Book Review: A Discovery of Witches
Read Time:4 Minute, 42 Second
A Discovery of Witches, by Deborah Harkness is not my usual reading fare. However, as most of us know, sometimes different is wonderful. A Discovery of Witches is a marvelous book, filled with magic, history, intrigue and one of the most passionate love stories I’ve ever read. It begins in a library and ends with a reluctant witch and an ancient vampire beginning a journey through history to find a long hidden manuscript and escape the creatures that mean to do them grave harm.
Diana Bishop is a witch who refuses to embrace her calling. She is a scholar and a well-respected author, and she believes that if she lets magic into her life, she will use it for everything. The fact that Diana’s parents, Stephen Proctor and Rebecca Bishop were two of the most powerful witches in history is of no matter to her; she will not use magic in her day-to-day life. Rebecca and Stephen were murdered when Diana was just a child, and she has no good memories of magic. Yes, Diana does need a little otherworldly assistance when her washing machine overflows, but other than that, she is convinced that her life is as mundane as a human.
We meet Diana Bishop in a library at Oxford, where she is gathering books for her study of alchemy. Among the usual texts she calls for at the desk is an ancient manuscript, Ashmole 782. As soon as she touches it, Diana realizes there is magic contained within the pages. The manuscript sighs, and her fingers tingle when she opens the delicate cover. She enters a few notes into her laptop, and returns the manuscript to the librarian. Unbeknownst to her, Diana Bishop is not the only creature looking for Ashmole 782. Unable to locate a step stool, and peering around to make certain she is not seen, Diana summons a book out of her reach on a library shelf. Suddenly she feels a cold piercing, and turning, sees a vampire watching her intently.
This vampire is Matthew Clairmont, an ancient creature reborn of Ysabeau de Clermont. He is astonishingly handsome, and we come to learn, very, very old. Matthew is a scientist and eminent geneticist, consumed with what he sees as the slow extinction of his kind, and he is convinced Ashmole 782 has the answers he seeks. Diana and Matthew begin an odd friendship-she wants nothing to do with him and he is bewitched by her. Other creatures-more witches, more vampires and even demons-have converged on Oxford, determined to find out how Diana was able to access Ashmole 782. Each group believes this ancient text holds the secret to their own creation, their birth and the key to their survival. And they are willing to do anything to get it. Even murder.
Matthew and Diana’s relationship transforms them both. Diana begins to lose control over her own powers while Matthew becomes distracted from his quest. Diana shimmers when she sleeps, her blood sings, and as unaware as she is of this, Matthew is hyper aware of her powers. He sees himself as her protector and she sees him, at first, as a pest. As they spend more time together, and learn more about one another, Matthew and Diana, vampire and witch, begin to fall in love. We learn later that this, along with so much, was destined for thousands of years.
After Diana receives a photograph of her parent’s murdered bodies and a note that reads “Remember,” Matthew whisks her off to France for her own safety. Here we meet Ysabeau, Matthew’s vampire mother, and Marthe, the housekeeper, cook, peacekeeper and also a vampire. Ysabeau despises witches and is less than pleased that her favorite son, the Alpha male of the family, has fallen so deeply in love with Diana. In France, Diana learns more about Matthew, his past and his family. She learns he is the leader of an ancient organization, The Knights of Lazarus. She learns that he was married, a very long time ago, and had a son. And she learns that inside of her is a chain that binds her to Matthew forever.
It is in France that we learn of The Congregation, a group of nine creatures, 3 demons, 3 witches and 3 vampires, who laid down rules for their kind to follow. To break any of these rules is to bring swift punishment from The Congregation, and the one rule that they insist must be followed is no emotional contact with another creature. In other words, Matthew and Diana’s love violates the most hallowed rule. The Congregation not only wants Ashmole 782, they want Diana’s power and they want the lovers dead.
A Discovery of Witches is a gorgeous, magical, sweeping book, filled with joy and sorrow, passion and anguish. It’s a startlingly beautiful work, perfect for a summer vacation or a rainy day. Once you begin it, don’t be surprised if the story of Diana Bishop enchants you as deeply as it did Matthew Clairmont.
Note: A Discovery of Witches is the first in the All Souls trilogy. The second volume, Shadow of Night, will be released on July 10th, 2012. Please visit Deborah Harkness’s website at www.deborahharkness.com for more information, other reviews and links.
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Originally published on February 12, 2012.
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Sounds like a book for ladies to me.
The book was good but there are better out there and having said that I read it in one sitting. I’m still tired!!!!!!
I loved this book and can’t wait for the next one.
I, too loved the book and have just finished re reading it in anticipation of “Shadow of the Night”.
Hate to wish my summer away, but can’t wait till July 10th.
I love books with a combination of story telling and history, this book is superb in both areas.
Read the book!!!
I am going through the same emotions! So excited for “Shadow of Night,” I am counting the days.