Review of The Curious Spell of Madam Genova
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Review of The Curious Spell of Madam Genova
The Curious Spell of Madam Genova by J. G. Schwartz is a book about magic and a pair of watches. Jenny Genova, a clairvoyant, also known as 'Madam Genova,' and her fortune-teller friend, Monique LeClaire, use their unique gift to touch people's lives in very unusual ways. Their clientele includes the high, mighty, and most powerful men and women in the country who trail after them, willing to pay anything for a glimpse of the future or some bit of good luck. Jenny casts a spell that is indeed 'curious,' and this spell drives the book's entire plot.
Schwartz creatively renders this story in a way that fascinates and demands rapt attention. The story gives a historical survey, as it presents prominent men and women in the United States' political arena and highlights some major historical feats of their time. It almost feels like reading a history book but devoid of the tell-tale drag that comes with history books.
It is clear from the book that the characters are the centerpiece of the story. It is probably because of this that Schwartz takes the time at the beginning of the book to list the major characters in the book. This will aid readers in navigating the robust array of characters as they are introduced per chapter. The author's dedication to her characters is further seen in how she describes them, not leaving out the tiniest detail. For example, she describes Madam Genova, the fortune-teller, right down to the way she smells, like a 'bunch of freshly picked flowers.' She also points out the vertical scar on the left ear of Madam Genova's son's best friend, Joshua. All these detailed descriptions come together nicely to create vivid imagery for readers.
Schwartz provides a sort of insider perspective into the glamour of fame and power. She does this with her choice of characters; she picks presidents, actresses, and even crime lords, allowing readers to come to their conclusions about whether the price to be paid for power is worth it or not.
The Curious Spell of Madam Genova dabbles in on some issues that still very much resonates with our present time, more so now than ever. The conversation on racial discrimination leads us to the introspection of what it has metamorphosed into in our time. The author also points out the issues of domestic violence on women and children. I believe the author's incorporation of these issues in her story, as salient as they are presented, might be enough to spark awareness and action in readers. It can also activate the spirit of being 'our brothers keepers,' to join hands and hearts together to fight for the vulnerable among us.
The book is well written and will appeal to various readers, especially fans of supernatural historical fiction. There's no flaw in this book, and the editing is top-notch. Therefore, I rate it four out of four stars.
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The Curious Spell of Madam Genova
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