A review by librarymouse
Witches of Brooklyn by Sophie Escabasse

adventurous challenging emotional funny lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.5

Witches of Brooklyn is a perfectly lovable, fast paced read about two sweet older ladies, Selimene and Carlota who take in their niece, Effie. Their magic is marketed as acupuncture and herbalism to nonmagical folk. Their way of life is a perfect mix of old-time witchy-ness and modern creative problem solving. There's not strictly defined boundaries to their magic, excluding the fact that plastic is like kryptonite to witches. The struggles the characters face and the vocabulary used by the characters are relatable and easily consumable for the intended audience, but it's still accessible for adults. Witches of Brooklyn builds an image of childhood that makes me both nostalgic for my own childhood and hopeful for my future where I can bring that sort of joy and wonder to the children in my life. Selimene and Carlotta read as a couple, but there's no direct acknowledgement of that. While part of me wishes there was, I understand that with the current political climate it could have damaged Sophie Escabasse's chances as a debuting graphic novelist. I hope there will be something written to define their relationship in the future books in the series, now that there's an established fan base for the books.
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