Book Review
The Witches of Cambridge
Alice Hoffman
Book Description:
Once upon a time, women were drowned in the river and the
only witnesses were the crows in the trees. The Puritans blamed Eve for the
sins of the world. That was when we began to meet in the name of Lilith, Adam’s
first wife—banished for refusing to do as she was told.
We Fly Together…
By the 1950s, Cambridge, Massachusetts feels far removed from the legendary
witch trials that marked its early days as a colony. Ava, a bright young woman
from a small town in Maine, arrives for her first year at Radcliffe College.
There, she meets Lauren, her opposite in every way—the wild and brazen daughter
of a wealthy and well-established Cambridge family. But the two have more in
common than they think. Both are recruited by the Lilith Society, a secret
organization of witches at Radcliffe dating back to colonial times. As they
learn more about their legacy, Ava and Lauren form a close bond that is put to
the test as they learn to navigate their new power, friendship, and love.
While Radcliffe seems like a safe haven, the shadow of McCarthyism looms large,
an ever-present threat to the flourishing creative and intellectual life in
Cambridge. And as girls from the Lilith Society begin to go missing, Ava and
Lauren realize the witch trials of the past may not be as deeply buried as they
once believed.
Release Date: December 8, 2026
Preorder on Amazon
My 5-Star Review:
If you thought Alice Hoffman hit her pinnacle as an author with her Practical Magic series—think again. She has returned with a new novel about friends, family, and witches that shines just as brightly.
The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman is a captivating and atmospheric novel that showcases the author’s signature blend of magic, history, and deeply human storytelling. With a steady, confident hand, Hoffman draws readers into 1950s Cambridge, where the lives of two young women—Ava and Lauren—intertwine in ways that are both unexpected and unforgettable.
At its heart, this is a story about connection and contrast.
Ava, raised with modest means and cautious expectations, steps into a world
that feels entirely foreign, while Lauren, born into privilege and a long line
of witches, struggles under the weight of grief and legacy. Their differences
create a compelling tension, yet it is precisely these differences that make
their bond so meaningful. Hoffman excels at portraying relationships that feel
earned rather than convenient, and the friendship between these two women is
one of the novel’s strongest elements.
The mysterious Lillith Society adds an intriguing layer,
evoking a sense of tradition and secrecy that lingers throughout the book. As
disappearances mount and questions deepen, the story takes on a quiet urgency,
blending suspense with the emotional journeys of the characters. The presence
of figures tied to historical witchcraft—particularly through Jamie
Mathers—grounds the narrative in a past that never quite loosens its hold on
the present.
Hoffman’s themes will feel familiar in the best way: the
strength of women, the pull between light and darkness, and the cost of denying
one’s true nature. The novel thoughtfully explores the expectations placed on
women—especially in the 1950s—and the quiet rebellion required to live
authentically. There is a timeless quality to these struggles, handled with
subtlety rather than heavy-handedness.
As always, Hoffman’s prose is lyrical without being
overwrought. Her descriptions of place and mood are vivid, and the interweaving
of historical elements with the mid-century setting gives the story a layered
richness. The details—whether in nature, tradition, or small personal
moments—feel carefully chosen and meaningful.
By the end, the reader is left with a sense of having truly
known these characters, which is perhaps Hoffman’s greatest strength. The novel
lingers, not because of spectacle, but because of its emotional resonance. It’s
the kind of story that feels complete, yet still leaves you hoping to return to
its world.
A beautifully crafted tale of friendship, identity, and
quiet power, The Witches of Cambridge is a rewarding read for those who
appreciate character-driven stories with a touch of the mystical.
Alice Hoffman is the author of thirty works of fiction, including Practical Magic, The Dovekeepers, Magic Lessons, and, most recently, The Book of Magic. She lives in Boston. Her new novel, The Invisible Hour, is forthcoming in August 2023. Visit her website: www.alicehoffman.com
