A Pinch of Magic by Michelle Harrison
| A Pinch of Magic by Michelle Harrison | |
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| Category: Teens | |
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Reviewer: Olivia Tierney
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| Summary: Magical coming-of-age story revolving around three cursed sisters who might just have the power to free themselves. Exceptional world building and vivid characterisation dance from one page to the next – a short sweet story perfect to dive into to escape reality. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 352 | Date: February 2019 |
| Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's UK | |
| External links: Author's website | |
| ISBN: 978-1471124297 | |
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No Widdershins girl has ever been able to leave Crowstone. If we do, we'll die by the next sunset.
A Pinch of Magic follows three sisters – Betty, Fliss and Charlie – who have lived on the isle of Crowstone, infamous for its surrounding marshes and the neighbouring inescapable prison, for their entire lives. The middle sister, Betty, has longed for adventure for as long as she can remember and she is determined that nothing and no-one will prevent her from seeing everything that the world has to offer. But in setting out to do just that, she and her sisters discover a deadly curse which has haunted their family for generations. From their ancestors, as well as a lifetime trapped on Crowstone, they have each inherited a magical object – an old carpet bag, a set of wooden nesting dolls and an antique handheld mirror – all of which are more than meets the eye and could possibly be the key to their problem.
The three sisters will not rest until they have found a way to break the curse and win their freedom. But with the Wildershin's plague of bad luck, could a mysterious prisoner offer the help they need to defeat the dark magic that rests on their shoulders?
A Pinch of Magic is an enchanting story which primarily centres around the bond between sisters and the powerful lifelong friendship that siblings share. Although it includes other more subtle themes such as romance, adventure and growing up, it was this main empowering theme that made me love the novel so much. Harrison has a true talent for creating relatable characters with diverse personalities and writing the bond between them. Each of the three sisters are brave heroines in their own right, who you cannot help but draw inspiration from, but together they are a force to be reckoned with. Throughout the novel, they are strong, independent and have each other's backs, which are attributes that I believe perfectly represent both sisterhood and feminism. But the young sisters are also human; they make mistakes and there are times of naivety, however importantly, they learn from each incidence and come out stronger as a result. In the end, they realised Harrison's overwhelming message: to appreciate what has always been taken for granted.
Another great aspect of the book was the magical and atmospheric world building. Harrison's writing made imagining their Crowstone easy and the tension the girls faced was all too clear. In reading 'A Pinch of Magic' I felt like I too was on their desperate quest for freedom wondering chapter after chapter where their adventure would take me next.
A delight of a story with family at its heart, magic covering its pages and important messages laced through its chapters. Short and charming, 'A Pinch of Magic' would be a great addition to spring reading lists.
In terms of further reading, why not read Michelle Harrison's debut The Thirteen Treasures? With exceptional imagery and great characters, it's a dark alternative if you enjoyed A Pinch of Magic. Alternatively, The Sisters of the Winter Wood by Rena Rossner is a beautiful story which is magic to read and also revolves around the bond between sisters.
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You can read more book reviews or buy A Pinch of Magic by Michelle Harrison at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy A Pinch of Magic by Michelle Harrison at Amazon.com.
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