CULTURE CLUB
MODERN-DAY MAGIC
For local author Menna van Praag, the honey- hued steeples and the atmospheric, historical streets of Cambridge have long been a source of inspiration. “Any storyteller would agree that Cambridge is completely enchanting,” she shares. “The history, magic and fantasy – it just seeps out of the walls.” The city’s colleges and cafes have provided the backdrop to several of Menna’s magical realism novels, including The Dress Shop of Dreams (which was inspired by All Saints Passage), and now in the long-awaited final chapter of the Sisters Grimm trilogy – Child of Earth and Sky . A dark and beguiling tale of fantasy fiction split between a contemporary urban domain and the haunted otherworldly realm of Everwhere, Child of Earth and Sky is the last instalment following the lives of Goldie, Bea, Scarlet and Liyana – half-sisters ‘born of bright- white wishing and black-edged desire’ with the ability to wield magical powers. The books chart the girls’ journey from their teens through to their thirties. Now, Goldie is mother to eight-year-old Luna, a child conceived in the realm between life and death who ushers in the new generation of the Sisters Grimm. Although each book can be read separately or as part of the series, Child of Earth and Sky continues its key themes of sisterhood, friendship and growth. “It was important to me to follow the sisters through their whole journey – from their experience as daughters and teenagers to becoming mothers themselves, and the entirely new set of issues that introduces,” says Menna. A departure from her magical realism novels – which are generally considered much lighter reads – the Sisters Grimm series ventures into altogether darker territory. Despite its supernatural subjects and fantastical themes, Menna uses fantasy fiction as a compelling vehicle for tackling major real-world issues such as feminism, patriarchy, historical prejudices embedded within the criminal justice system and domestic violence, with much of the story taking place in a women’s refuge. “I wanted to write something in a palatable way that addresses serious issues in society, and by putting some magic in there, it’s almost like wish fulfilment. If I had those powers, I would do something about it,” she comments. Child of Earth and Sky
While inviting readers to reflect on these topics and inequalities, Menna delivers the comfort many of us look for when we choose to read fiction, by drawing the trilogy to a close with a resoundingly hopeful finish. “I struggle to read fiction that’s really depressing because we are confronted with so much of that in the news,” she muses. “I can go dark with my fiction, but always need an uplifting ending.” As the autumn chill descends and darker evenings creep closer, this is a book for cosying up with, particularly in the run up to Halloween. For Menna herself, it’s the time of year when she most comes alive. “This is definitely a Halloween read – it’s my favourite non-holiday and it’s an occasion when you’re allowed to be a kid again. You can visit the dark side, transform yourself and celebrate that spirit of rebellion,” she enthuses. A transporting novel where fantasy flirts with reality in a thrilling modern fairy tale, Child of Earth and Sky promises to be the ultimate October read for those craving an atmospheric dose of escapism. “Autumn is a time full of promise – the nights are drawing in but it’s not quite as miserable as winter. Everything, to me, just feels a little bit more magical.” To hear more on the book, An Evening with Menna van Praag will take place at Waterstones Cambridge on 18 October. The author will also be speaking at Topping & Company Booksellers of Ely on 24 October. Child of Earth and Sky by Menna van Praag is published by Bantam and will release on 19 October 2023 (£16.99)
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