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Have you ever watched a moth circle a flame, drawn irresistibly closer until it’s consumed? That tragic allure feels eerily familiar in today’s world, where burnout has become the ultimate destination for so many of us. In a culture that glorifies productivity, where every hobby must be monetized, and rest feels like a sin, it’s no wonder we feel the heat. We’re caught in a relentless cycle: if you’re not producing, you’re failing; if you’re not growing, you’re disposable. Capitalism has turned people into commodities, wringing out their creativity until there’s nothing left. And what happens when you can’t keep up? You burn.
Aminder Dhaliwal’s new graphic novel juxtaposes overwork culture with burning witches in a fantastical allegory, blending magic, humour, and tragedy into a deeply resonant story. Set in the enchanted yet harrowing world of Chamomile Valley, A Witch's Guide To Burning introduces us to Singe, a young witch burned at the stake for failing to meet her village’s insatiable demands for magic. But unlike the countless witches before her, Singe’s burning is interrupted by rain, a small miracle that sets her on a journey of recovery, healing, and rediscovery.
Guided by Yew-Veda, a witch doctor, and Bufo Wonder, a toad with a knack for biting wit and hidden depths, Singe embarks on a quest to reclaim not only her magic but also her identity. Along the way, she confronts demons both literal and metaphorical: Disgust, Doubt, and Despair, which loom large as obstacles on her path. These adversaries are as much internal as they are external, embodying the challenges we all face in a world that demands too much and gives too little in return.
Aminder’s storytelling is nothing short of spellbinding. The narrative unfolds through a hybrid of prose and illustrations Unlike conventional comics, the novel’s format plays with space and rhythm, inviting readers to linger on evocative moments and the poetry within the story. Her line drawings, coloured with a grey wash are simple but enchanting, highlighting emotional crescendos and bringing the magical world to life.
A Witch’s Guide to Burning is a poignant critique of our work-obsessed culture. In Chamomile Valley, witches are reduced to tools, valued only for their ability to produce magic. When they falter, they’re discarded, their memories and magic burned away. It’s a system that mirrors our own, where individuals are often seen as nothing more than their output. Even artists aren't free from the capitalistic machine. The parallels are hard to miss: the constant pressure to perform, the fear of failure, and the devastating consequences of being deemed “not enough".
But the artist doesn’t stop at critique. She also offers a glimmer of hope, weaving themes of resilience, friendship, and self-care into her tale. Singe’s journey is as much about confronting her past as it is about forging a new future. Her companions, flawed and funny in their own ways, remind us that healing is rarely a solitary endeavor. It’s a messy, collaborative process, full of setbacks and unexpected joys.
Who hasn’t felt like Singe at some point — exhausted, used up, and unsure of their worth? And yet, the novel gently nudges us to remember that we are more than what we produce. Our magic, as it were, is not something that can be quantified or burned away. But the responsibility of actualizing that belief lies with us. Unlike chamomile valley, there's no rain to save us from burning out except our own compass that must, to some extent, be hinged on self care. It's a treacherous journey, but with some tenderness and possibly a magical companion, we'll be just fine.
Follow Aminder here.
