This story from Terror Tales of the Scottish Lowlands interweaves the terrible history of witch persecution with the modern domestic tyranny of domestic violence. It mentions a silver statue erected somewhere in the Borderns (I think it's the right one below), which commemorates those women - and quite a few men - who were executed for witchcraft. The book contains 'pardons, for people misunderstood'.
The main character, Dallis, is routinely assaulted by the thuggish Tommy, a familiar 'man's man' type who is all too commonplace in our screwed-up culture. Toxic masculinity, official indifference, and self-blaming hamper Dallis' ability to get away or protect herself. But then she encounters a mysterious woman who gives her a business card that suggests a very different way to deal with the problem.
A straightforward story of tables turned, and supernatural vengeance. The idea that witchcraft might be a real force in the world is of course familiar, but this is a neat twist on a well-worn idea.
No comments:
Post a Comment