Book Review – The Black Book of Johnathan Knotbristle by Chris Allaun
I recently read The Black Book of Johnathan Knotbristle by Chris Allaun.
It’s a hands-on manual of old style Witchcraft disguised in the creatively woven words of the Devil’s parable.
Honestly, I think this is what I wanted Southern Cunning to be like. I felt like I’d been transported to rural southern USA and was being told a long winded story by some ones Papaw on the front porch. Sweet iced tea in hand, and a warm breeze on my neck whilst the rocking chair creaks alongside the crickets. A finger pointing at me knowingly as Papaw shares his wisdom… “You don’t want ta’be offend’n nobody, and you never know who was gonna get their britches in a knot for not be’n polite. Remember what I said, don’t go piss’n no spirits off and you don’t have ta’worry ‘bout spirits come’n after ya.”
What I liked
I loved that this was written in the style of narrative learning. So far my favourite witchcraft books seem to have this style. Where we learn through storytelling by following a character and learning as they do, joining them on their fictional discoveries. It’s a wonderful way to hold the readers attention and not bore them to death whilst delivering information.
Adored the way it was written in dialect. I know it’s not for everyone, but it really puts me into the character. I could ‘hear’ his voice in my head.
Loved the perspective that just because it’s in the imagination, doesn’t mean it isn’t real because that is exactly how I feel about a lot of my witchcraft.
This quote in chapter 3 felt particularly poignant. "It’s funny, folks believe’n any ‘ole thing that the pastor man be tell’n em. The pastor’ll make up stories ‘bout the Devil and they ain’t never seen no Devil. All they saw was the pastor preach’n his nonsense in church. It seems that create’n fear and panic was more important to the pastor than tell’n the truth."
This quote at the end of chapter 3 shows how the learning is written into the narrative. It comes across as Johnathan just telling us a thing or two but it’s absolutely crucial learning for any Witch. “Keep your work’ns ta’yourself. Folks don’t need ta’know stuff, and sometimes other witches are tricky and hide themselfs. You don’t want ta’be give’n away all your secrets ta’folks and then hav’n ‘em undo’n what you’re do’n.”
All the magic is worked with what’s at hand, and for what is needed. It’s less about being power hungry for the sake of power and more about stopping a drought that’s affecting the crops, or healing an illness or protecting oneself.
Really enjoyed the suggestion to use a rocking chair for trance work because my very first out of body experience (OBE) was brought on in just that manner! Using a rocking chair for trance meditation! Tickled pink to see it somewhere else too as I thought it was a weird me thing.
What I disliked
Some of it, particularly by the end of the book was a bit out there and wacky. Not a deal breaker, as I said this is a work of fiction with some learning woven in. But it did take me out of the magic of it in a way with the big ‘witch war’.
I didn’t come away from this book with a lot of practical things to do or try. That might be because a lot of it doesn’t work with my style of witchcraft practice, or it wasn’t a realistic look at how magic can or does work. Perhaps it’s just simply that I don’t live on a rural farm surrounded by woods but there’s really only one or two things I’ll be trying.
As a Devils parable, he showed up barely at all which was funny.
Do I recommend it?
Yes, I really liked it and if you can get past the outlandish nature of the story and the dialect I think you’ll enjoy it too!
I give it 4 witches hats.
My witches’ hats rating system:
0 - Problematic, this book should be burned.
1 - Did not like this book, do not read
2 - It was ok, wouldn’t recommend it though.
3 - I liked it but it might not be for everyone
4 - I really liked it and think most people will like it
5 - AMAZING, I loved it and everyone should read it
Meet Hana
Hana O’Neill, the Suburban Witch is a professional Tarot & Astrology reader, Intuitive Coach and the host of the Witch Talks podcast.
