Morwenna's Rites

'Morwenna's Rites' is set in Chelmsford, England, in 1645, at the height of the English witch trials. The story centers around three protagonists; Morwenna Ramsey, a white witch; Jacob Goode; and the King's Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins. At a time of extreme poverty, strife, hysteria, suspicion, and civil war, Morwenna finds herself thrust into a confrontation with Goode, the man who pointed an accusing finger at her two coven sisters, Elinor and Agnes. Decimated by the destruction of her coven, Morwenna must come to terms with the power that she possesses to bring about the vengeance that she seeks. Yet, she also must accept the heavy price she will pay for wielding that power. Epitomizing institutional evil is the Witchfinder General. Engaged on a crusade allegedly for God, but primarily for money, he embraces his role fully, reveling in, and encouraging, the mistrust and fear of the time. A long-standing grudge, an obstructed sexual desire, non-conformity to the "norm," are all acceptable reasons to accuse a neighbor or a spouse or a stranger of witchery—a crime punishable by death. Moreover, for this false testimony, the accuser will be compensated financially at a time of severe poverty in the region. The novel is beautifully enhanced with scenes of village life and the language of the period. Thematically, the story is about the abuse of power; the paralyzing effects of fear and corruption; the wanton persecution of 'The Other' for personal gain—a sin which is all too prevalent even today; how acquiescence only feeds the power and recklessness of the abuser; how silence is complicity…and why one must not remain silent in the face of evil!