A Buzzfeed Best Gift Book of the Year“A dark, atmospheric, and feminist story of three women in New York City’s Gilded Age, each determined to thrive in a society hell-bent on keeping them down, and using their coven to do so.” —BuzzfeedINTERNATIONAL BESTSELLERRespectable Lady Seeks Dependable Shop Girl. Those averse to magic need not apply. New York in the spring of 1880 is a place alive with … Shop Girl. Those averse to magic need not apply.
New York in the spring of 1880 is a place alive with wonder and curiosity. Determined to learn the truth about the world, its residents enthusiastically engage in both scientific experimentation and spiritualist pursuits. Séances are the entertainment of choice in exclusive social circles, and many enterprising women—some possessed of true intuitive powers, and some gifted with the art of performance—find work as mediums.
Enter Adelaide Thom and Eleanor St. Clair. At their humble teashop, Tea and Sympathy, they provide a place for whispered confessions, secret cures, and spiritual assignations for a select society of ladies, who speak the right words and ask the right questions. But the profile of Tea and Sympathy is about to change with the fortuitous arrival of Beatrice Dunn.
When seventeen-year-old Beatrice leaves the safety of her village to answer an ad that reads “Respectable Lady Seeks Dependable Shop Girl. Those averse to magic need not apply,” she has little inclination of what the job will demand of her. Beatrice doesn’t know it yet, but she is no ordinary small-town girl; she has great spiritual gifts—ones that will serve as her greatest asset and also place her in grave danger. Under the tutelage of Adelaide and Eleanor, Beatrice comes to harness many of her powers, but not even they can prepare her for the evils lurking in the darkest corners of the city or the courage it will take to face them.
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Totally Bewitching!
This story was mesmerizing. I couldn’t put it down. The characters are compelling and the magical world so well crafted. I want to read more about these people!
Such an original story full of historical references and supernatural lore. A combination of news releases, diary entries, poetry, scripture and spells are interspersed with real life events and the fictional yet realistic witches that bring the story to life. A spellbinding and thoroughly appropriate read for October.
Liked the story line that involved Elizabeth, Adelaide and Beatrice even though it was dull at times. The excerpts on witchcraft, remedies and tales of demons and fairies would be interesting for those readers who have an interest in that area . The descriptions of New York during that period were done well. Thought the book would be better .
I loved so many aspects of this story – the historical view of New York blended with the fantastic. Shades of Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell (Susanna Clarke) or the Winter’s Tale (Mark Helprin). The historical references are blended so smoothly and seamlessly into the story it delights the eye and adds a lot of richness to the story of three women, all different, who have to wrestle with their use of power.
Where the book stumbled for me is there wasn’t enough! We didn’t get enough of the characters of Beatrice, Adelaide, and Eleanor and this resulted in a weak ending where one character is saved with little involvement or action by the other two. While the ride was fantastic, the conclusion was like a decadent dinner with a limpid dessert at the end.
However, overall, if you are into witch tales, historical fantasy, and love old lore, I highly recommend. For even dinging this one star due to the above problem, the story is fascinating and one I will be re-reading for sure.
This book about witches in the early days of New York City was a delightful read. The descriptions in this book are simply gorgeous, and the plot easily carries you along. So fun!
The writing was great, the characters deep and likable, the world felt rich and very real. My problem was that it set up a big event that just….never came. Very anti-climatic and left a lot of loose ends. Ending was a bit of a let down.
Had high hopes for this book, but lost interest about half way threw. Didn’t finish it
4.75/5
This was a great book, and one of my favorites of 2019 for sure. I’m leaving .25 stars off mainly because it was a little confusing in the beginning while I was getting used to the fact that the story is told from a few different perspectives. It was also pretty slow paced for the first 100 or so pages, but once I got used to the writing and the pace picked up, I quickly finished it. I think Ami McKay did a really great job of blending historical fiction and fantasy. It was easy to picture NYC in the 1880s and the witchcraft element didn’t feel fake or forced. If I didn’t know better I would have thought everything in this book had taken place. That being said, I bet something like it did. Eleanor, Adelaide, and Beatrice are all great characters who have so much depth. I would love for McKay to continue their stories because I feel like This only scratched the surface. I do think that the fact that we don’t get to know too much about these women really helps the theme of togetherness. These three women are strong on their own, but unstoppable together. No review of this book would be complete without mentioning Purdu, feathered friend and familiar to Eleanor, Adelaide, and Beatrice. I have my ideas about who he might be, and he was one of my favorite characters because he gave me Salem from the 90s version of Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
All in all, this is a great book, and I think most people could find something that interests them in it. I will definitely be reading more by Ami McKay in the future.
Great book, not just for Halloween, although it would be an awesome book for an October book club. New York City, witches, ghosts, tragedy, and triumph. Lots of fun, and a cool peek into history.
Love the historical flavor and glimpse into the lives of women back in the day.
I really enjoyed this book. I felt like I was there smelling, hearing and seeing historical New York. The main characters were admirable and complex. I really hope there is a sequel!!
writing felt very first drafty
Ami McKay made navigating through ‘normal’… when you are traveling through life on the other side… come to life.
Too dark and sad for my taste
This was an interesting read. Nice relationships between likable main characters and good story line. A little bit of NY history, a little bit of magic and a little bit of love.
This book drew me in and kept me reading to the point that I had to force myself to put it down and go to bed! The characters are amazingly real, the setting allows you to envision New York in the early days and you can almost smell the street vendors wares and hear the newsboys on the corners. I can’t wait for another title by Ami McKay!
Magical
I liked this book a lot. I was a really good read.
I am in the middle of reading this book and I love it. Highly recommend. Very well written and interesting. I love all the characters.