The Witches of New York

A Novel

By: Ami McKay

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Respectable Lady Seeks Dependable 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 tea shop, 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 17-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 indication 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.

©2017 Ami McKay (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

Tea, Sympathy, and The Witches of New York

One book that I had on my TBR list for far too long was The Witches of New York by Ami McKay. I made this one a priority last month and it’s a good thing I did because not only did I absolutely love the magic of this book, but I’ll now also pick up whatever McKay writes.

The characters of Adelaide Thom, Eleanor St. Clair, and Beatrice Dunn not only quickly captured my heart, but my interest, too. These women—these witches—each went on a journey of acceptance and desire within these pages whether it was in regard to their strength, compassion, or their magic. Set in 1880 at the height of the spiritualist movement, their shop—Tea and Sympathy—saw it all: harassment, ghosts, fortune telling, and the lustful dangers of a strong cup of hibiscus tea. With themes of dream work, sexuality, faith, and feminism, McKay wove a story together that was reminiscent of a more modern-ish burning times as the hunt for witches, i.e. evil women continued throughout the streets of New York.

Something that I particularly loved here was the message of perseverance that came from each of these women. Adelaide Thom deals with a disfigurement early on in the book and instead of cowering and hiding herself away, she wears it with pride and accepts the gifts it bestows upon her; Eleanor St. Clair deals with heartbreak and betrayal, yet still learns the meaning of love and compassion while refusing to hide her sexuality and desires; and Beatrice Dunn, an amateur witch, learns about the power growing within her and the dangers of possessing it.

Like all good witch stories, there is strength, community, and a fierce desire to survive within these pages, yet McKay’s prose is poetic, soft, almost like the steam from a freshly poured cup of tea. I loved the gentleness to her style, even when it was full of bite, and the spells and recipes and ambiance of the book and its setting made me feel like I was often a patron in their store browsing through herbs and elixirs and hearing stories about devils and demons.

If you’re interested in feminism, witchcraft, and the allure of magic, often with a historical bent, this is a book for you.

I give this book 5/5 witch's ladders.

Dark, rich and thought provoking

I loved this book! the characters are well thought out and interesting, the plot is nicely woven and that content surprised me. The book reflects a powerful take on 'wise women' or witches and what it meant to be an educated, scientific or intuitive woman in a time not long ago. Some parts are horrific ands difficult to listen to, but it's important to hear. This book made me wonder at the biblical story of the 3 wise men or magi, who are seen as special and holy in current culture. But what if they had been women? They never would have made it out of their own homes most likely.

Entrancing!

A rousing tale of mystery, intrigue, magick and love. A very pleasant listen and very entertaining.

Keep listening

The story caught me, lost me a little in the middle, then redeemed itself. Good historical fiction that touches on 19th century society, religion, women's rights, and witchcraft. Also, the narrator is THE BEST! If you feel like you're losing interest in the middle, stick with it!

want more

even enjoyed the author's comments at the conclusion. i have recommended to several others. looking for more by the author

I loved this so much

I thought this looked kinda entertaining, a good way to make my commute feel faster. But I really, really loved it. The characters are great. I want this to turn into a series so badly.

This was a great story

The characters were well written. The story kept your attention. Very good. I look forward to a sequel.

Great Story of Strong Women

I loved the historical part of this story. When listening to this story i could actually visualize the scenery of the late 1880's. I also really enjoyed the narrators tone.

Fun Book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I listen to a lot of audiobooks on my commute. The story was good. The details were accurate and not too much. The voice performance was great. I would absolutely read another book by the author.

Outstanding Story

Part fantasy, part mystery, part thriller, part drama, with subtle social commentary. Loved this story.