The Witch of Eye

Written by Kathryn Nuernberger

Narrated by Jess Nahikian

This amazingly wise and nimble collection investigates the horrors inflicted on so-called “witches” of the past. The Witch of Eye unearths salves, potions, and spells meant to heal, yet interpreted by inquisitors as evidence of evil. The author describes torture and forced confessions alongside accounts of gentleness of legendary midwives. In one essay about a trial, we learn through folklore that Jesus’s mother was a midwife who cured her own son’s rheumatism. In other essays there are subtle parallels to contemporary discourse around abortion and environmental destruction. Nuernberger weaves in her own experiences, too. There’s an ironic look at her own wedding, an uncomfortable visit to the Prague Museum of Torture, and an afternoon spent tearing out a garden in a mercurial fit. Her researched material is eye-opening and lively. An absolutely thrilling collection.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Everand Productions
• Release date: Jul 20, 2021
• ISBN: 9781094419770

Kathryn Nuernberger

Kathryn Nuernberger is the author of three poetry collections, Rue, The End of Pink, and Rag & Bone, as well as the essay collection Brief Interviews with the Romantic Past. A recipient of grants and fellowships from the NEA, H. J. Andrews Experimental Forest, Bakken Museum of Electricity in Life, and American Antiquarian Society, she was awarded the James Laughlin Prize from the Academy of American Poets and has twice been included on the list of Best American Notable Essays. She teaches on the faculty of the MFA program at the University of Minnesota.

Reviews for The Witch of Eye

[Jerry Weis · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The content, while well written, had a very fragmented feel. The narrator’s singsong voice made it impossible to listen to.

[Ramana Dienes-Browning · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful work, insightful and poignant accentuated by incredible narration. This book has really left an impression on me.

[Ana-Maria · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Can’t listen through this, the narrator sounds like google read. I can’t rate the quality of the book, in consequence.

[Emily Blasdel · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Sometimes the narrators cane ruin what might be a good book. There are several I just can’t tolerate all the way through. This is one of them. Good gosh. Just read. Don’t try to be so dang breathy and dramatic! Does anyone listen to these before they are out for sale? I made it through a few pages and couldn’t take it any more.