Something wicked this way comes

I need to seek out more writing by Jo Walton. Among Others wasn’t what I thought it would be. It’s fantasy, but only with the lightest touch. It’s magical realism without the overwhelming weirdness that usually comes along with that genre.

Among Others centers on Morwenna who grew up in Wales among the fairies, her twin sister, and her batshit crazy mother. After a horrible accident she seeks out her long lost father. He and his three sisters set her up at a boarding school for girls. Her time at the school is spent trying to fit in and figure out how she moves forward after losing so much and becoming disabled. Most of the book is her journal of ruminations about life and magic and making connections with other people. The story is gentle and magical in the way it slowly pulls you in.

Even though this book is fantasy, you should definitely read it if you’re into science fiction. Especially old school science fiction. Morwenna is very into reading and a good portion of the book is spent talking about her favorite books and authors with her book club. Not in an annoying way though! I didn’t know half of what they were talking about and I still found it interesting because it’s used to develop the characters, not just put out the author’s opinions on sci-fi.

In the end, this book is all about coming to terms with grief, moving on, and making human connections with others. It’s a beautiful book and well written. Highly recommend!