breelight 's review for:

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

2.75

challenging dark sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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I have mixed feelings about this book. I have read a few books about the institution of unwed mothers and adoption in the US during this time so I appreciate the historical aspect of this book. It just was a bit gross to me in some way. I slept on this and I am still hemming and hawing about the specific thing. It's likely that these girls in this home are children and I just don't want to articulate that. 

One thing that gave me rage was how Hagar and Miriam were portrayed. I realize they were needed to advance the story but I cannot stand the "magical black character" trope. I hate it so much.  I realize the time period in which this story takes place, but the author could have gone with literally anything from his brain other than a racist trope. 

I really liked the girls though. I was in it to see what happened. The story dragged a bit and the end was satisfying-ish. It was just okay. Just okay. This is the second Grady Hendrix book I've read and I'm not hooked. I may refuse to read anymore of his books.  I will need to think hard.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Racism, Grief, Medical trauma, Pregnancy