I am a fan of magical realism in WF novels and that's what attracted me to this one, as well as the Cambridge setting. I wasn't sure what to expect but it ended up being so charming and heartfelt. I would read it again!

I love that the story is told about characters from different characters points of view. The world these witches lived in was so normal, not witch like, that it was easy to fall into the story and picture what was happening. While each character had their own story the entire book was the story of all 6 main characters together. I found it easy to follow the story and easy to relate to the characters. 

The witchcraft was not so out of there that it was crazy. It was more quirky than magical and I found myself wanting to know more about their special gifts. I enjoyed learning about each characters special skills and anticipating how it would affect the story and their lives.

Noa was the character that I wanted to be best friends with. Maybe because I felt like she was young, hip, and in need of a good friend that isn’t put off by her gift. I felt sorry that her gift was so hard on her that she actually wished it away. 

This is not my first Menna van Praag book and it certainly will not be my last. I recommend checking it out. I devoured it and cannot wait to tell my friends about it

Why haven't I read Menna Van Praag before?! After reading THE WITCHES OF CAMBRIDGE, I now want to get all her books and binge read if her other books are as good or better as this. 



THE WITCHES OF CAMBRIDGE is a great amalgam of Women's Literature and Magic Realism. The cast of characters are actual witches, but the supernatural element is mellow and contained in simple spells and using their unique skills from empathy to precognition. The women are friends and are in different stages in their lives, going through universal issues involving love, death, marriage, family, ambition, etc., so it's very easy to relate to each of them in some way. 



MVPraag drew out each of these women's stories very well. They each told the story of their lives completely and perfectly even if they have to share the book with each other. It also helped that their lives are intertwined so all 5 storylines moved in the same direction. I also love the setting, Cambridge, as the characters are involved in the University in some shape or form. I should also mention that the women and George are super smart, so I felt like I'm reading an intelligent book especially when Kat does her math to explain stuff. I can't understand what she's saying, and its great that it wasn't a constant demonstration of her prowess, but it's a cool touch.



The best part has to be the food! Cosima makes these enchanted treats that sounds utterly scrumptious! MVPraag included some recipes in the end and I sure want to try them when and if I find the ingredients, but the imagery had my mouth watering. #nomnom



It goes without saying that I love THE WITCHES OF CAMBRIDGE. It gave me the feels and though this is women's lot, it's not devoid of excitement, tragedies, and black magic a la Dorian Gray. If you're a magic realism fan and/or is a fan of food in your fiction, make sure you read MVPraag in the nearest future. Satisfaction guaranteed.

PS Apologies for the late feedback, life's been busy and I'm just finding the time transcribing my reviews here.

The idea of this thrilled me, but it wasn't quite up to my expectations. It was a bit too predictable at times. The plot lagged a bit as well. It was an "okay" read for me.

Wonderful read  - all Praags books are really enjoyable novels. Terrific characters and really moves at a great pace. Inventive and unique.