M

Could use a fresher approach to Magical Realism.

Revisado: 08-04-20

2.5 stars, due to Excellent Narrator. Pal and Pease were my favorite perspectives and the reason why I stuck it out. Story included traditional elements of genre that could've been subverted, but it didn't get all the way there.
why? spoilery stuff ahead:


Few of the characters actually had the maturity to take those actions. Ky came close, so close. Still, I do feel like the author could have had someone in the cast courageous enough to say, "this is wrong and you two need to stay apart if you can't keep it on the level, or until Xo really grows up." despite her past, Xo isn't fully grown. She shouldn't have been solely responsible for Pal, which was addressed. what wasn't addressed was that she definitely should have been given her own time and space to figure out her life instead of being dragged along to places where she might be in trouble, of the life-endangering variety. An irresponsible found family doesn't make for a safe haven, no matter the background or circumstances. The ending was entirely too blase. I think Xo should have traveled to visit Collier and pay respects to Loretta, maybe with Gina. Pal and Anna and Nora could have went on their fun trip. Lev and Io could have actually had some sort of relationship reconnection, to try to live together, not around each other. And Pease could have the nap in warm sunbeams he deserves.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

A magical read!

Revisado: 03-10-20

Witches of New York: 4.5/5

I finished listening to this book not too long ago. Technically, narratively and historically, it's amazing! This book illuminates its genre with its depictions of women who choose to follow their passions over society's expectations - Roma and freckled redheads and middle aged women. How it uses its story to make a case for the empowerment of women, and how women can give back to their own communities, is a beautiful thing. There are more than just the titular witches in this book: ghosts as vibrant as they are transparent and vivacious, audacious suffragettes are just a couple of the groups of denizens populating the novel. Even after my listen, I'm still left with secrets and questions unexplored.

One of which, well, is a bit of a conundrum, to me: if this is a story about American witches and New York City women, why are only white/European-descended women represented?

It was so close to a 5 star read for me, but I had realized one thing as I was wrapping up - there were few POCs in this fictional version of New York. The one known POC character that we do see returning doesn't appear nearly as often as I hoped he would (he really should, he's very sweet). When I think of New York City, I see it peopled by many different cultures and perspectives. Recalling my visit there, I know that to be true. It comes as a bit of a surprise that the New York City depicted in this book is decidedly more monocultured than what I observed, even with the given that some immigrant groups arrived to the east coast later than when the novel is set.

One could argue that the borough explored might be a reflection of that. I know this is too soon for the Harlem renaissance or for the newer immigrant groups to live in the city, at least in large numbers. To me, it still seems weird that the hub lacks the diversity it should have in the era the book is set in.

When I did my own research on the cultures in my city for the series I'm writing, I discovered a lot of diverse neighborhoods already existed in Cleveland before the turn of the century. There are even a few "mini-biographies" on some of the individuals who shaped Cleveland's history, accessable with a quick search. It is reasonable to expect the same content is out there on the web for NYC.

I don't know if it's something the author overlooked, or if the subject might have been there in the initial story but was edited out. Perhaps I might not have noticed it if there weren't well-crafted characters and relationships. Adelaide Thom meets someone who sees beyond her prickly, scarred surface. A lady-love from Eleanor St. Claire's recent past comes to her when she is in a precarious situation. Beatrice Dunn finds new role models in the owners of Tea and Sympathy, yet still holds dear the relationship with her stoic but progressive maiden aunt as she continues to explore New York City and her own budding abilities.

My observation is not a call to arms, per se. I would still read future books in the series. Just something to notice, when you read books, no matter the genre. And for writers like myself, something to consider in your own stories, as you write them and weave in your own story magic.

Fortunately, today we have many books now that have diverse cultural representation as well as strong female characters. I'm not sure how many of those are in this genre. But if, like me, that's something you want to see more of, let's put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard and make it happen!

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña