Chris Bohjalian's Hour of the Witch receives mixed reviews. Readers praise its immersive historical setting and compelling protagonist grappling with a patriarchal society. However, some criticize the pacing and predictability. The novel's strength lies in its vivid depiction of 17th-century New England and its treatment of gender issues.

Readers who enjoy Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian are likely fans of historical fiction with strong, complex female protagonists, akin to The Crucible by Arthur Miller and The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent. They appreciate meticulously researched narratives that explore societal norms and personal resilience in Puritan New England.

Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian is a historical fiction novel set in 1662 colonial Boston, following Mary Deerfield as she seeks a divorce from her abusive husband, Thomas. Her bid for independence gets entangled in a societal fervor of witchcraft accusations, dark magic, and hysteria, leading to a dramatic trial that underscores themes of patriarchal oppression and mass hysteria. The novel entails domestic violence, self-harm, homicidal and suicidal ideation, and racism.

Mysterious / Dark / Suspenseful / Challenging / Melancholic

- Hour of the Witch is a historical thriller set in 1662 Boston, where the city is portrayed with meticulous research reflecting its puritanical lifestyle and the complexities of its witch trial history.
- Chris Bohjalian was inspired to write Hour of the Witch after discovering that the first divorce in North America involved allegations of witchcraft.
- The novel explores themes of power and autonomy, particularly highlighting how women navigated the rigid societal norms of Colonial America, while also delving into the detailed and authentic use of 17th-century legal documents.

Chris Bohjalian

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Hour of the Witch 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.

Hour of the Witch Summary and Study Guide

Background

Hour of the Witch Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 1: “The Book of the Wife”

Prologue-Book 1, Chapter 5

Hour of the Witch Prologue-Book 1, Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Chapters 6-10

Hour of the Witch Book 1, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Chapters 11-15

Hour of the Witch Book 1, Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Chapters 16-19 

Hour of the Witch Book 1, Chapters 16-19  Summary & Analysis

Book 2: “The Book of the Witch”

Book 2, Chapters 20-24

Hour of the Witch Book 2, Chapters 20-24 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Chapters 25-33

Hour of the Witch Book 2, Chapters 25-33 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Chapter 34-Epilogue

Hour of the Witch Book 2, Chapter 34-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Hour of the Witch Character Analysis

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Themes

Hour of the Witch Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Hour of the Witch Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Hour of the Witch Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Hour of the Witch Essay Topics

Hour of the Witch

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Hour of the Witch?

Reading Age

Book Details