There's Magic at Work in This New Batch of Books
Briefly

New books this week feature themes of magic and the supernatural, including stories about angels, hedonistic islands, and the mystical contributions of Black women. Daniel Kraus' 'Angel Down' presents World War I soldiers encountering a fallen angel, wrapped in a seamless narrative style. Rosália Rodrigo's debut, 'Beasts of Carnaval,' features a character exploring the dangers behind seductive parties on Isla Bestia, linked to the region's colonial past. Lindsey Stewart's 'The Conjuring of America' examines the intersection of magic in the lives of Black women throughout American history, showcasing various enchanting elements.
Kraus has studded his back catalog with audacious opening gambits. Themes include resurrection, teddy-bear sentience, and even a desperate escape from a sperm whale.
Rodrigo's debut novel features a character whose brother went missing on Isla Bestia, where enchanting delights mask the dangers related to the Caribbean's colonial past.
Stewart's book presents an exploration of the mystical contributions of Black women in American history, focusing on various themes such as mojos, mermaids, and medicine.
These new books weave together themes of magic and strife, showcasing the consequences of supernatural encounters throughout American history.
Read at Kqed
[
|
]