The Once and Future Witches
{5/5} “‘If the witches of Old Salem had the spell to restore the Way, do you really believe they would have advertised it? Left it listed in the index of a grimoire?’ She shakes her head, abandoning the sewing box for the child’s sampler hanging on the wall, yellow and stained. ‘You’re thinking like a librarian, rather than a witch.'”
The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow, published in 2020
In 1893 Juniper runs away from home and ends up in New Salem on a day when suffragists are holding a rally. Agnes, her sister who left home years ago, is already in New Salem working at a cotton mill. Beatrice, their other sister who left home years ago, is a librarian. All three meet by accident in a square where a door to another world opens and they can see a tower.
It’s about a time when women are second-class citizens. It’s about three sisters who have been apart for seven years coming back together.
I like the system of magic — specific spells require specific objects, words, and a will to work them.
Anne Rice will make you believe in witches — so will Alix E. Harrow.
This is the 2nd book I’ve read by Harrow. I previously reviewed The Ten Thousand Doors of January.