A review by labyrinth_witch
Alchemy of a Blackbird by Claire McMillan

hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is historical fiction of the life of Remedios Varo, including Lenora Carrington, two of the three witches of surrealism. Beautifully written, this book will draw you into the world and make it hard to put down. Even more than the prose, the structure will captivate you. The story is told using Tarot cards in a way I have never seen perspective-switching done before. Because of this structure you have the pleasure of seeing the same scene and events through the eyes of multiple characters. For me this enriches the narrative. It makes you feel how different people must experience you even as you experience them going about your life just being yourself. 

This story captures what it like for women experiencing men who fancy themselves intellectuals, women who want to desire themselves, the way women form life-long friendships, and the journey into your own authentic experience of life. It is a book that will linger in your heart long after you turn the last page. 

Then you will go down a rabbit hole of Varo art, finding podcasts and reviews of her work. It will captivate you even as you consider she didn’t come into herself until her middle-age years. 

And then you will get yourself a tarot deck and wonder which card describes you. 

Enjoy.