Reviewed by Thea Prothero

‘Bogs are the opposite of picture postcard places. If they are reimagined as women, then they are the opposite of pin-ups’

I have been lucky enough to read The Bog Witch by Mab Jones when it came out, a year ago this month.  I have always had a fascination for bogs, which started as abit of an obsession with bog bodies, (thanks Tollund Man!) and developed into a general interest in the geographical make-up of these unique and intensely enigmatic phenomena. 

Because of my own enthrallment  I was eager to hear her poet’s point of view – I have read a few of Mab’s poems and enjoy her unique turn of phrase. Bog Witch is, in my opinion a masterpiece of contemporary soliloquy. Within are stories of childhood, ecological reverence and lyrical devotion. Here, Cerridwen and her cauldron  sit in perfect harmony with toads – “..granular-skinned kings (who) wear their warts grandly” and “..the devil’s darning needle” – snakes.

This is a place full of wonders to behold and plenty of muddy ones too. All are wrapped somewhat uncomfortably in the words of Macbeth’s witches.

This is truly a journey you should not miss.

Bog Witch by Mab Jones

Encompassing nature writing, life writing, poetry, and magical memoir from a working-class woman’s perspective whilst drawing from history, science, mythology and folklore, Bog Witch is a lyrical, semi-mystical immersion into wild wetland areas.

From fens to peatlands, mires to marshes, swamps to lagoons, these diverse habitats are more than just mud​, ​offer​ing​ a richesse of flora and fauna, herbs and healing plants, as well as an unusual opportunity for our own inner healing and spiritual growth.

With a structure inspired by the chant of the three witches in Macbeth – which features a host of native wetland flora and fauna – Bog Witch will lead its readers into the gloam of these seemingly gloomy spots, enlightening them​,​ endeavouring to entertain, explore, explain, and enrich.

Join poet Mab Jones on her journey into the wilds and learn how brightness and beauty, birdsong and brilliance, exist even in the darkest, most misunderstood places.

Learn more or grab your copy here: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/our-books/bog-witch-wetland

For more details: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/authors/thea-prothero