Inspired by a notorious werewolf trial, blending history with paranormal and feminist themes, and with a moving queer romance at its core, this is an unmissable Australian debut.
Eastern France. Winter. 1572.
When Sidonie’s guardian dies, she flees Paris rather than submit to a forced marriage, seeking sanctuary in the home of her estranged aunt in Dole.
A town consumed by fear and superstition.
Apolline left behind a violent and troubled past, hoping for a new life with her husband, where she can sell her herbs and assist women from the privacy of her forest home. But it is dangerous to be different, and as Sidonie and Apolline’s lives become intertwined, they are soon both being hunted.
The hunt for a werewolf.
Aspiring witch hunter Pierre is drawn to Dole amid rumours of a werewolf hunting children. Desperate for respect and power, he allies himself with a priest who is fanning the flames of fear and hatred.
Set in a time when women’s lives were not their own, and to be different was to be suspect, Winter of the Wolf is a sweeping tale of family secrets, betrayal and the abuse of power, the redeeming power of friendship, and finding your true home.
Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia (August 13, 2024)
ISBN: 9781761346989
Impeccably researched and beautifully written, Winter of the Wolf is a captivating story of murder, love and found families inspired by the true story of the werewolf and witch trials of 16th century France. At its heart is the story of the unbreakable bond formed by two young women, each facing heartbreak and horror as they seek to solve the mystery of who – or what – is killing children in the forest. Amanda Willimott is a talent to watch! Kate Forsyth
Expertly researched and brought to life in such an evocative heartrending way. I loved this extraordinary story and was sad to turn the last page. Tess Woods
Amanda Willimott expertly captures a sense of time and place in this atmospheric fable that reframes the witch and werewolf hysteria of late medieval France. Paula Weston
The fact that Winter of the Wolf is based on the real life story of Gilles, who was accused of the brutal murder of four children in 1572, and subsequently tortured into confession and executed, is a fascinating foundation for this excellent and captivating tale. It is a perfect blend of historical fiction, witches and werewolves, yet it is so much more. Willimott explores the social impact of class, the pernicious influence of the Church and the Inquisition, and the social structure that elevates men, no matter what their talents, or lack thereof, and forces women and children to submit to the patriarchy or suffer the consequences. Throw in the elements of a whodunnit and Winter of the Wolf is intriguing to the very end . . . this is a story about family, love and understanding our place in the world. If you love the novels of Lauren Chater, Kell Woods or Kate Forsyth, then Winter of the Wolf is your next read. Meredith Jaffe, New Voices Down Under
Through the relationship between Apolline and Sidonie, and a range of other interconnected narratives, Willimott’s novel illustrates a historical France gripped by superstition and the Inquisition, focusing the narrative on the lives of queer women. Historical accuracy has been balanced with a contemporary voice and the writing is clear and engaging. It is a relatively brisk novel, but Willimott has taken care to capture a complex era and subject, demonstrating a depth of research. Winter of the Wolf is recommended for fans of historical fiction and readers of Madeline Miller and Sarah Waters. Abe Theobald, Books + Publishing
Engaging, sensuous description of life in this era and the horror and cruelty towards suspected witches and werewolves, is hard to imagine. No one who is a bit different is safe. This is an exciting tale that is hard to put down. Judith Grace, Good Reading Magazine
France, 1572. The country is starving, at war, in the grip of religious and political turmoil and clouded by superstition. Witch and werewolf hunters roam the countryside seeking to stamp out the influence of the Devil. The message is just as applicable to modern times as it is to werewolf hunts. Folklore, history and a queer romance, I loved it! Ruby, Better Read Than Dead
Paula Weston
