A review by raineachreads
Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age by Katherine May

hopeful reflective slow-paced

5.0

Every year I read scores of books I like, dozens I really enjoy and a handful which I love and become part of my book collection that I’m guaranteed to dip in and out of for the rest of my life. However sometimes another type of book comes along that makes you stop and think about the beauty of words. That show that letter by letter, word by word that something can be created, that ceases to be really about a plot or development, but instead creates a painting through sentences. Rundell has that rare ability and the title of her book sums up what she has created best of all, an enchantment. 

‘Enchantment’ is a collection of essays on May’ experiences of the past and present, about the wonders and joy in everyday life and essentially what it is to be human. This book is very aptly timed as as we come out of the pandemic I think so many of us feel a bit lost and floating through life unanchored, something the author herself experiences. Through the fragments of memories and her current life that she writes about we realise that living is a really a collection of things; the moments we take with us into the future, our hopes, dreams and maybe fears too- these are all things that shape us.

This is very much a book to read slowly and savour. I think many people will really enjoy it, especially those who working out what life will look like in this post-pandemic world. There is lots of hope, lots of curiosity but most of all lots of wonder within its pages.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.