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A review by balloonbird
A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was a fun read. The premise -- a 29-year-old woman becoming a magical girl -- is whimsical, but the story and characters within are earnest and sensible.
In this world, magical girls exist to balance power. Girls (a term very loosely defined for the purposes of the story) tend to be the most vulnerable people, so the universe gives some of them a little magic. Many discover or awaken their magic in dire circumstances when they are at their most powerless.
Collectively, the magical girls can make a difference. While many of their powers aren't particularly strong, they find ways of working together to great effect. For example, they form a union because it's tricky to get healthy insurance. Beyond that, they've focused their collective efforts on fixing the climate crisis.
Despite starting out with our protagonist at her bleakest and most vulnerable, I found the story, themes, and commentary of this book hopeful. I'm giving it 4.5 stars (rounded up to 5) because it's a quick, fun, and impactful read.
In this world, magical girls exist to balance power. Girls (a term very loosely defined for the purposes of the story) tend to be the most vulnerable people, so the universe gives some of them a little magic. Many discover or awaken their magic in dire circumstances when they are at their most powerless.
Collectively, the magical girls can make a difference. While many of their powers aren't particularly strong, they find ways of working together to great effect. For example, they form a union because it's tricky to get healthy insurance. Beyond that, they've focused their collective efforts on fixing the climate crisis.
Despite starting out with our protagonist at her bleakest and most vulnerable, I found the story, themes, and commentary of this book hopeful. I'm giving it 4.5 stars (rounded up to 5) because it's a quick, fun, and impactful read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt