The Burning
by Laura Bates
A rumor is like fire.
Once a whore, always a whore.
Roses are red.
Violets are blue.
Anna's a slut.
We all know it's true.
And a fire that spreads online... is impossible to extinguish.
New school. Check.
New town. Check.
New last name. Check.
Social media profiles? Deleted.
Anna and her mother have moved hundreds of miles to put the past behind them. Anna hopes to make a fresh start and escape the harassment she's been subjected to. But then rumors and whispers start, and Anna tries to ignore what is happening by immersing herself in learning about Maggie, a local woman accused of witchcraft in the seventeenth century. A woman who was shamed. Silenced. And whose story has unsettling parallels to Anna's own.
From Laura Bates, internationally renowned feminist and founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, comes a debut novel for the #metoo era. It's a powerful call to action, reminding all readers of the implications of sexism and the role we can each play in ending it.
Discuss The Burning with other readers
Join or start a book club for The Burning on Readfeed. Live chat, shared reading progress, and AI discussion questions — free to get started.
Frequently asked questions
How do I join a book club for The Burning?
Sign up free on Readfeed, then browse public clubs or start your own club with The Burning as the current read. Invite friends with a share link and discuss together with live chat and AI discussion questions.
Can I discuss The Burning with other readers online?
Yes. Readfeed book clubs let you chat live, share progress, and join discussions about The Burning with readers worldwide — whether your club is virtual, in-person, or hybrid.
Is Readfeed free?
Yes. Creating an account and joining book clubs is free. Sign up to find readers who love the same books and start discussing today.