Bright I Burn

by Molly Aitken
Bright I Burn cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 443
  • Added: 2025-09-11
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • ISBN: 9781786898395
  • Publisher: Canongate Books
  • Published: 2024-06-06
  • Formats: 12
  • Reviews: 4
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £16.99

Bright I Burn is a lyrical historical novel inspired by the true story of Alice Kyteler, the first woman condemned as a witch in Ireland. Growing up in Kilkenny, Alice witnesses her mother's constrained life and vows to forge her own path. She skillfully expands her family’s business, becoming a wealthy and influential figure in a male-dominated society, but her independence and success spark rumors and resentment. As Alice moves through multiple marriages, each husband dying under suspicious circumstances, local gossip intensifies until she faces a life-threatening accusation. The novel blends historical fact with evocative prose to give voice to a complex woman lost to history, exploring themes of power, gender, and societal fear in medieval Ireland.

Reviews
NetGalley · 2025-01-01
underdeveloped 2.50

The review finds the story beautifully written but criticizes it for lacking character development and emotional depth, making it difficult to connect with the characters.

This review acknowledges the book's beautiful writing and intriguing premise inspired by a historical witchcraft accusation. However, it expresses disappointment with the pacing and shallow character development, which hinder emotional engagement and connection. The reviewer found the story slow and felt the characters were not fleshed out enough, resulting in a less satisfying reading experience despite the compelling historical context.

Quick quotes

    Bright I Burn has the bones of a great story, but it badly needed to be fleshed out.

    We have zero character development, and not enough depth to provide any emotional connection.

    It was a slow read but interesting if you stick with it.

The Southern Bookseller Review · Jude Burke-Lewis · 2024-09-10
evocative 4.50

The novel is lauded for its richly detailed, evocative portrayal of a medieval woman ahead of her time, with a compelling depiction of desire and power.

Jude Burke-Lewis praises 'Bright I Burn' for its immersive and evocative storytelling that brings to life the powerful and intelligent Alice Kyteler. The review celebrates the novel’s ability to portray a woman full of desires and secrets in a time when such traits were forbidden, making the story both historically rich and emotionally resonant. Burke-Lewis expresses strong admiration for the book’s detail and depth, recommending it highly for those interested in historical fiction with strong female protagonists.

Quick quotes

    In Aitken's richly detailed telling, Kyteler is a wealthy, powerful and intelligent money lender, full of desires and secrets.

    Came for the comparisons to Maggie O’Farrell and AK Blakemore, stayed for the evocative and immersive tale of a medieval woman born centuries ahead of her time.

    I absolutely loved it.

Goodreads · Ellis (whatellisreadnext) · 2024-06-06
powerful 4.50

The novel is praised for its lush prose, deep character development, and sensitive exploration of themes such as identity and storytelling, making it a powerful and emotionally resonant read.

Ellis admires how Molly Aitken vividly brings to life Alice Kyteler, the first recorded person condemned as a witch in Ireland, blending folklore with contemporary issues seamlessly. The story captivates with its rich character development, especially the protagonist Rós, whose growth is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Ellis highlights the novel's emotional depth and insightful themes, recommending it highly for fans of literary fiction and fantasy. The novel's ability to resonate on a deep emotional level sets it apart, making it a compelling and memorable read.

Quick quotes

    Inspired by the first recorded person in Ireland to have been condemned as a witch, Bright I Burn gives voice to a woman lost to history.

    Aitken's exploration of themes such as identity, belonging, and the power of storytelling is handled with great sensitivity and insight.

    Bright I Burn is a masterfully crafted novel that captivates from beginning to end.

Substack - Sussi Louise · Sussi Louise · 2024-01-01
ravishing 5.00

The book is described as a ravishingly wonderful and devastating tale full of power, sexual desire, and ambition, with prose that keeps readers on edge throughout.

Sussi Louise finds 'Bright I Burn' to be a thrilling and beautifully written historical fiction that masterfully balances literary beauty with intense emotional impact. The narrative keeps readers hooked from start to finish, with an unpredictable plot and deeply felt characters. Louise praises Molly Aitken’s skill in creating a story that is both a historical account and a gripping thriller, highlighting the author’s ability to evoke strong emotions and admiration for her work.

Quick quotes

    Bright I Burn is a tale of immense power, deep sexual desire and ambition beyond one's perceived station.

    This is historical fiction, but above all else, it is a thriller and a tour de force in how to keep your reader on the edge of the seat.

    Alice Kyteler, may or may not have been one, but if there is a witch, it is Molly Aitken for damn sure.

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