The Last Witch

How hard is The Last Witch to read?

The Last Witch scores 41 out of 100 for difficulty on ReadingRate, making it moderately challenging. The score is a weighted composite of nine measures: four of how hard the prose is to parse, five of how hard the meaning is to extract.

Vocabulary: 35 out of 100

The vocabulary is fairly straightforward, using contemporary language and common expressions. There are a few instances of slightly elevated diction ('Irregardless,' 'notoriety'), but overall the language is accessible. This is comparable to *1984* in its directness, though with slightly more variation.

Sentence structure: 40 out of 100

The sentences vary in length, with some longer descriptive passages and shorter dialogue exchanges. While there are some instances of complex sentences with multiple clauses, they are generally easy to follow. The syntax is more complex than *1984* but less so than *The Great Gatsby*.

Abstraction: 40 out of 100

The narrative focuses on concrete events and character interactions, with limited philosophical or theoretical digressions. While there are some thematic elements related to identity and destiny, the story remains primarily plot-driven. This is similar to *Atomic Habits* in its focus on concrete examples within a narrative.

Information density: 40 out of 100

The text presents a moderate amount of information per page, balancing plot progression with character development and world-building. While there are multiple plotlines and character arcs, the information is presented in a clear and manageable way. This is similar to *The Housemaid* in its plot-driven nature and manageable reveals.

Narrative indirection: 50 out of 100

The narrative relies on a mix of direct exposition and character thoughts to convey meaning. While the reader is given insight into the characters' motivations and feelings, there is still some need to infer meaning from their actions and dialogue. This is similar to *Beloved* in that the reader must reconstruct the story from fragmented perspectives.

Symbolic density: 50 out of 100

The story incorporates some symbolic elements, such as the witch trials and the characters' powers, but these symbols are not heavily emphasized or deeply explored. While there is some meaning beyond the literal events, the narrative remains primarily focused on plot and character. This is similar to *Remains of the Day* in its emotional abstraction beneath the surface.

Ironic distance: 30 out of 100

The narrative maintains a relatively close distance to its characters and events, with limited irony or satire. While there are some moments of humor, the overall tone is sincere and emotionally engaged. This is similar to *It Ends with Us* in its direct emotional engagement.

Resolution withholding: 40 out of 100

The excerpt leaves several plot threads unresolved, such as the identity of the last witch and the master's plans. While the story progresses, it withholds key information and creates a sense of anticipation for future developments. This is similar to *Beloved* in that the story resolves, but the haunting lingers.

Structural complexity: 40 out of 100

The narrative follows a mostly chronological structure, with limited timeline jumps or POV shifts. While there are multiple characters and plotlines, the story is presented in a relatively linear fashion. This is similar to *War and Peace* in its epic scope but chronological structure.

How The Last Witch is regarded

The Last Witch holds a literary regard score of 50 out of 100, weighing its place in the canon, its critical reception, its influence on other writers, and the standing of its author. Regard is measured separately from difficulty: a demanding book is not necessarily an admired one.