Imagine how surprised I was a few weeks ago when the title "The Crochet Woman" popped up when I typed "Ruth Manning Sanders" into the search field on Amazon. Even though I have read her books for years, I had never heard of this one. I immediately clicked on the title, wondering what the book could be about. There was not much information, other than it was published in 1930. There were 3 copies available from three different used book sellers; 2 were listed at $75.00 each. The third was listed for $10.00 plus shipping, so I ordered it right away, even though I didn't really know what to expect.
When the book arrived about a week later, I sat down and began to read. The story drew me in immediately, even though I quickly learned that the crochet woman (we never learn her name, she is always referred to as "the crochet woman") is not a good person. In fact, she is quite evil, a witch, who uses her crochet work to cast spells on the poor folk who live in the countryside around her.
Here is a quote from the inside flap of the cover:
"Tart as a cooking apple, full flavored as wild honey, is this tale of the English countryside, the story of a modern witch who works with gossip and innuendo in place of curses and spells. Knotting hatred of youth into her endless pattern, she bestirs herself to bring havoc into the lives of her young neighbors, and almost succeeds."
I read the book in a single day, and I must say I enjoyed it very much. The ending was just what I had hoped it would be (no spoilers here, even though the book has been out of print for more than 80 years.) If you ever happen to run across a copy, be sure to pick it up. I am sure you will enjoy it, too!
