A DARK chapter of Scotland’s past will come under the spotlight when author Mairi Kidd visits Bookpoint in Dunoon later this month.
Kidd will be at the town centre bookshop on Tuesday, August 25, to discuss her historical novel Newes of Witches, a story set against the backdrop of Scotland’s 17th-century witch trials.
Set in 1629, the novel follows Mrag, a healer and midwife living in a rural Scottish community.
When children begin to disappear and a mysterious illness takes hold, suspicion and fear quickly spread through the town.
Before long, a young girl is accused of witchcraft and imprisoned, prompting Mrag to investigate what she believes to be an injustice.
Her search for the truth begins to uncover secrets within the community, in a story exploring how paranoia and prejudice can prove more dangerous than the supernatural.
Drawing on the history of Scotland’s witch hunts, Newes of Witches also explores the lives and resilience of women in 17th-century Scotland and the dangers they faced when suspicion of witchcraft took hold.
Bookpoint is inviting fans of historical fiction, Scottish history and tales of witchcraft to hear more about the novel and its inspiration during a special evening with the author.
Mairi Kidd is a writer whose work has explored Scottish history, language and the stories of women whose experiences have often been overlooked.
The event takes place at Bookpoint on Tuesday, August 25, at 6pm.
Tickets cost £5, with a £16.99 option which includes a signed copy of Newes of Witches.
