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Description
Cordelia knows her mother is . . . unusual. Their house doesn’t have any doors between rooms—there are no secrets in this house—and her mother doesn’t allow Cordelia to have a single friend. Unless you count Falada, her mother’s beautiful white horse. The only time Cordelia feels truly free is on her daily rides with him.
But more than simple eccentricity sets her mother apart. Other mothers don’t force their daughters to be silent and motionless for hours, sometimes days, on end. Other mothers aren’t evil sorcerers.
When her mother unexpectedly moves them into the manor home of a wealthy older Squire and his kind but keen-eyed sister, Hester, Cordelia knows this welcoming pair are to be her mother’s next victims. But Cordelia feels at home for the very first time among these people, and as her mother’s plans darken, she must decide how to face the woman who raised her to save the people who have become like family.
Summary
I recently read dark historical fantasy fairytale retelling A Sorceress Comes To Call by US author T. Kingfisher.
Review
A Sorceress Comes to Call is a dark fantasy with enough horror elements to satisfy any reader. Kingfisher weaves in elements of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale “The Goose Girl” with a clever reimagining retaining all the complex psychological tropes of the fairy tale. This is a dark tale of abuse, control, and manipulation which requires careful readership for potential triggers related to coercive control and emotional and physical abuse.
Kingfisher presents characters that are richly diverse and, in the case of the sorceress Evangeline, a truly psychologically chilling portrayal of an abusive mother. There is no attempt to hide the truly harrowing psychological manipulation and magical coercion that Cordelia endures. Kingfisher uses magic as metaphor for emotional and psychological control which makes this dark fantasy realistic and compelling.
A Sorceress Comes to Call is a masterful balance of storytelling and sophisticated writing incorporating heightening tension, warmth and humour and presenting hope despite the darkness.
Conclusion
A highly recommended read! This dark fantasy is another of T. Kingfisher’s powerfully reimagined fairy tales while also exploring the themes of abuse and recovery true to the tales. Perfect for fans of T. Kingfihser’s dark fantasy works and for those who enjoy dark fiction that tackles serious themes and a transformative tale. This is a novel that shouldn’t be missed. Definitely add to the to-read pile!
** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **
Leanbh Pearson 