Bright I Burn is more than a historical novel; it’s a story of all the ways relationships come into play in our lives.
The time is the late thirteenth century. The place is Ireland. The black plague hasn’t arrived yet, but life is no less treacherous at times. Alice Kyteler – antiheroine at the heart of Bright I Burn by Molly Aitken – knows a thing or two about how to thrive in such a setting. Born to a wealthy innkeeper and banker in the town of Kilkenny, she learns the trade. After inheriting the business, she begins to make a name for herself as a shrewd and quite independent businesswoman. Of course, a reputation like this comes with its own fresh responsibilities and risks; she knows it best to not go it alone.
Over the course of the years through which Bright I Burn takes us, Alice marries a sequence of successful men, of varying temperament. One after the other, they pass away, setting off a string of rumors that fuel an already gossipy trail that seems to follow Alice. The stakes are high, as this is the era of death as punishment for witchcraft, and so Alice employs all her wiles to squelch the rumors.
Bright I Burn is more than a historical novel; it’s a story of all the ways relationships come into play in our lives, whether romantic, transactional, intimate, familial, or friendly. It also feels distinctly feminist, in the witchiest way possible (we mean that as a good thing!). Alice was a woman who didn’t let the times hold her back or down. She is a symbol for the (middle) ages – albeit a deadly one.
With all of this packed into Molly Aitken’s punchy and yet still lyrical prose, you’ll find yourself (and your book club friends) flying through this novel, to find out how it all plays out. And once done? You’ll be chomping at the bit to get going on dissecting it. Happy reading!
Bright I Burn
by Molly Aitken
Get the Conversation Started
From history to witchery, feminism to friendship, you’ll be dying to dive into all that Bright I Burn brings to the table. Kick off your conversation or consideration with these questions, sure to inspire a bit of deeper thinking. Be careful, though, if you’ve not yet read the novel, as spoilers do abound!
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Create a Perfectly Paired Feast for You Book Club
There’s a fair volume of wine poured throughout Bright I Burn. We’re expecting that it’s of the full body sort, red, of course. With that, we’re toasting to ambition with this Ravanal Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark fruits, a bit of woodsiness, and a touch of tobacco: it’s, shall we say, a much more elegant spin on the middle ages.
Following the end of Lent one year, Alice brings in a feast of a party. For dinner? Roast suckling pig and a flock (literally!) of pheasants. We’re not feeling as ambitious as Alice, and so instead are recommending this somewhat more approachable roasted porchetta. It’s easier to manage all around — but doesn’t sacrifice a bit on what it delivers.
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Craving more magic and mystery books?
What is it about witches that inspires so many writers to put pen to paper? Perhaps it’s the mystery, the perceived danger, the rich history. There are just so many great books to read in this particular realm. If you’re craving a little bit more in the world of this magic and mystery, read on.
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