Books Like...
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.
If you liked The Limits of Enchantment, here are the top 10 books to read next:
- #1
Save:"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.
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 ... - #2
Save: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.
The black baby’s crying wormed and bloomed. It woke Rue by halves from her sleep so that through the first few strains of the sound she could not be sure when or where she was, but soon the feeble cry... - #3
Save:When Wise Child's grandmother dies, leaving her abandoned by her parents, she is taken in by Juniper, the village witch, who teaches her about herb lore, healing, and real magic. The story follows Wise Child as she learns to appreciate the freedom and responsibilities that Juniper provides, while facing challenges from her mother's return and the village's disapproval of Juniper. Set in medieval Scotland, the book explores themes of personal value, respect, and the journey from being spoiled to hardworking through love and care.
Juniper was different from us. In the first place she came from another country—Cornwall—and although she spoke our language perfectly, apart from the p’s, which no one but us could pronounce properly... - #4
Save:Set in 1880s New York City, "The Witches of New York" by Ami McKay follows the story of three women - Eleanor, Adelaide, and Beatrice - who run a tea shop and herbal apothecary. The narrative intertwines themes of magic, witchcraft, herbalism, and spiritualism as the characters navigate their abilities and encounter ghosts and spirits. The book delves into the histories of these women, exploring their individual journeys and the challenges they face in a society that views them as witches. Despite some pacing issues and the introduction of multiple perspectives, the story gradually gains momentum, weaving together a tale of empowerment and sisterhood in a magical setting.
In the cellar of a modest house on the edge of the Tenderloin, a weary housekeeper lit a candle and said a prayer. Taper in one hand, glass jar in the other, she poured wax around the edge of the jar’... - #5
Save:Cackle by Rachel Harrison is a tale of female empowerment and self-discovery as Annie, a woman fresh out of a breakup, moves to a quaint town in upstate New York and befriends Sophie, a mysterious resident who may or may not be a witch. The story follows Annie's journey of finding her own power and confidence, navigating through spooky and cozy atmospheres while forming deep connections and friendships with the quirky characters in the town.
The book is a blend of witchcraft, friendship, and self-realization, with a touch of horror and humor. The narrative explores themes of finding happiness within oneself, embracing individuality, and standing up for what one truly desires in life, all set against the backdrop of a small town filled with secrets, ghosts, and magical elements.
The sky is a strange color. Not quite red but too violent to be orange. I search for the sun, imagine it tired and bitter, slouching away after another long shift. I find it hovering over New Jersey. ... - #6
Save:Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman is a story that follows the lives of two sisters, Sally and Gillian Owens, who come from a long line of witches. The book explores themes of acceptance of witchery in modern society and the complexities of family dynamics. The plot weaves magical realism into a modern-day setting, showcasing the struggles and strengths of the Owens family through generations. Hoffman's writing style is described as sensuous and moody, with a touch of romance and raw drama in her characterizations.
FOR more than two hundred years, the Owens women have been blamed for everything that has gone wrong in town. If a damp spring arrived, if cows in the pasture gave milk that was runny with blood, if a... - #7
Save:"Uprooted" by Naomi Novik is a fantasy novel set in a world where a wizard known as The Dragon takes a young girl every ten years to live with him and protect the area from the dangers of the nearby Wood. The protagonist, Agnieszka, unexpectedly chosen instead of her best friend, discovers her own magical abilities and becomes an apprentice to The Dragon. As they work together to combat the threats from the Wood, Agnieszka navigates themes of magic, friendship, self-discovery, and love in a richly imagined world filled with folklore elements and moral ambiguity.
The book is praised for its beautiful and descriptive prose, creating a vivid and realistic world for readers to immerse themselves in. The story unfolds slowly, subverting expectations and revealing surprising twists that keep readers engaged until the very satisfying end. The character development, particularly of Agnieszka, is highlighted as she embodies girl power, bravery, and independence, becoming her own hero in the face of challenges and mysteries presented by the magical world she inhabits.
Our Dragon doesn’t eat the girls he takes, no matter what stories they tell outside our valley. We hear them sometimes, from travelers passing through. They talk as though we were doing human sacrific... - #8
Save:In "Howl's Moving Castle" by Diana Wynne Jones, readers are transported to the land of Ingary where magic is real. The story follows Sophie, the eldest of three sisters, who is cursed by a wicked witch and transformed into an old woman. Determined to break the curse, Sophie seeks help from the eccentric wizard Howl and his fire demon, Calcifer. As Sophie navigates through a world filled with magic, curses, and unexpected adventures, she discovers her own strength and courage. The book weaves together elements of fantasy, humor, and romance, creating a charming and heartwarming tale that captivates readers of all ages.
The writing style in "Howl's Moving Castle" is described as enchanting, witty, and engaging. Diana Wynne Jones crafts a world where imagination knows no bounds, with intricate plots, quirky characters, and unexpected twists that keep readers hooked from beginning to end. The story unfolds in a whimsical manner, blending fairy tale logic with modern elements, creating a unique and delightful reading experience.
In the land of Ingary, where such things as seven-league boots and cloaks of invisibility really exist, it is quite a misfortune to be born the eldest of three. Everyone knows you are the one who will... - #9
Save:The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden is a fantasy novel set in medieval Russia, where the protagonist Vasya can see spirits and is caught between the world of Christianity and the old gods. The story follows Vasya's journey as she navigates the magical and mysterious woods, facing challenges related to family, courage, love, and magic, all while defying traditional gender roles.
The book is written in a lyrical and fairy tale-like style, drawing heavily on Russian folklore and mythology. It explores themes of resilience, tradition, family, and the clash between old and new worlds, creating an atmospheric winter setting that captivates readers with its intricate and layered storytelling.
It was late winter in northern Rus’, the air sullen with wet that was neither rain nor snow. The brilliant February landscape had given way to the dreary gray of March, and the household of Pyotr Vlad... - #10
Save:In "Circe" by Madeline Miller, readers are taken on a journey through Greek mythology from the perspective of the enchantress Circe. The book beautifully weaves together mythological cameos, showcasing a transformational arc for Circe as she evolves from a naive nymph to a powerful witch and reluctant mother. Through vivid storytelling, the author reimagines Circe's story, offering a fresh take on a character previously known for turning men into pigs in Homer's Odyssey.
When I was born, the name for what I was did not exist. They called me nymph, assuming I would be like my mother and aunts and thousand cousins. Least of the lesser goddesses, our powers were so modes...
