The Magical Misadventures of Prunella Bogthistle. By Deva Fagan. Henry Holt & Company, 2010. 272 pages. Tr. $17.99 ISBN 978-0805087437
Summary: Above all, Prunella Bogthistle longs for the day when she is a bona fide bogwitch. Unfortunately her witchery skills are in short supply. Her grandmother is peeved that she cannot even stop Barnaby, a non-magical Uplander, from poaching from her family’s resources and trespassing on their estate. Prunella is kicked out from the family, until she can prove that she is a proper witch. She travels with Barnaby through the Uplands, hopeful that by finding Esmeralda’s grimoire she will be able to learn her spells and return to her family.
Critical Review: Fagan’s magical novel satisfies those who additionally appreciate history. Prunella’s world is situated in the sixteenth or seventeenth century. When traveling through the Uplands, she is tarred and feathered, and is almost burnt at the stake by Mistress Helen Porter. Thankfully Mistress Porter’s son, Halbert, believes in Prunella’s goodness, bringing her food and defending her before the community. Prunella escapes persecution by successfully defending the Uplanders from ghouls, disembodied hands, and spectral stallions during the Thousandfold Night by producing featherweight charms and shielding sigils. Ultimately she learns that it is better to have a good heart than to be a proper witch. She does find Esmeralda’s grimoire, but leaves it for the life and friendship available in the Uplands.
Genre: Fantasy
Reading/Interest Level: 10-14 years
Reviews: School Library Journal (2010, June 1)
Similar Materials: Frances O’Roark Dowell’s Falling In
Subjects/Themes: witches; magic; heroes; self-realization; unconditional love
Character Names: Prunella Bogthistle; Granny Bogthistle; Cousin Ezzie; Miranda; Milo; Yeg; Lord Blackthorn; Jacks/Pogwobben; Skillimug; Mistress Helen Porter; Halbert Porter; Cricket; Rencevin; Esmeralda; Queen Serafine; Barnaby
Author Website: http://devafagan.com/
Brief Annotation: A bogwitch leaves her bogland home, developing a better appreciation of herself through travels with non-magical Uplanders.
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