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They Can’t Burn Us All

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What to expect

From the award-winning author of A Poisoner's Tale comes a dark, feminist retelling of the most famous witch trial in 17th-century Iceland, perfect for fans of The Witches of Vardo and The Mercies

Westfjords, Iceland. 1655

Þuríður Jónsdóttir has grown up praying to the old gods and watching her father and brother practise rune magic.

But now, a witch-hunting craze is sweeping across the land of ice and fire, fuelled by the Protestant Reformation. Unlike elsewhere in Europe, those condemned as witches here are not women, but men of learning. And when Þuríður’s father and brother are accused of witchcraft and condemned to burn at the stake, she is helpless to save them.

As Lutheran Pastor Jón Magnússon's accusing gaze turns to Þuríður herself, the first woman to be called ‘witch’, he will find that she is no ordinary woman.

She is prepared to fight back. But at what cost?

And in an age of fear and persecution, whose side will the community take? Who will fight for justice?

Set against a backdrop of sweeping religious and social change, They Can’t Burn Us All is a feminist retelling of Iceland’s notorious Kirkjuból witch trials.

'immersive and heartrending . . . I was completely captivated by this vital work of witch literature' ANYA BERGMAN

© Cathryn Kemp 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

Critics Review

I absolutely LOVED They Can't Burn Us All. Immersive and heartrending, They Can't Burn Us All is a powerful and compelling retelling of 17th century witch trials . . . With breathtaking descriptions and meticulous historical authenticity, I was completely captivated by this vital work of witch literature
ANYA BERGMAN, author of international bestseller, The Witches of Vardø
Kemp has created a magnificent retelling of an infamous Icelandic witch trial, beautifully handled in a story that is by turns shocking, violent and deeply moving. The desperate isolation of 17th century Iceland is brought to vivid life with its strong women and their battle for survival amid the turbulence of small, superstitious societies and vendettas. Her main character may struggle to voice her own words, but she has a compelling narrative voice that will endure
KATE FOSTER, award-winning author of The Maiden
I utterly adored Cathryn Kemp’s debut, A Poisoner’s Tale, so I had high hopes for They Can’t Burn Us All, and I wasn’t disappointed! This is a haunting, mesmerising tale of C17th Icelandic witch trials, with descriptions so evocative you can feel the snow’s chill and hear the ravens’ cries and smell the fires burning. A dark, urgent tale of female agency and the power of both speaking out and refusing to speak
NAOMI KELSEY, author of The Burnings
They Can't Burn Us All is a thrilling, fiery fable, full of compassion, rage and magic. Kemp brings 17th century Iceland to vivid life; a place of deadly storms and even deadlier curses, of long-hidden secrets and lingering resentments. A timely and important reminder of the enduring power of women's voices
DANIELLE GILES, author of Mere
They Can’t Burn Us All is a stunning novel. An atmospheric and haunting tale of Iceland’s most famous witch trial, it shines light on an era when men were burned as witches, yet women still paid the price. The Icelandic landscape teems with life, brooding and magical, while Cathryn’s lyrical writing delivers an emotional gut-punch at every turn. A novel as gripping as it is relevant today, with an ending that will take your breath away
EMMA COWING, author of The Show Woman
In this haunting depiction of the Icelandic witch trials, Cathryn Kemp portrays female rage and the bitter struggle to be heard with beautiful, breath-taking clarity. A compelling, evocative historical tale that resonates today.
ELIZABETH LEE, author of Cunning Women
Author Cathryn Kemp
Narrator Melkorka Oskarsdottir
Duration 10 hours and 25 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9781529950403
Format Audiobook
Publisher Transworld
Genre Dark fantasy, Fiction based on or inspired by true events, Historical fiction, Narrative theme: Social issues, Witchcraft
Availability AU, GB, IE, US

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