The Once and Future Witches

Versions of fairy tales are told at many points in the story. How do they differ from fairy tales in the real world? How do they advance the plot?

Explain the meaning of the novel’s title in the context of its allusion to T.H White’s The Once and Future King, and of the author’s definition of witchcraft.

One of the book’s central themes is abusive male power. What tactics do men use to control women in the story? What is Harrow suggesting about the relationship between power and gender?

Solidarity and divisiveness are important concepts in the novel. Discuss the changing attitudes of the novel’s witches in light of these principles. What motivates their changing perspectives?

Covert female resistance takes multiple forms in the novel. Describe some of these tactics and explain why they are effective.

The Once and Future Witches is set in 1890s America. Why do you think the author chose this particular time period? What real events echo the abuses of power in the novel?

How is the concept of a witch defined in the novel? In what way is this definition at odds with conventional views of women who practice magic?

How does Harrow portray racism and racist systems of oppression in the novel? What relationship does the author suggest between race and power in the story, and how do race and gender intersect?