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Conjure Women by Afia Atakora is a historical novel set during and after the Civil War, focusing on the lives of black women practicing hoodoo in the antebellum South. The story follows Rue, a young slave girl who learns the art of healing and magic from her mother, May Belle, and later takes on the role of a conjure woman. The narrative delves into the brutality of slavery, the complex relationships within the plantation community, and the struggles faced by freed slaves as they navigate a world that is uncertain and unforgiving. Atakora's writing style seamlessly weaves together dual timelines, rich character development, and intricate plot twists, creating a compelling and poignant story that explores themes of resilience, identity, and the enduring power of hope.

If you liked Conjure Women, here are the top 57 books to read next:

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  1. #1

    The Witches of Dark Root - The Daughters of Dark Root by April Aasheim
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    The Witches of Dark Root follows the story of Maggie, a witch who returns to her hometown after a disastrous relationship with a cult leader. Reuniting with her sisters, Maggie delves into her past, family history, and magical abilities while dealing with her mother's illness and the town's impending darkness. The plot weaves together themes of family, forgiveness, love, and self-discovery, with a mix of mystery, paranormal elements, and strong family relationships that drive the narrative forward. The writing style is described as warm and inviting, with a focus on character development, emotional growth, and the complexities of family dynamics, all set against the backdrop of the magical town of Dark Root.

    Spring pulled back the flap and peered into the tent. A set of red tapered candles, placed purposely on a trunk in the center of the room, provided enough light to make out the objects inside. There w...

  2. #2

    The Sparrow Sisters by Ellen Herrick
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    'The Sparrow Sisters' by Ellen Herrick is a captivating story about three sisters, Sorrel, Nettie, and Patience, who run a plant nursery in a small American town. The sisters possess magical abilities to make plants flourish beyond belief. However, their idyllic life takes a dark turn when a young boy dies, and one of the sisters is accused of causing his death. The book delves into themes of sisterhood, community, love, loss, and the power of women coming together to protect their own. The writing style is enchanting, reminiscent of Alice Hoffman's, and draws readers in with its vivid descriptions of the setting and the characters' habits and relationships.

    Once there were four Sparrow Sisters. Everyone called them the Sisters, capitalized, and referred to them as a group, even when just one had come to the post office to collect the mail. “The Sisters a...

  3. #3

    The Witch's Kind by Louisa Morgan
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    The Witch's Kind by Louisa Morgan is a historical fantasy novel set during WWII, following the story of Barrie Anne Blyth and her aunt Charlotte. The book explores themes of family, secrets, government conspiracies, and mysterious occurrences, all while blending elements of magical realism and women's fiction. The plot unfolds in a small town where the two women navigate through challenges involving a strange baby, premonitions, and hidden pasts, against the backdrop of a post-war era filled with uncertainty and danger.

    It was a long summer evening, the sun reluctant to sink beyond the Olympics, the shy stars holding back until the last possible moment. I lingered in my garden, sidling between my careful rows, tying ...

  4. #4

    Witches of America by Alex Mar
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    'Witches of America' by Alex Mar is a memoir-style exploration of the author's personal journey into various pagan traditions, focusing on the experiences she had with different groups and individuals involved in modern witchcraft practices. The narrative delves into conversations and interactions with practitioners, offering insights into their beliefs and rituals, while also reflecting on the author's own spiritual quest and evolving perspectives on paganism. The writing style combines investigative journalism with spiritual introspection, blurring the lines between objective reporting and subjective interpretation of the Neopagan spectrum.

    Witches are gathering all across California, witches and their apprentices and little children and polyamorous collection of boyfriends and girlfriends. They are gathering for the season of death, the...

  5. #5

    The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr.
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    'The Prophets' by Robert Jones Jr. is a powerful and lyrical novel set on an antebellum plantation called Empty, focusing on the lives of two young enslaved men, Samuel and Isaiah, who find solace in their deep love for each other amidst the brutality of their circumstances. The book delves into the complexities of their relationship, the struggles faced by the enslaved individuals, and the interwoven narratives of various characters, both enslaved and slaveholders, across different timelines, creating a haunting and tragic story that sheds light on the harsh realities of slavery.

    The writing style of 'The Prophets' is described as poetic, flowing, and deeply moving, with a mixture of prose and free verse that adds a layer of lyricism to the narrative. The author weaves together ancestral voices, historical forces, and spiritual elements to create a multi-dimensional story that explores themes of love, resilience, oppression, and the enduring humanity of those subjected to the horrors of slavery.

    First it tried to burn them. Then it tried to suffocate them. And finally, when neither of those things was successful, it made the air thick like water, hoping they would drown. It failed. Its only t...

  6. #6

    A Secret History of Witches by Louisa Morgan
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    'A Secret History of Witches' by Louisa Morgan follows the Orchiere women from 1821 to WWII, spanning multiple generations of witches in a Romani family. Each witch inherits magical abilities and faces the responsibility of passing on the rites and traditions of witchcraft. The story delves into their struggles with secrecy, discrimination, tragic lives, and generational conflicts, while exploring themes of love, power, and survival. The plot is divided into multiple parts, focusing on each witch from a different generation, and touches on historical events to add depth to the narrative.

    The writing style of the book is described as engaging, emotional, and compelling by readers. While some found the story slow-moving at times and lacking in action, others appreciated the strong mother-daughter relationships portrayed throughout the generations. combines elements of historical fiction and fantasy, offering a female-centric narrative that intertwines the lives of powerful and empowered women across different time periods.

    Fleurette brought a bowl of pottage and set it before Nanette. She rarely spoke—sometimes Nanette wondered if she still had a voice—but she touched her little sister’s shoulder with a forgiving hand. ...

  7. #7

    The Limits of Enchantment by Graham Joyce
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    Set in the 1960s in a rural village in England, 'The Limits of Enchantment' follows the story of Fern, a teenage girl raised by a hedgerow healer and traditional midwife, Mammy Cullen. The book explores the clash between old-fashioned ways of life and the encroachment of modern practices, particularly in the field of medicine. As Fern navigates the changing atmosphere of her village, she grapples with her identity as a woman and a witch, torn between traditional beliefs and the evolving society around her. The plot delves into themes of prejudice, trust, friendship, and self-discovery, painting a vivid picture of a community in flux.


  8. #8

    The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
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    The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a historical fiction novel that follows the story of Hiram Walker, an enslaved man with a special ability who becomes an Underground Railroad conductor. The book explores themes of love, loss, family, and the liberating power of memory, all while delving into the horrors of slavery. Coates combines his knowledge of slavery with magical realism to create a lyrical and compelling narrative that follows Hiram's journey from the plantation to the Underground Railroad and back.

    AND I COULD ONLY have seen her there on the stone bridge, a dancer wreathed in ghostly blue, because that was the way they would have taken her back when I was young, back when the Virginia earth was ...

  9. #9

    The Age of Witches by Louisa Morgan
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    'The Age of Witches' by Louisa Morgan is a historical novel set in Gilded Age New York, focusing on the fate of Annis, a young woman caught in a family power struggle. The story weaves together elements of historical romance, magical realism, and witchcraft as Annis navigates her newfound power and resists the darkness threatening to consume her and her family. The narrative explores themes of female empowerment, family dynamics, and the use of magic in a society where women's roles are restricted.

    The book delves into the lives of three generations of witches descended from Bridget Bishop, who was executed for witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials. Through intricate storytelling and captivating characters, the author portrays a tale of love, power, and revenge, as the protagonists confront societal norms and grapple with the consequences of wielding magic in a patriarchal world.


  10. #10

    The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill
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    The Book of Negroes is a historical fiction novel based on the real document of the same name, focusing on the journey of a young African girl named Aminata Diallo who is kidnapped from her village in Africa and sold into slavery in the 18th century. The story follows Aminata's harrowing experiences from being enslaved in South Carolina, to her time in New York, her freedom in Canada, and her eventual return to Africa, where she becomes involved in the abolition movement in London. The book provides a graphic and brutal portrayal of the African capture and slave ship crossing, showcasing Aminata's resilience and courage throughout her life.

    The narrative of The Book of Negroes is praised for its ability to transport readers into Aminata's world, offering a glimpse into the life of a slave and the challenges faced by African Americans during the slave trade era. The novel skillfully weaves together historical facts with fiction, providing a compelling account of Aminata's journey across continents and through different stages of her life. Lawrence Hill's writing style is commended for its vivid descriptions, well-researched historical context, and the depth of the characters, particularly the protagonist Aminata, who is portrayed as intelligent, brave, and resilient.

    Iseem to have trouble dying. By all rights, I should not have lived this long. But I still can smell trouble riding on any wind, just as surely as I could tell you whether it is a stew of chicken neck...

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