What Makes a Witch is a short and provocative tale that is unabashedly bold in bringing transphobic issues to the forefront and providing a sensitive and compassionate lens through two main characters, that just happen to be a young scavenging rat named Greer and his unlikely companion, Mistress Addison, an Irish ferret, who just might be a witch (you’ll have to read and find out). Both creatures have been ridiculed and ostracized by those closest to them and they develop a compassionate and rich relationship with each other based on acceptance and trust. The systemic and familial problems of addiction, to either poppy wine or magic, is both overtly and more subtly weaved throughout the story line as well.

It is no accident that Greer and Mistress Addison meet and although the Mistress plays a leading role as mentor for Greer, she herself will learn much from her young apprentice. It’s surprising how much has been packed into such a short story and I can’t help but wish it was quite a bit longer, with a bit more backstory on the Witches Coven, and more tactile details layered on scenes. It would also be wonderful to see more of the “animal” in the personified characters that are thrown into issues of discrimination and a longing for equanimity that is generally reserved for the human species.

I think each of us can take away this powerful message from Mistress Addison when we seek spiritual guidance or need to find the strength to get back on the beam:

“Draw upon th’ power. Let it wash through ye, bend it ta yer will, command it to nourish, ta mend, ta heal. It will listen to a kin’ soul like yours… [and never forget that above all else] do you swear ta be true ta yerself?” ( )

What Makes a Witch kept me reading while at the same time making me nervous about how the dress-wearing part of the story would be handled. I don't know if I would read it again but it was a good read. ( )