spooky season is EVERYTHING to me, and it’s always a good time to read about witches!
a lot of the books i read take place in fantasy worlds, but these are both fun because they take place in our world - just with a sprinkle of magic on top.
cackle will make you laugh out loud while the women could fly will make you more uneasy, but they’re both great explorations of witchy stories.
... Read moreOkay, fellow bookworms, can we talk about 'The Women Could Fly' by Megan Giddings for a second? Seriously, if you're like me and constantly on the hunt for witchy books that offer more than just your typical spells and pointy hats, this one is a *must-read*. The original post touched on it, but I just had to dive deeper because it left such an impression on me.
What really grabbed me from the start was the premise. Imagine a dystopian future where women who aren't married by a certain age literally disappear – yes, disappear! Our protagonist, Josephine, is navigating this world, and when her mother, who was accused of witchcraft, passes away, Josephine has to travel to a mysterious island to claim her inheritance. This isn't just a simple journey; it's a deep dive into societal fears, female autonomy, and the legacy of women deemed 'other.' Megan Giddings crafts a world that feels both eerily familiar and absolutely terrifying, making you question societal norms and the power dynamics that label women as 'witches' for simply existing outside the norm.
The plot description from the image overlay – 'a woman travels to a mysterious island to claim her mother's inheritance in a dystopian future' – only scratches the surface of the emotional and psychological journey Josephine undertakes. It's not just about magic in the traditional sense; it's about the magic of resilience, sisterhood, and finding your voice in a world determined to silence you. I found myself thinking about this book long after I turned the last page. It’s got that uneasy feeling that the original post mentioned, but in the best possible way, because it makes you think.
While 'Cackle' by Rachel Harrison definitely gave me some much-needed laughs with its story of a woman starting fresh after a breakup and finding an eccentric neighbor who might just be a witch, 'The Women Could Fly' offers a different kind of witchy experience. 'Cackle' is a delightful, darkly humorous take on modern witchcraft and female friendships, perfect for a cozy night in. But if you’re looking for something with a bit more bite, something that explores the deeper, more unsettling aspects of what it means to be a woman with power (or perceived power) in a restrictive society, 'The Women Could Fly' is your pick.
Both books, in their own unique ways, bring magic into our world, or a world very much like ours, which I absolutely adore. They show that witchy stories aren't just for fantasy realms; they can be powerful commentaries on our own lives. Whether you're in the mood for a laugh-out-loud romp or a thought-provoking dystopian tale, these two will definitely get you into the spooky season spirit. So grab your favorite blanket, brew some tea (or a potion!), and immerse yourself in these captivating stories. You won't regret it!