Embracing the Old Witch of the Woods by Angela Herrington is a powerful read for anyone disentangling themselves from the patriarchal grip of Christianity or seeking to examine how religion has shaped and constrained women’s roles throughout history. Herrington takes a thoughtful, well-reasoned approach as she identifies harmful tropes, tracing their origins through centuries of Christian tradition and practice. She offers a sharp critique of how biblical texts have been systematically weaponized to control women’s bodies, limit their freedoms, and diminish their contributions. This critique resonates with many who have experienced or witnessed such control. Yet Herrington does more than critique: she also presents an inspiring invitation to resist this oppression, recover suppressed histories, and embrace the latent, inherent power that women carry to lead themselves and others with both integrity and resolve.
From an unapologetic feminist lens, I found Herrington’s analysis both relevant and refreshing for our moment. She builds on generations of feminist scholarship, weaving in awareness of indigeneity while offering a nuanced view of the disparate impacts of the patriarchy on women of color and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Her writing is accessible, conversational, and non-judgmental, drawing readers into deep reflection on internalized biases against powerful female archetypes long demonized and vilified. In the face of rising anti-women rhetoric, this book offers timely, practical frameworks for reclaiming feminine strength and honoring solidarity in all its forms.
Editor's Note: This review was originally published in Seattle Book Review.
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