T. Kingfisher’s A Sorceress Comes to Call is billed as a “dark retelling” of the Grimm fairytale The Goose Girl, but while there are some shared elements (a false bride, a horse named Falada, and some geese), there are no straight parallels. This book is perhaps more “inspired by” The Goose Girl than anything, which is fine because it’s still something altogether wonderful.
The synopsis:
Cordelia knows her mother is . . . unusual. Their house doesn’t have any doors between rooms―there are no secrets in this house―and her mother doesn’t allow Cordelia to have a single friend. Unless you count Falada, her mother’s beautiful white horse. The only time Cordelia feels truly free is on her daily rides with him.
But more than simple eccentricity sets her mother apart. Other mothers don’t force their daughters to be silent and motionless for hours, sometimes days, on end. Other mothers aren’t evil sorcerers.
When her mother unexpectedly moves them into the manor home of a wealthy older Squire and his kind but keen-eyed sister, Hester, Cordelia knows this welcoming pair are to be her mother’s next victims. But Cordelia feels at home for the very first time among these people, and as her mother’s plans darken, she must decide how to face the woman who raised her to save the people who have become like family.
Throughout the book, Kingfisher masterfully builds tension and hope in equal measure, which plays out like an emotional, high-stakes duel between good and evil. The characters are *everything* here. Most of the action occurs within a single sprawling estate during a house party. The timeline doesn’t feel that long – is it a month? or three? from beginning to end? – but the pacing is meticulous, and you feel like you’re watching the most compelling game of human chess. How evil will Evangeline become? Will she get what she wants? What price will Cordelia pay? Can Hester stop Evangeline and save her brother? How much will Richard and Imogene believe, and what parts will they play? I was on the edge of my seat!
Again, the balance of tone was masterful. There are very disturbing parts of this book, and it could have easily become too dark and smothering for me. But there were moments of levity, genuine kindness, and light, which was just enough air to breathe so I could stay with the story.
The one thing lacking for me – but not enough to deduct a star – was wanting just a bit more background on Evangeline. WHY was she so evil? How did she get to where she was? She references falling in love and how Cordelia’s father failed her, but that’s not examined or explored. Maybe being a woman in the world was enough to make Evangeline into the monster she was, but if so, I wish that would have been plainer.
The writing, the characters, and the story of A Sorceress Comes to Call were just delicious. A 5-star read for sure!
BOOK:30 