Ashes & Stones: The SWH! Podcast Talks To Allyson Shaw...
For the latest podcast, Ali spoke to writer Allyson Shawn about her book Ashes & Stones: A Scottish Journey In Search of Witches and Witness which examines the Scottish witch hunts and trials of the 16th-18th century, uncovering stories untold, and bearing witness to the people behind them.
Ashes & Stones is part historical investigation, part travelogue, part memoir, and Allyson talks about all aspects of the book, why she wanted to write it, the research behind it, the importance of the various memorials she uncovered - and how their meaning and purpose has changed - and why she brought her own life into the story.
The two also talk about the reasons behind the Scottish witch hunts, the extent of the persecution, the collusion between the state and the church, the importance of remembrance and acknowledgment, the lessons for today, and so much more.
Ashes & Stones is a great read, and it was fascinating to be able to talk to all about it with Allyson.
Ashes & Stones: A Scottish Journey In Search of Witches and Witness is published on the Sceptre imprint of Hodder & Stoughton
Click here to learn more about Allyson Shaw & her writing Click here to preorder a copy of Ashes & Stones
Below is a trailer for Ashes & Stones
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The idea that memorials to accused witches have shifted in meaning over time really stood out to me. It raises a question about who these monuments are actually for now: descendants seeking acknowledgment, local communities reclaiming uncomfortable history, or visitors drawn to the tragedy. I wonder whether Shaw found that remembrance can sometimes flatten the very specific, individual stories she worked to recover, turning distinct lives into a single symbolic narrative.
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