Cathryn Kemp to Discuss New Novel on Icelandic Witch Trials
July 16, 2026Author event explores historical witch hunts in Iceland
Cathryn Kemp will present an evening centred on her novel They Can’t Burn Us All on Thursday 27 August 2026. The event, which will take place both in person and online, offers an opportunity to hear Kemp read from and discuss her work, which is a historical retelling of the Kirkjuból witch trials in Iceland.
Event details
- Date and time: 27 August 2026, 7:00pm to 8:15pm
- Location: Wave of Nostalgia, 74 Main Street, Haworth, BD22 8DP
- Format: In-person and online via Zoom
- Ticket price: £5
Attendees joining in person will receive a complimentary drink, with options including wine, tea, or coffee. Additionally, all attendees, whether in person or online, will be eligible for a 10% discount on books purchased at the shop or online.
About the novel
They Can’t Burn Us All is set in 1655 in the Westfjords region of Iceland during a period of intense witch-hunting driven by the Protestant Reformation. The story follows Þuríður Jónsdóttir, who has been raised with the old pagan beliefs and has witnessed her father and brother practising rune magic. Unlike other parts of Europe where women were typically accused, in Iceland, men of learning were targeted. When Þuríður’s father and brother are condemned as witches and sentenced to be burned at the stake, Þuríður herself becomes the first woman to be labelled a witch.
The novel explores themes of fear, persecution, and justice amid religious and social upheaval, offering a feminist perspective on these historical events.
Additional information
During the event, Cathryn Kemp will read excerpts from the novel, discuss its historical context and themes, and answer questions from the audience. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.
For those interested in attending, tickets can be obtained in advance. The Wave of Nostalgia venue is located in the centre of Haworth, providing a local setting for this literary event.
For more details and ticket booking, visit the event page.
