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The Wickerlight

The Wickerlight
Mary Watson
Bloomsbury, 2019
Paperback, 432 pages, €11.20
ISBN 9781408884911

Zara Swart and David Creagh are from two entirely different worlds, one full of old Irish magic and one full of secrecy and mystery. These two worlds begin colliding after the death of Zara’s sister, Laila. Zara starts looking for the magic Laila always believed in as an effort to stay close to her sister and to make sense of her death, while David
questions what his family taught him to be unquestionable law.

In The Wickerlight, Watson puts a new spin on Irish mythology and folklore, bringing it to life in a brand new vessel. Watson’s use of colloquialisms livens up dialogue and narrative alike, and her writing flows like a silk tear
falling from the goddess Bríd’s cheek.

The Wickerlight caught me and held me captive in a woven room of its own, refusing to release me, from the mystical start to the bittersweet end. It delicately and realistically deals with issues such as adultery, death, racism, truth and war, and brings up uncomfortable but necessary questions about family loyalty. It shows a clear understanding of each issue addressed and splits them into manageable portions for all readers. It also offers a unique twist on ideas on the Tuatha Dé Danann, draoithe and spells that will cause any Irish folk-lover to re-examine their view of Irish mythology. It convinces the reader that maybe, just maybe, magic can bleed into their life too.

The Wickerlight is perfect for a witchy night in with a steaming cup of tea (stormy background noise optional but recommended).

Elliot Gallogly