hand in Hand”

Part 2, Chapters 13-16

The Once and Future Witches Part 2, Chapters 13-16 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 17-21

The Once and Future Witches Part 2, Chapters 17-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 22-26

The Once and Future Witches Part 2, Chapters 22-26 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Burned & Bound”

Part 3, Chapters 27-35

The Once and Future Witches Part 3, Chapters 27-35 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “What Is Lost” - Part 5: “What Is Found”

Parts 4-5, Chapter 36-45 and Epilogue

The Once and Future Witches Parts 4-5, Chapter 36-45 and Epilogue Summary & Analysis

The Once and Future Witches

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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