The Witching Hour Summary of Anne Rice's Book

The Witching Hour by Anne Rice: A Comprehensive Book Summary

Anne Rice, the queen of Gothic fiction, takes readers on a spellbinding journey with her novel, The Witching Hour. Published in 1990, this book is a captivating blend of horror, fantasy, and fiction that will leave you mesmerized. Set in both modern times and spanning four centuries, The Witching Hour delves into the lives of the Mayfair witches, a family with a dark and mysterious legacy. From witches to secrets, love to betrayal, this novel has it all.

Characters

The Witching Hour boasts an extensive cast of characters, each with their own unique story and role to play in the Mayfair family saga. Some key characters include:

• Rowan Mayfair: A brilliant neurosurgeon with special powers, unaware of her witch heritage.
• Michael James Timothy Curry: A man with mysterious sensory powers who becomes entangled with Rowan.
• Lasher: A dangerous and seductive being that haunts the Mayfair family for generations.
• Deirdre Mayfair: A member of the Mayfair family who plays a significant role in the story.
• Julien Mayfair: The only male descendant of the Mayfair witches with occult powers.

Detailed Summary

The Witching Hour opens with a mute woman sitting on a veranda in a decaying New Orleans house. The story unfolds in modern times when Rowan Mayfair, a gifted neurosurgeon, rescues a man named Michael Curry from drowning. As Rowan and Michael fall in love, they uncover the mysteries of Rowan's witchy past and Michael's newfound powers.

The narrative weaves back and forth in time, from present-day New Orleans and San Francisco to the 17th century in Scotland, where the first Mayfair witch, Suzanne, conjures up the spirit known as Lasher. This creation brings about destruction and torment for the Mayfair descendants throughout the ages.

Spanning from Port au Prince to Civil War New Orleans, the novel explores themes of love, seduction, death, and the eternal battle between good and evil. As Rowan's connection to her witch heritage deepens, the story hurtles towards a gripping climax on Christmas Eve in New Orleans.

Extensive Analysis

The Witching Hour is a tour de force that showcases Anne Rice's mastery of storytelling. With lush prose, intricate world-building, and complex characters, Rice creates a dark and captivating tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The exploration of power, legacy, and the supernatural is woven seamlessly into a narrative that spans centuries and continents.

Rice delves into the psyche of her characters, delving into their fears, desires, and motivations. The interplay between magic and human emotion creates a rich and immersive reading experience that will linger with readers long after they finish the book. The intricate plot twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

Final thoughts

If you're a fan of horror, fantasy, or Gothic fiction, The Witching Hour is a must-read. Anne Rice's mesmerizing tale of witches, secrets, and dark powers is a true masterpiece that will leave you spellbound. Pick up a copy of the book or listen to the audiobook to immerse yourself in this hauntingly beautiful world.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Anne Rice or new to her work, The Witching Hour is sure to captivate and enthrall you. Don't miss out on this epic saga of the Mayfair witches and their timeless struggle against the forces of darkness. Happy reading!

9780099471424 (ISBN10: 0099471426)