Simply put, “The Witch’s Heart” by Genevieve Gornichec is a beautiful retelling of Norse mythology. The basic plot revolves around the witch Angrboda and her life with the trickster God Loki, but the story is so much deeper than that.
In Norse mythology, the witch Gullveig went to Odin’s hall where she was stabbed with a spear and burnt three times, but she resurrected each time. (It’s a bit more complicated, but that’s all you need to understand this novel.) “The Witch’s Heart” picks up immediately after that third resurrection when Gullveig travels to the edge of an enchanted forest on one of the nine worlds and decides to leave everything and everyone behind; she reinvents herself as Angrboda. Loki, however, finds her and returns her heart, which had been stolen by the other Gods.
What follows is an incredible (and incredibly tumultuous) love story between Angrboda and Loki as they try to navigate their hidden romance, the sadistic whims of the Gods, and their own children, which are Hel (the Goddess of the afterlife), the wolf Fenrir (who is prophesied to kill Odin), and the world serpent Jormungandr (who is prophesied to kill Thor).
Gornichec weaves a stunning tapestry of Norse stories, some of which are shown directly (such as the children’s births) while others receive only off-hand references. I’ve been reading Norse myths since I was a child, but I’ve never read one story that attempted - and succeeded so well! - to bring them all together to tell one coherent tale. Parts of this novel are beautiful, such as the growing love between Angrboda and Loki; some parts are horribly disturbing, such as Angrboda’s abuse by the other Gods; but the entire novel is stunning in its emotional depth. You will feel real passion - both positive and negative - for these characters.
Regarding Bechdels*, the book is great. 1) It contains several women characters; 2) those characters interact with each other several times; 3) and when they interact, they discuss a variety of topics, sometimes about Loki but many times about other things going on around the Nine Realms. Overall, I highly recommend “The Witch’s Heart” by Genevieve Gornichec, especially if you’re looking for a story of Norse mythology that adheres more closely to tradition than the latest Marvel films.