Lolly Willowes

by Sylvia Townsend Warner
Lolly Willowes cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 10453
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-02-02
  • ISBN: 9780748131778
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2012-03-01
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 3

Lolly Willowes is a twenty-eight-year-old spinster who, after the death of her beloved father, finds herself dependent on her brothers and their wives. For twenty years, she suppresses her own desires to fulfill her role as a maiden aunt. However, at the age of forty-seven, she decides to break free and moves to a small village in Bedfordshire. Here, she enjoys a newfound sense of independence and happiness, though she is haunted by a secret she has yet to uncover. That secret is witchcraft. With her cat and a pact with the Devil, Lolly Willowes embraces her true vocation and finally achieves the freedom she has long desired. Published in 1926, Lolly Willowes was an instant success and is considered Sylvia Townsend Warner's most magical novel. It explores themes of liberty and civility for single women, a topic later examined by Virginia Woolf in 'A Room of One's Own'.

Reviews
Impact MH · 2021-07-29
timeless 4.75

The novel is a hidden gem that explores themes of freedom and self-discovery. It's a story that resonates with readers and leaves a lasting impact.

Lolly Willowes is a novel that has settled itself in the top 10 most favourite books of many readers. Written in 1926, it offers a unique and timeless exploration of themes such as freedom, self-discovery, and the rejection of societal norms. The protagonist, Laura Willowes, is a complex and relatable character who embarks on a journey of self-discovery that is both empowering and inspiring. The writing is witty and engaging, making it a captivating read. The novel's unique take on witchcraft adds a layer of intrigue and charm to the narrative. It's a story that celebrates the power of choice and the importance of staying true to oneself. The sly and almost subdued comedy of this novel has a strong suggestion of the quality of Jane Austen.

Quick quotes

    This novel came highly recommended and has undoubtedly settled itself in my top 10 most favourite books.

    The sly and almost subdued comedy of this novel has a strong suggestion of the quality of Jane Austen.

    The handling of sentiment, family life ...

A Corner of Cornwall · 2019-07-13
charming 4.50

The book offers a charming and whimsical take on a woman's journey to self-discovery. It subverts traditional expectations with its unique portrayal of witchcraft and personal freedom.

Lolly Willowes is a delightful and unconventional story that follows the life of Laura Willowes, who seeks independence and finds it in the most unexpected way. The novel challenges societal norms and offers a fresh perspective on feminism and individuality. The writing is witty and engaging, making it a captivating read. The portrayal of witchcraft is not what one might expect, adding a layer of intrigue and charm to the narrative. It's a book that celebrates the power of choice and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Quick quotes

    Having read several reviews of the book I felt that I knew what to expect of the story – Lolly becomes a witch.

    The novel wholeheartedly rejects Christianity, and this can explicitly be seen in Warner's portrayal of Satan as a charming country gentleman.

    Lolly Willowes is the best book you've never heard of.

The Guardian · 2016-12-28
inspiring 4.00

The novel is a celebration of life and individuality, subverting expectations with its unique take on witchcraft. It's a story that resonates with themes of freedom and self-discovery.

Lolly Willowes is a novel that defies conventional expectations. It's a story about a woman who becomes a witch, but it's so much more than that. The novel explores themes of freedom, self-discovery, and the rejection of societal norms. The protagonist, Laura Willowes, is a complex and relatable character who embarks on a journey of self-discovery that is both empowering and inspiring. The writing is witty and engaging, making it a captivating read. The novel's unique take on witchcraft adds a layer of intrigue and charm to the narrative. It's a story that celebrates the power of choice and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Quick quotes

    Put simply, it's the story of a woman who becomes a witch – but it will subvert any expectations prompted by that synopsis as gleefully as it ...

    John Updike has succinctly summarised this book as "witty, eerie, tender": like several of Townsend Warner's novels, it is an indefinable, genre-breaking work, ...

    Though gentle, Lolly Willowes is clearly a far from subtle exploration of interpellation.

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