Witchcraft for Wayward Girls By Grady Hendrix Book Review
Being a teenage girl trapped in a place meant to erase you, your story, your pain, your very existence, that’s the haunting world Grady Hendrix drops us into with Witchcraft for Wayward Girls.
Set in the summer of 1970, this novel follows Fern, a 15-year-old sent to the Wellwood Home in St. Augustine, Florida, a maternity institution where unwed pregnant girls are hidden away to give birth in secret and then forced to forget everything. Alongside Fern are other girls like Rose, a free-spirited hippie hoping to keep her baby, Zinnia, eager to marry the father, and Holly, a silent, mysterious presence. Under the strict control of Miss Wellwood, their lives are confined and monitored, but when Fern finds a book about witchcraft in the library, it starts a powerful chain of events.
This book mixes dark historical fiction with supernatural elements and horror, but don’t expect jump scares at every turn. Hendrix uses witchcraft both as a metaphor and real magic to dig into themes of control, power, and resilience. The tone is haunting, emotional, and at times deeply unsettling, not just because of the supernatural stuff, but because of the harsh reality these girls face.
What makes Witchcraft for Wayward Girls stand out is Hendrix’s vivid storytelling and unforgettable characters. His writing sparkles with unique imagery, you’ll picture a bra strap “bouncing with every step like it was real jazzed to be here,” or a pink carpet that looks like “a sludgy waterfall of Pepto Bismol.” It’s quirky and atmospheric, pulling you deeper into the lives and struggles of these girls. Plus, the historical setting gives the story a weight that sticks with you long after you finish.
Readers capture this mix perfectly. Critics call it “frightening, anxiety-producing, beautiful, and sad” (The New York Times), and praise Hendrix for creating complex, emotionally rich characters who you genuinely root for. But it’s not just about the magic or the horror; it’s about reclaiming power when everything is taken away. Fans call it “a magical look into the lives of teenage girls” and highlight the novel’s “fearless truth-telling” about female victimization and empowerment.
That said, it’s not an easy read. Be warned, the book handles heavy and graphic subjects like sexual assault and abuse, which are raw and intense but important for the story’s honesty. Also, some readers have pointed out concerns about how certain characters are portrayed, especially two Black characters whose storylines risk falling into problematic tropes. And the ending, while emotionally authentic, might feel a bit restrained or bittersweet compared to the tension and darkness leading up to it.
From my perspective, if you’re someone who loves a story mixing horror with history and social commentary, this book is a goldmine. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy deep character work and don’t shy away from tough themes. But if you’re after a straightforward spooky story or want to avoid difficult topics, this might not be your thing.
Plus, with conversations about women’s rights and bodily autonomy more urgent than ever, Hendrix’s novel feels incredibly timely. It shows how important community, your own little coven, and knowledge can be in standing up against oppression.
So, if you’re up for a book that’s equal parts eerie, emotional, and thought-provoking, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is definitely worth a look. Let me know what you think if you’ve read it, or if you decide to pick it up!