Publishers Weekly
02/28/2022
In this spirited yet uneven polemic, journalist Chollet traces misogynistic attitudes in Western society back to witch hunts that occurred in Europe and the U.S. from the 1300s to the 1700s. These periodic public tortures and executions of women “induced all women to be discreet, docile, and submissive,” according to Chollet, and drove them into an acceptance of the “gendered division of labor required by capitalism.” She forcefully argues that the marginalization of single women, women without children, older women, and female healers is a direct legacy of the witch hunt, though her calls for rethinking social behaviors and expectations often seem out-of-date. For example, her critique of the “standard birth position” of “lying on your back” doesn’t acknowledge that women in the U.S. have been encouraged to sit or move during labor since the 1980s. Elsewhere, Chollet presumes that “a large number of parents have given in to societal pressure rather than to an impulse of their own” without providing firm evidence for such a conclusion. Though her iconoclastic wit shines, Chollet’s provocations ultimately come across as more defensive than revolutionary. This call for change feels like old news. (Mar.)
From the Publisher
A thought-provoking, discursive survey by a bright light of Francophone feminism….In today’s France, Chollet has emerged as a quiet revolutionary, pushing back against the clichés and the patriarchy that shapes them….In Defense of Witches demonstrates that a woman’s decision to go against the grain — especially by not having children — inevitably becomes a political act, even an act of resistance.”—Rachel Donadio, The New York Times Book Review
"This delightful book, part history, part literary criticism, part political manifesto, explains why independent women are the witches of today, and calls on all women to mount our broomsticks and fly.”—Katha Pollitt, author of Pro and Learning to Drive
“A smart feminist treatise reclaiming the witch and her radical way of life as a path forward for women…. Chollet’s informed and passionate treatment will appeal to readers looking for more substance amid the witch trend that’s otherwise been largely commodified and often scrubbed of its feminist origins.”—Jenna Jay, Booklist
“Allows us to understand... the witch hunts of the past influenced the representation of women today.” —Le Monde (France)
“Rehabilitates the figure of the witch, this dangerously independent, educated and strong woman.” —Slate
“Mona Chollet demonstrates how...those who emancipate themselves from certain social norms, are in fact direct heirs of those that were hunted down censored, and eliminated during the Renaissance.” —Huffington Post
“Explores the worldview that the witch hunt has sought to promote - and its consequences on society today.”—Vice
Library Journal - Audio
06/01/2022
Chollet's thought-provoking text posits that although women are no longer burned at the stake as witches, much of the anti-woman sentiment that sparked past witch hunts is alive and well. According to Chollet, 50,000–100,000 women were tortured and murdered as "witches" throughout history. Most of them were single, widowed, childless, beyond childbearing years, or in control of their own fertility during a time when society tied a woman's worth to her ability to bear children or care for a husband. With many real-life examples or media portrayals of historic and contemporary oppression and misogyny, this could be a demoralizing and overwhelming listening experience. The encouraging tone throughout, however, urges listeners to create a world where bodies and minds are never associated with this type of historical past again. Alix Dunmore's lovely accent and warm delivery add to the hopeful tone of the production, and her precise, careful pacing helps listeners absorb the many references. VERDICT Filled with hundreds of endnotes, this original and entertaining work would make a great book club choice.—Beth Farrell
Library Journal
01/01/2022
Chollet, a Swiss journalist and feminist, spotlights aspects of modern misogyny by comparing them to historical misogyny characterized by the victimization of witches. The book opens with the author's fascination since childhood with the feminine power of fairytale witches, which is contrasted with the real history of witch hunts. She notes that women accused of witchcraft were at the mercy of male institutions (religions and governments). Chollet extensively discusses the torture of accused witches, then brings us up to current attempts to control and malign women. One section examines women who decide not to have children and are disparaged by society for it, even though childcare usually burdens women and limit their other life choices. She next examines the way a woman's age affects society's understanding and treatment of her. The final section explores why attributes generally associated with masculinity are extolled while traits associated with femininity are discounted (e.g., the privileging of rational math and science over the emotional or expressivity in the humanities). The author also examines the objectification of women in modern medicine. VERDICT Feminists will appreciate this exploration of rebellion and independence.—Caren Nichter
