Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix: A Review of Horror, History, and Humanity
When I think of horror, I typically picture something like Chucky, Freddy Krueger, or Jason—stories with characters who kill without rhyme or reason. I’ve always gravitated toward psychological thrillers and true crime for their ability to delve into the “why” behind human behavior. But Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix opened my eyes to a different kind of horror—one rooted in real-life atrocities, in historical pain that feels disturbingly relevant even today.
This book was a pick for a horror book club, and while it was certainly a horror read, it didn’t fit the conventional mold I’d expected. Instead of grotesque villains or supernatural terrors, the story centers on the devastating experiences of young women in 1970s maternity homes.
The Premise
At its core, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls tells the story of teenage girls sent away to maternity homes during the 1970s. Pregnant, shamed, and judged by society, these young women were forced to give up their babies for adoption. The book dives into this often-overlooked piece of history, shedding light on the profound injustices these girls faced.
Between 1945 and 1973—spanning the end of World War II to the landmark Roe v. Wade decision—at least 2 million babies were surrendered for adoption in the United States. These maternity homes, cloaked in secrecy, were a place of profound pain for many. The women who entered these homes were often young, sexually abused, or victims of rape. Yet society viewed them as corrupt, immoral, and deserving of the shame imposed on them.
Grady Hendrix, known for blending humor and horror in his work, took on this heavy subject with a deep sense of care. His ability to weave the historical realities of these homes with elements of witchcraft and rebellion was compelling. The witches in the story felt symbolic—representing resistance, empowerment, and the misunderstood.
Horror That Hits Close to Home
This book redefined horror for me. It wasn’t about slasher violence or supernatural fears but about the horror of systemic oppression and societal cruelty.
What struck me most was how real this horror felt. I’ve watched countless horror movies and true crime shows with a kind of emotional detachment, able to separate myself from the victims onscreen. Yet this book didn’t allow for that distance. It forced me to confront the suffering of real women in a way that made it impossible to dissociate.
It also made me question our collective fascination with true crime and horror. Why are we drawn to these stories? Is it curiosity, a desire to understand, or something darker? And why is it so much easier to empathize with fictionalized characters or even animals in distress than with human victims of real-life atrocities?
The Power of Storytelling
What I loved most about Witchcraft for Wayward Girls was its storytelling. Hendrix took a subject he admittedly knew little about and treated it with reverence. By giving voice to the experiences of women who were silenced, he created space for understanding and empathy.
For me, storytelling has always been about exploration—about diving into topics I don’t fully understand so I can learn more. Writing is a way to untangle the messiness of life, to confront uncomfortable realities, and, ultimately, to foster compassion. Hendrix’s work reminded me of this mission.
This book doesn’t just tell a story; it connects the dots between historical truth and the human need to rebel against injustice. It challenges us to confront the horrors of our past, not as something that happened to “others,” but as a shared history we must reckon with.
Final Thoughts
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls left me reflecting on the importance of storytelling, especially when it comes to the horrors and injustices we’d rather forget. It’s a reminder that horror isn’t just about fear—it’s about truth, humanity, and grappling with the darkest corners of our history.
Thank you, Grady Hendrix, for writing this book. It’s a powerful example of how fiction can illuminate the reality of our world, challenging us to feel deeply, to empathize, and to learn.
I highly recommend this book, whether you’re a horror fan or not. It’s an eye-opening, emotional read that brings a vital piece of history to light.
Have you read Witchcraft for Wayward Girls? Or do you have a favorite book that redefined a genre for you? Let’s discuss!