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Published May 2022
320 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publication Information
A witchy, atmospheric lesbian contemporary romance set in Salem - from the acclaimed author of Fans of the Impossible Life. Perfect for fans of Nina LaCour and Becky Albertalli.
Seventeen-year-old Eleanor is the last person in Salem to believe in witchcraft—or think that her life could be transformed by mysterious forces. After losing her best friend and first love, Chloe, Eleanor has spent the past year in a haze, vowing to stay away from anything resembling romance.
But when a handwritten guide to tarot arrives in the mail at the witchy souvenir store where Eleanor works, it seems to bring with it the message that magic is about to enter her life. Cynical Eleanor is quick to dismiss this promise, until real-life witch Pix shows up with an unusual invitation. Inspired by the magic and mystery of the tarot, Eleanor decides to open herself up to Pix and her coven of witches, and even to the possibility of a new romance.
But Eleanor's complicated history continues to haunt her. She will have to reckon with the old ghosts that threaten to destroy everything, even her chance at new love.
Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches is a romantic coming-of-age about learning to make peace with the past in order to accept the beauty of the present.
"Employing a tongue-in-cheek first-person narrative and using flashbacks to shed light on Eleanor's complicated previous relationship, Scelsa explores public opinion and self-perception alongside themes of forgiveness, relational toxicity, and commercialism. Symbolic magic lends an underlying sense of enchantment as Eleanor opens herself up to new ideas and possibilities, and a sweet, gentle central chemistry sells the central romance." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Scelsa's sophomore novel excels at portraying realistic teens who have big emotions and sometimes make frustrating choices...The Salem setting is richly depicted, and the story thoughtfully grapples with consumer culture...Magic is found through personal growth and accepting love in this enchanting tale." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
This information about Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches was first featured
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Kate Scelsa studied writing and theater at Sarah Lawrence College. For the past twelve years she has performed in New York and on tour around the world with experimental theater company Elevator Repair Service in their trilogy of works based on great American literature, including an eight-hour-long performance that uses the entire text of The Great Gatsby. Kate grew up in New Jersey and now lives in Brooklyn with her wife and two black cats.
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