Graham Joyce

Graham Joyce tells the story of two extraordinary women -- one who was born ahead of her time, the other whose coming-of-age coincided with a time of great change. The Limits of Enchantment England, 1966: Everything Fern Cullen knows she's learned from Mammy -- and none of it's conventional. Taught midwifery at an early age, Fern becomes Mammy's trusted assistant in a quaint rural village and learns through experience that secrets are precious, passion is dangerous, and people should mind their own business. But when one of Mammy's patients allegedly dies from an induced abortion, the town rallies against her. As Fern struggles to save Mammy's good name, she finds communion with a bunch of hippies living at a nearby estate...where she uncovers a legacy spotted with magic -- one that transforms her forever. A tale of alchemy and tragedy, magic and truth, Joyce's The Limits of Enchantment is a powerful blend of literature and fantasy from a master of the genre.

A Novel

The Limits of Enchantment

Janice Hopper

I've quite liked everything I've read by Graham Joyce so far. This book is no exception. 

This is the story of Mammy and Fern, midwives in England in the 1960's. There may be magic, but it's not obvious, and it may not exist at all. There IS tradition, even though the modern era is pressing sorely against the old ways. Fern ends up on her own fairly early in the book, and has some rough waters to navigate. What happens and how she navigates the rapids is the story of the book. 

I was reminded a lot of some of Terry Pratchett's work here. "I Shall Wear Midnight" also has hares and hare-lore. Mammy might pass for version of Granny Weatherwax. 

Joyce's writing style and subjects suit me very well. I can't wait to read more. And I think this book would be good to re-read sometimes too.

The Limits of Enchantment A Novel

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