Published: April 2023
Series: N/A (Standalone)
Author: Paulette Kennedy
Illustrator: N/A
Genres: Historical Fiction, Gothic, Magic, Horror, Fantasy, Paranormal, Thriller
Audience (Grade Levels): Grades 11–12
Number of Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5 stars)
Goodreads Link: The Witch of Tin Mountain
Triggers: Violence, Religious trauma, Abuse, Racism, Sexual assault, and Homophobia
Review By: Gina Iorio
Publisher’s Summary:
1931. Gracelynn Doherty lives peacefully on Tin Mountain, helping her adoptive granny work her cures. Despite whispers that the women are witches, the superstitious locals still seek them out, whether they suffer from arthritis or a broken heart. But when evangelist Josiah Bellflower comes to town touting miracle healing, full bellies, and prosperity, his revivals soon hold Tin Mountain in thrall—and Granny in abject fear.
Granny recognizes Josiah. Fifty years ago, in a dark and desperate moment, she made a terrible promise. Now Josiah, an enemy, has returned to collect his due.
As Granny sickens and the drought-ridden countryside falls under a curse, Gracelynn must choose: flee Tin Mountain and the only family she knows or confront the vengeful preacher whose unholy mission is to destroy her.
Review:
The Witch of Tin Mountain by Paulette Kennedy is a dark, suspenseful, gothic novel as the reader explores the lives of Gracelynn and Deirdre. The story is told from two timelines: 1931 and the other in 1881. Because of the different timelines, there is an abundance of characters which can make things confusing, but I enjoyed reading each young woman’s journey as they try to overcome prejudice and hate. The setting in the book effectively transported the reader to the Ozarks with the author’s amazing details. She is from the Ozarks and does a wonderful job painting a picture of her birthplace.
The novel has a lot of subjects that may be difficult for some readers, such as religious trauma, abuse, racism, sexual assault, violence, and homophobia. While there were some drawbacks to this novel, and I felt the story ended too nicely (wrapped up with a pretty little bow) it was still an interesting novel that had me wondering how it would end.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- Social Studies (US History): This text can act as an engaging companion piece to units on the Great Depression, particularly exploring daily life, local superstitions, and the cultural landscape of rural communities in the 1930s Ozarks.
- English Language Arts (Dual-Timeline & Gothic Elements): Use the book to analyze structural techniques in fiction. Have students track the 1881 and 1931 timelines to evaluate how the author builds suspense and parallels character development across generations.
- Extension Activity (Regional Folklore Research): Task students with researching regional folktales, traditional Appalachian/Ozark remedies, or the social history of “folk magic” vs. organized religious revivals during early American history. Students can write a short comparative analysis matching historical practices with elements depicted in Tin Mountain.
