Weyward | Emilia Hart

Hey everyone, Meg here! Today, we're diving into Emilia Hart's 2023 novel, Weyward. 

This book promised a multi-generational story of strong women, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me in a number of ways.

The idea of female empowerment through overcoming adversity is a powerful one. However, Weyward relies heavily on male abuse as the central source of that adversity. While this is a reality for many women, and the book isn't to blame for that, it felt repetitive and lacked the nuance a 2023 release should have. Frankly, it came across as derivative of works like Practical Magic, but without the fun.

Weyward throws a relentless amount of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse at its female characters. These women are isolated and have almost no support system, facing truly vile men with zero redeeming qualities. The suspense builds towards moments where these women's safety is in question, and honestly, that was a drag to read.

Perhaps Weyward aimed to be a revenge story, but it misses the mark. We spend so much time on the abuse itself that the "justice" feels fleeting and hollow. The "solution" to staying safe seems to be in isolation, which isn't exactly an empowering message.

The synopsis makes no mention of the novel's intense focus on pregnancy. Every storyline hinges on it, which might resonate with some readers, but left me cold. It felt like the book equated womanhood entirely with motherhood, specifically daughters who would continue the cycle. This is a complex topic glossed over here, and the lack of transparency in the synopsis was frustrating.

But the most damning criticism is this: Weyward is simply boring. Even the harrowing situations don't evoke much emotion because the characters and writing are forgettable. There's no depth to the characters, no relationships to root for, and the setting feels bland. It's a slog through mediocrity.

Weyward had the potential to be a powerful story, but it squanders its potential with an overused plot, underdeveloped characters, and an unrelenting focus on trauma. If you're looking for a story of female empowerment, this might not be the book for you. There are far more satisfying reads out there.

Have you read Weyward? What did you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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