Dark Sister

Graham Joyce

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"Dark Sister" by Graham Joyce follows the story of Maggie, a frustrated English housewife who discovers an old Book of Shadows in her house. As the diary within the book fills with delicate writing, Maggie uncovers her own powers and delves into the world of witchcraft. The novel explores a mix of mysticism and the mundane, showcasing a woman's journey of self-discovery and the awakening of hidden abilities. Joyce's clean and uncluttered writing style vividly depicts Maggie's exploration of herbal lore witchcraft, her encounters with strange characters, and the unexpected twists that add depth to the story.

Characters:

The characters are complex and relatable, with Maggie's evolution being central, though some secondary characters lack depth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by clarity and poetic rhythm, successfully immersing readers in the narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The story follows Maggie's journey into the world of occultism initiated by a discovered diary, leading to her obsession and the exploration of dark themes.

Setting:

The setting is contemporary yet steeped in folkloric traditions, enhancing the narrative's authentic feel.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and compelling, though some readers found the conclusion dissatisfying.

It was a standard Victorian fireplace, with a wrought-iron and tiled surround. Maggie was already rubbing at the tiles, exposing bright, floral patterns. The grate was intact, though choked with soot ...

Notes:

The main character, Maggie, discovers an old diary that contains herbal lore and witchcraft.

Maggie's friendship with a wise old woman, Ash, helps her learn about her powers.

The novel blends real-world themes with folklore and the occult, creating a sense of authenticity.

Maggie's husband, Alex, is portrayed as somewhat one-dimensional compared to the other characters.

The psychologist in the story, de Sang, appears to have a mysterious connection to the occult as well.

The book is not about Wicca but rather traditional witchcraft, influenced by Joyce's English Midlands background.

The writing style is described as clean and uncluttered, making the story compelling and fast-paced.

Some readers found the ending unsatisfying and felt that the book left loose ends.

The story explores female empowerment as Maggie delves into witchcraft to escape her mundane life.

Graham Joyce is noted for his skill in blending mainstream fantasy with elements of horror and magical realism.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Dark Sister include themes of domestic violence, psychological trauma, and potentially disturbing elements related to the occult.

From The Publisher:

Maggie and Alex have their problems. their old, drafty house, for one thing. Their stressed-out marriage, for another. Then one day, uncovering and cleaning the house's original fireplace, they discover a dead blackbird...and an old handwritten diary full of herbal lore.

Maggie takes an interest in the diary. Soon, with the help of her friends Ash, and herbalist,and Old Liz, and old woman with a deep knowledge of ancient ways, Maggie tried to find her way in a world of power and magic.

But Maggie's searching has awakened her Dark Sister, a malevolent force that threatens her hold on her family and her sanity.

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