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A review by 2treads
Will Do Magic for Small Change by Andrea Hairston
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
'Cut your chains and you become free; cut your roots and you die.'
'Love is what you got to do to be free.' -Aidan
"Civilization is a tight weave of ideas. Pull out the savage thread, and it all unravels." -Bob
Hairston's writing will not be for everyone, but the staccato-like resonance of her tale has me wanting to delve deeper into her world. Her use of history, magic, contemporary society(at the time), and science fiction proves that melding these together can make for great storytelling.
Cinnamon Jones has a lot to deal with: not being beautiful and svelte like the theatre scene warrants, an ornery mother who wants to keep her away from the magic that runs through her, a brother who believes deeply in her talent and magical essence, grandparents and an aunt that embody that magic, a family with strong and hurtful opinions, and secrets kept from her that weigh her down.
Incorporating a story within a story has always appealed to me when reading and with Cinnamon delving into the Chronicles of the Wanderer, we get to experience a bond between an ancient Dahomean warrior woman and a space-faring, shapeshifting alien wanderer.
Hairston does a great job of telling a story across space and time, infusing it with a magic all her own. Her awareness and reverence are on full display here and can be seen in the way she highlights familial and societal structures that do more harm than good. If you love stories that require close attention to detail and are absorbing, this one is for you.
'Love is what you got to do to be free.' -Aidan
"Civilization is a tight weave of ideas. Pull out the savage thread, and it all unravels." -Bob
Hairston's writing will not be for everyone, but the staccato-like resonance of her tale has me wanting to delve deeper into her world. Her use of history, magic, contemporary society(at the time), and science fiction proves that melding these together can make for great storytelling.
Cinnamon Jones has a lot to deal with: not being beautiful and svelte like the theatre scene warrants, an ornery mother who wants to keep her away from the magic that runs through her, a brother who believes deeply in her talent and magical essence, grandparents and an aunt that embody that magic, a family with strong and hurtful opinions, and secrets kept from her that weigh her down.
Incorporating a story within a story has always appealed to me when reading and with Cinnamon delving into the Chronicles of the Wanderer, we get to experience a bond between an ancient Dahomean warrior woman and a space-faring, shapeshifting alien wanderer.
Hairston does a great job of telling a story across space and time, infusing it with a magic all her own. Her awareness and reverence are on full display here and can be seen in the way she highlights familial and societal structures that do more harm than good. If you love stories that require close attention to detail and are absorbing, this one is for you.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Fatphobia
Minor: Gun violence