Witchcraft has long been a topic of intrigue and fascination throughout history. Stories of witches and their supernatural powers have been passed down through generations, captivating the imaginations of people worldwide. While some view witches as evil and ominous, others see them as wise and mystical beings who possess a deep connection to nature and the spiritual realm. The concept of witchcraft varies across different cultures and time periods. In ancient times, witches were often revered as healers, using their knowledge of herbs and potions to cure ailments and bring about positive change. They were seen as intermediaries between the earthly and supernatural realms, capable of communicating with spirits and harnessing their energy for various purposes.
What makes this story work so well is the fact that no one - not Lucinda, who narrates the book, and not any of the adults in her life - questions that Felina is a witch. The fact that everyone just accepts that notion as truth actually contributes to an overall sense of ambiguity that I really enjoyed. If Felina truly is a witch, then the story is fantasy, and the adults in the story live in a world where witches exist and their existence is readily accepted. There is a possibility, though, that Felina is not a witch, and that the adults of the story merely humor her insistence that she is in order to help her settle in to her new situation on her own terms. This sense of ambiguity is helped significantly by the fact that the story is narrated not by Felina, but by Lucinda, her foster sister. Lucinda’s childlike outlook makes it perfectly plausible that Felina is a witch, but also makes it equally possible that Felina’s magic powers have been invented to explain her strange behavior as she adjusts to her new family.
What makes this story work so well is the fact that no one - not Lucinda, who narrates the book, and not any of the adults in her life - questions that Felina is a witch. This Halloween-themed story was originally published in 1960, and has just been reissued by Simon Schuster with new cover art, giving it a new lease on life for 2013 readers.
They were seen as intermediaries between the earthly and supernatural realms, capable of communicating with spirits and harnessing their energy for various purposes. However, as societal beliefs shifted over the centuries, witches began to be associated with dark magic and malevolence. The enduring stereotype of a witch is typically depicted as an old, haggard woman with a pointy hat and broomstick, casting spells and causing harm.
The Little Leftover Witch
Summary: As Lucinda Doon goes to bed on Halloween night she hears a sound almost like crying outside her window. She opens the window and discovers on the sycamore tree Felina, a young witch who has broken her broom and is doomed to spend the year with humans until next Halloween when she may catch a ride on another witch’s broom. Alas, Felina doesn’t like humans. She spends the night in the corner of Lucinda’s closet (witches don’t sleep in beds) and Mr. and Mrs. Doon accept a witch with some surprise the next morning into their home. Lucinda welcomes a playmate, albeit an unpleasant one, and Felina accepts Itchabody, the cat, as the only acceptable member of the household. So for the next year Felina practices her small magic (apples mysteriously disappear, Mr. Doon’s ties are all in knots, Lucinda’s favorite doll is lost) in the Doon household and learns about birthdays, Christmas, school, rules, and saying, “I’m sorry” and “Thank you.” The change in Felina by the next Halloween is, says the presiding judge at her adoption by the Doon family, “Pure magic.”
Literary elements at work in the story: There’s a literary genre called magical realism where ordinary, mundane events and magic merge seamlessly. This story may be too slight to bear that literary designation but it does blend the unlikely presence of a small witch into the daily life of an ordinary family without explanations or question.. The text, half-a century-old, has been renewed and reprinted, and though some aspects are dated, it continues to delight as a read-aloud for children as young as four and for families of mixed ages or for middle elementary readers as a chapter book. One problematic aspect is the threat of spanking when Felina refuses to sleep in a bed. It never occurs and this is a very peaceful household but the threat is there. (I’ve read this to a single child and a room full of children many times. I’ve never failed to hear, “Don’t stop. Read some more.”)
How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story? Accept the blurring of magic and reality, and perspectives aren’t too important. The Doons are white; Mr. Doon is the bread winner; the neighborhood is middle class; the town is small.
Theological Conversation Partners: Churches that baptize infants act on the faith that God will be nurturing the child in Christ, not once but daily, through the family. Felina’s life in the Doon household as she’s transformed from a witch into a little girl is a very good example of this spiritual formation or Christian nurture, though those terms aren’t used. Felina is not lovable but the Doons act like she is. They care for her, insist on rules that will help her grow, support her when the world around her is critical and enjoy her. A most important turning point comes when Grandfather Doon gives her his birthday, something witches don’t have and so can’t have birthday parties. Paul refers to becoming a Christian as adoption (Romans 8:15, Gal. 4:4, Eph. 1:5) and encourages the Ephesians to grow up in every way in Christ. A household of disciplined love is the soil in which Christians grow. Giving names is important in biblical identity. Abram becomes Abraham; Jacob becomes Israel; Peter becomes Cephas. Felina claims a new name as well based on the relationships of love in her home.
Faith Talk Questions:
- Why doesn’t Felina like people? Has she ever known any? What’s the name for judgements that we make without experience or knowledge?
- Felina is impressed with how she looks after her hair is combed and she has a bath. Is how we look important to us? Why or why not?
- Why do the Doons let Felina wear her hat even though it causes problems?
- When is Felina most likely to practice small magic?
- What would it feel like not to have a birthday? Why was Grandfather Doon’s gift important to Felina?
- How did Grandfather Doon help Felina say that she was sorry?
- Mrs. Doon put a full basket of fruit out, saying that it was for everyone in the house to eat. What prompted her do this? How did this affect Felina?
- How did the Doons help Felina learn to read and know her success was important to them?
- Why does Felina choose to be called “Lucinda, Mary, George?” If you could choose your name, what would it be?
- Think of the things that make your home a good place to grow into disciples of Christ.
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Faith Talk Questions:
This negative portrayal led to the persecution and execution of countless innocent individuals during the infamous witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the perception of witches has evolved once again. Many people now embrace witchcraft as a spiritual practice, believing in the power of rituals, spells, and divination to manifest their desires and promote personal growth. Modern witches often incorporate elements of nature, astrology, and energy work into their practices, seeking to cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. The term "witch from me" could refer to a witch's journey of self-discovery and empowerment. It suggests an individual's personal exploration of their own power and connection to the mystical. This could involve delving into one's lineage and ancestral roots, learning ancient traditions and rituals, and embracing the inherent magic and intuition that resides within. Witchcraft is a complex and multifaceted topic, encompassing centuries of folklore, mythology, and cultural beliefs. Regardless of how one chooses to interpret or practice witchcraft, it remains an enduring symbol of the human fascination with the unknown and the endless possibilities of the supernatural..
Reviews for "The Witch's Grimoire: Embracing Magickal Knowledge and Wisdom"
- Sarah - 2/5
I was really excited to read "Witch from me" because I love supernatural stories, but I was ultimately disappointed. The plot was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters were forgettable. The writing style felt disjointed and rushed, with little attention to detail. Overall, it just didn't live up to my expectations.
- Alex - 1/5
I couldn't even finish "Witch from me" because it was so poorly written. The dialogue was stilted and unnatural, and the descriptions were vague and lacking in any real substance. The story felt cliché and unoriginal, with predictable twists and turns. It simply wasn't enjoyable to read and I quickly lost interest.
- Emily - 2/5
I found "Witch from me" to be a boring and uninspired read. The pacing was incredibly slow, with very little happening throughout the entire book. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any depth, making it difficult to connect with them. The plot felt repetitive and predictable, and there was a noticeable lack of tension or suspense. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and captivating story.
- John - 3/5
While "Witch from me" wasn't a terrible book, it didn't quite hit the mark for me. The writing was decent, but there were too many unnecessary subplots and the story seemed to lack focus. The characters were not well-developed, and their motivations often felt shallow and unconvincing. There were some enjoyable moments throughout the book, but it ultimately fell short of my expectations. I'd recommend it for readers who enjoy light supernatural romance, but for those looking for a more compelling story, I'd suggest looking elsewhere.