The Last Witch in Edinburgh eBook Summary

Table of Contents

“The Last Witch in Edinburgh” by Marielle Thompson is a historical fantasy novel set in an alternate 1824 Edinburgh. The story follows Nellie Duncan, a beautiful and unwed woman who lives in fear of being accused of witchcraft. Her life changes when she encounters the Rae Women’s Apothecary, where she meets Jean Rae and other women who teach her about nature-based craft and the power of the winter deity, the Cailleach.

Main Characters

Here are the main characters in “The Last Witch in Edinburgh”:

Nellie Duncan: The protagonist, a beautiful and unwed woman who fears being accused of witchcraft. Her journey of self-discovery and empowerment is central to the story.
Jean Rae: A member of the Rae Women’s Apothecary who introduces Nellie to nature-based craft and the power of the winter deity, the Cailleach. She also becomes Nellie’s love interest.
The Cailleach: The winter deity whose power and influence are significant in the story. She represents the ancient, nature-based magic that the Rae Women practice.
The Ancient Enemy: An antagonist who seeks to strip the Cailleach and her witches of their power, embodying the patriarchal violence and destruction that the characters must resist.

Central Conflict

The central conflict in “The Last Witch in Edinburgh” revolves around Nellie Duncan’s struggle against patriarchal oppression and the ancient enemy of the Cailleach. As Nellie learns about her own powers and the nature-based craft from the Rae Women’s Apothecary, she must confront the societal fear and violence against women accused of witchcraft.

The conflict intensifies with the ancient enemy’s intent to strip the Cailleach and her witches of their power, leading to significant destruction and loss. This battle against patriarchal forces and the quest to reclaim and protect their power forms the core of the story.

Nellie’s journey is not just about external battles but also about her internal struggle for self-discovery, empowerment, and love. The themes of resistance, community, and the power of nature-based magic are woven into this central conflict.

Key Events

Here are some key events in “The Last Witch in Edinburgh”:

Nellie’s Self-Discovery: Nellie begins to learn about her own powers and the ancient magic practiced by the Rae Women.
Blossoming Romance: Nellie and Jean Rae develop a romantic relationship, adding depth to Nellie’s personal journey.
The Ancient Enemy’s Attack: The antagonist makes a move to strip the Cailleach and her witches of their power, leading to significant conflict and destruction.
Heart-Breaking Disaster: A major event that forces Nellie into hiding for two centuries, marking a turning point in the story.

Themes

“The Last Witch in Edinburgh” explores several rich and compelling themes:

Resistance Against Patriarchy: The story highlights the struggle against societal oppression and violence towards women, particularly those accused of witchcraft.
Self-Discovery and Empowerment: Nellie’s journey of discovering her own powers and embracing her identity is central to the narrative.
Community and Solidarity: The Rae Women’s Apothecary represents a supportive community where women come together to share knowledge and protect each other.
The Power of Nature-Based Magic: The novel delves into the ancient, nature-based craft and the influence of the winter deity, the Cailleach.

Narrative Style

“The Last Witch in Edinburgh” employs a narrative style that is both atmospheric and immersive. Here are some key aspects of its narrative style:

Descriptive and Lush Prose: The author uses rich, descriptive language to bring the setting of 1824 Edinburgh to life, creating a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.
Historical Fantasy Elements: The narrative blends historical details with elements of fantasy, particularly focusing on witchcraft and Scottish folklore.
Character-Driven Storytelling: The story is deeply character-focused, exploring the inner lives, emotions, and growth of the main characters, especially Nellie Duncan.

Author Point Of View

Marielle Thompson, the author of “The Last Witch in Edinburgh,” brings a unique perspective to the novel, influenced by her background and interests. Here are some key points about her point of view:

Gothic and Romantic Influences: Thompson is a lover of gothic, haunting, and romantic themes, which are evident in her writing style and the atmospheric setting of the novel1.
Focus on Mental Health: Her experiences with mental health significantly inspire her writing, adding depth and emotional resonance to her characters and their struggles1.
Literary Background: Thompson holds two master’s degrees in Romantic and Victorian Literature & Society and Creative Writing from the University of Edinburgh1. This academic background informs her detailed and historically rich narrative.

Psychological Impact

“The Last Witch in Edinburgh” delves into several psychological themes and impacts, particularly through the experiences of its characters. Here are some key psychological aspects:

Fear and Paranoia: Nellie Duncan’s fear of being accused of witchcraft reflects the historical paranoia and societal fear surrounding women who were perceived as different or powerful.
Trauma and Healing: The heart-breaking disaster that forces Nellie into hiding for two centuries highlights the long-term impact of trauma and the difficult journey towards healing and reclaiming one’s identity.
Empowerment and Self-Discovery: Nellie’s journey of discovering her powers and embracing her identity is a powerful narrative of self-empowerment and personal growth.
Community Support: The Rae Women’s Apothecary represents a supportive community that helps Nellie and others heal and grow, emphasizing the importance of social support in overcoming psychological challenges.
Love and Connection: The romantic relationship between Nellie and Jean Rae provides emotional support and strength, showcasing the positive psychological impact of love and connection.
Resistance and Resilience: The characters’ resistance against patriarchal oppression and their resilience in the face of adversity highlight the psychological strength required to fight for justice and equality.

Personal Reflection

“The Last Witch in Edinburgh” offers rich material for personal reflection. Here are some thoughts you might consider:

Empowerment and Identity: Reflect on Nellie Duncan’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment. How does her story inspire you to embrace your own identity and strengths?
Community and Support: The Rae Women’s Apothecary provides a strong sense of community and support. Think about the communities in your life that offer similar support and how they have helped you grow.
Resistance and Resilience: The characters’ fight against patriarchal oppression and their resilience in the face of adversity can be a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for justice and equality. How do you see these themes playing out in your own life or society today?
Love and Connection: The relationship between Nellie and Jean Rae highlights the importance of love and connection. Reflect on the relationships in your life that provide emotional support and strength.
Healing from Trauma: Nellie’s long journey to heal from trauma and reclaim her power can resonate with anyone who has faced significant challenges. Consider your own experiences with healing and the steps you have taken to overcome difficulties.