A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher is a 336-page dark Regency-era fairy tale reminiscent of the Grimm Brothers’ original storytelling. Based loosely on The Goose Girl, the novel follows Cordelia, a young woman abused by her mother, Evangeline, through magic, and her journey to freedom.
Cordelia suffers from a magical, forced “obedience.” She will sit for hours, endure incontinence and aches, but never move—a mere prop for her mother’s schemes. Even her sole confidant, her horse, is not truly hers but rather her mother’s familiar. As Cordelia struggles to imagine any means of escape, her situation feels hopeless.
That is until an unlikely pairing changes everything. Cordelia gains her biggest ally: Hester, a 50-year-old “spinster” and the sister of her mother’s latest target in a scheme to gain wealth. Hester is an anomaly for the time, never striving for marriage and content with her independence. With Hester’s help—and that of her on-again/off-again beau, Richard, a wealthy man in his own right—Cordelia finally breaks free from her sorceress mother. Hester and Richard’s love story is woven into Corde
lia’s dark tale, providing a heartwarming and sweet counterpoint. T. Kingfisher demonstrates her gift for showing that romance has no age limits.
Unlike typical fairy tales, only the villain wields magic in this story. The sole magical elements connected to the protagonist, Hester, are her geese—creatures adept at snuffing out magic to Evangeline’s great chagrin.
As with all T. Kingfisher books, A Sorceress Comes to Call is filled with humor, compassionate and human characters, and an ending befitting her talent. I fell in love with Cordelia, Hester, and Richard. In true fairy tale fashion, they all lived happily ever after. And in true Kingfisher fairytale fashion, they all lived happily ever after—except, of course, those who die. #booktok #bookreviewer #fantasy #review
In the enchanting world of T. Kingfisher's A Sorceress Comes to Call, readers are given a fresh twist on classic fairy tales. The story is deeply rooted in themes of empowerment and friendship, centering on Cordelia's struggle for freedom from her malevolent mother, Evangeline, who uses magic to maintain control. As Cordelia endures forced obedience and isolation, her journey resonates with anyone who has felt trapped by circumstance. Hester, a 50-year-old spinster, is a standout character, challenging societal norms while providing Cordelia with the support she desperately needs. This burgeoning friendship highlights the importance of solidarity among women, echoing contemporary themes in today's literature. Meanwhile, Richard, Hester's on-again/off-again partner, adds a delightful romantic subplot that softens the darker elements of the narrative. Unique in its approach, the novel portrays magic as a tool of the antagonist, with Hester's geese serving as unexpected allies capable of suppressing Evangeline’s powers. This unconventional use of magic elevates the plot, illustrating how underdogs can turn the tide through strategic alliances and unrelenting spirit. Kingfisher's signature humor and relatable characters make this story a must-read. With zesty dialogues and colorful imagery, the book strikes a balance between dark themes and playful moments that resonate with readers of all ages. The narrative culminates in a richly deserved resolution, a true testament to Kingfisher's talent in blending horror, romance, and humor. Readers will be left enchanted, reflecting on the depth of character and the triumph of love over adversity.
