Name: The Factory Witches of Lowell
ISBN: 9781250756565

C. S. Malerich

The Factory Witches of Lowell is a riveting historical fantasy about witches going on strike in the historical mill-town of Lowell, Massachusetts. Faced with abominable working conditions, unsympathetic owners, and hard-hearted managers, the mill girls of Lowell have had enough. They're going on strike, and they have a secret weapon on their side: a little witchcraft to ensure that no one leaves the picket line. For the young women of Lowell, Massachusetts, freedom means fair wages for fair work, decent room and board, and a chance to escape the cotton mills before lint stops up their lungs. When the Boston owners decide to raise the workers’ rent, the girls go on strike. Their ringleader is Judith Whittier, a newcomer to Lowell but not to class warfare. Judith has already seen one strike fold and she doesn’t intend to see it again. Fortunately Hannah, her best friend in the boardinghouse—and maybe first love?—has a gift for the dying art of witchcraft.

The Factory Witches of Lowell

erin s

A short historical fiction novella that uses magic to explore community and resistance among young mill workers in Lowell. Judith and Hannah are best friends (and maybe more...) who use Hannah's magical gifts to form a formidable union against the factory bosses. 

I was a bit disappointed with this one. I wanted more from the characters; I found some of them interesting and others less so. Beginning with the spell-casting was a good introduction, but without showing these workers in the mill before the strike, I missed seeing the camaraderie that formed in those poor conditions and the communal decision to lead a revolt. I supported their labor endeavors nonetheless, but I wanted a build-up and a stronger sense of place before jumping right into the strike.

(2/5: Quick read that would appeal to YA readers or those who are not usually comfortable with historical fiction but enjoy stories about strong women. A bit sparse at times; I wanted deeper connections between some of the characters. It was unique though, and anything historical with witches is automatically a worthwhile read for me. Points for queer historical ladies as well, especially radical ones! I just didn't fall in love with these women like I wanted to.)

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Emily C Peterson

Taylor

C. S. Malerich's The Factory Witches of Lowell is a riveting historical fantasy about witches going on strike in the historical mill-town of Lowell, Massachusetts. Faced with abominable working conditions, unsympathetic owners, and hard-hearted managers, the mill girls of Lowell have had enough. They're going on strike, and they have a secret weapon on their side: a little witchcraft to ensure that no one leaves the picket line. For the young women of Lowell, Massachusetts, freedom means fair wages for fair work, decent room and board, and a chance to escape the cotton mills before lint stops up their lungs. When the Boston owners decide to raise the workers’ rent, the girls go on strike. Their ringleader is Judith Whittier, a newcomer to Lowell but not to class warfare. Judith has already seen one strike fold and she doesn’t intend to see it again. Fortunately Hannah, her best friend in the boardinghouse—and maybe first love?—has a gift for the dying art of witchcraft. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

The Factory Witches of Lowell

Reviews

Highlights