Release Date: July 1, 2014
Publisher: Starscape
Rated: MG 12+
Format: eGalley
Source: NetGalley
Buy: Amazon ● The Book Depository ● B&N
Goodreads ● Website
Can an unearthed talisman found on the shores of Lake Michigan save 12-year-old Violet’s fractured family? Exploring themes of Native American culture, ecology, and conservation, this historical fiction novel comes brilliantly to life.
The year is 1906, and twelve-year-old Violet Blake unearths an ancient talisman—a copper hand—beside the stream where her mother used to harvest medicine. Violet’s touch warms the copper hand and it begins to reveal glimpses of another time. Violet is certain that the copper hand is magic—and if anyone is in need of its powers, it’s Violet. Her mother and adored baby brother are gone, perhaps never to return. Her heartbroken father can’t seem to sustain the failing farm on the outskirts of Pigeon Harbor, on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Surely the magic of the copper hand can make things right for Violet and restore her fractured family. Violet makes a wish. But her ignorant carelessness unleashes formidable powers—and her attempts to control them jeopardizes not only herself, but the entire town of Pigeon Harbor.
In Copper Magic, land and waters are alive with memories, intentions, and impulses. Magic alters Violet and brings her gifts—but not always the kind she thinks she needs. First-time author Julia Mary Gibson brings Violet and her community to life in this impressive and assured debut.
The year is 1906, and twelve-year-old Violet Blake unearths an ancient talisman—a copper hand—beside the stream where her mother used to harvest medicine. Violet’s touch warms the copper hand and it begins to reveal glimpses of another time. Violet is certain that the copper hand is magic—and if anyone is in need of its powers, it’s Violet. Her mother and adored baby brother are gone, perhaps never to return. Her heartbroken father can’t seem to sustain the failing farm on the outskirts of Pigeon Harbor, on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Surely the magic of the copper hand can make things right for Violet and restore her fractured family. Violet makes a wish. But her ignorant carelessness unleashes formidable powers—and her attempts to control them jeopardizes not only herself, but the entire town of Pigeon Harbor.
In Copper Magic, land and waters are alive with memories, intentions, and impulses. Magic alters Violet and brings her gifts—but not always the kind she thinks she needs. First-time author Julia Mary Gibson brings Violet and her community to life in this impressive and assured debut.
I haven’t read much about the USA during this time period, so this was a really interesting and different read for me. It felt like reading one of those timeless classics, such as the Little House books, especially the descriptions of helping out at home and on the farm. I really liked how the author really explored roles and professions at the time, as well as the general public’s view and relations with the Native Americans. While the book was slightly slow paced, it was a unique concept and was a well-thought out story.
I really enjoyed Violet’s character, although some of her decisions I didn’t really know what to make of. I guess being in such situations might make me react differently but she acted quite childishly at some parts, which put me a little bit off. I really enjoyed Miss Nadia’s character though– one really sensible adult compared to the hysterical aunt and Mrs. Dell. Mrs. Agosa I felt kind of so-so about Mercy’s character, but she was an enjoyable edition overall.
I found it interesting how the different story lines were weaved with another. How Violet’s mother went away, how she works with Mrs. Nadia and her photography, the Native American stories and myths– all come together with the copper hand that Violet finds. While the book most of the time stays to a realistic plot, there are times when fantasy and magic come alive and create an spellbinding premise.
Copper Magic was an easy read, one that was intriguing and enchanting. Aimed for middle grade readers, Gibson’s novel will enthral children and adults alike from start to finish. Loved it and can’t wait for more!
If you like this, try...
- May B. by Caroline Starr Rose ● Goodreads
- Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder ● Goodreads
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
For a significant chunk of my life I worked with sprocketed celluloid, as a garage animator and in various capacities in the visual effects industry. My colleagues were geniuses and magicians and sorceresses. The work was a blast (sometimes literally – catch me as Frances McDormand’s double in an awesome old-school beamsplitter shot in Sam Raimi’s DARKMAN), but a time came when my own work cried out to be fostered again.
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(This is Darith L.)
ReplyDeleteThat movie is Mean Girls or Easy A! Haha
Braveheart!
ReplyDelete