"Earwig and the Witch" is a novelization of a children's book written by Diana Wynne Jones. The story follows the adventures of a young girl named Earwig, who lives in an orphanage and has a cunning personality. One day, Earwig is adopted by a witch named Bella Yaga and a strange man named Mandrake. However, the young girl quickly finds herself at odds with her new guardians as she tries to discover their secrets and gain control over her own fate. The novelization adds depth to the original story by delving into the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters, particularly Earwig. It allows readers to better understand her desires for independence and her journey towards self-discovery.
4 out of 5 wands.
There s a mysterious show that s half-remembered by those who saw it, and underneath that seemingly wholesome piece of children s television lies this dark underbelly. It meets The Stepford Wives in this wildly compelling story that explores whether it s possible to recapture the magic of childhood friendship and what happens when you discover the darkness hiding underneath your memories.
It allows readers to better understand her desires for independence and her journey towards self-discovery. The novelization also includes vivid descriptions of the magical world Earwig is thrust into, bringing the story to life. Overall, "Earwig and the Witch" is an enchanting tale that captivates readers with its blend of humor, wit, and a touch of darkness.
Mister Magic
Children’s TV shows will always have an evocative place in your memory, especially those half-remembered tales from when you were young. Your cognitive powers had not yet full formed, so your memory of the show comes in snatches like magic. For me it will always be Wizbit. I picture a strange triangle creature jumping from side to side to a theme tune and the voice of Paul Daniels. If that magician was not scary enough to haunt your memories, he is nothing compared to Mister Magic found within the pages of Kiersten White’s new novel. Mister Magic is a show that many people feel they remember. A group of children would enter a magical world and be guided by the helpful hand of Mr Magic. It was one of the longest running shows in media having moved from radio to television, but suddenly in the early 90s it stopped. Thirty years later a reunion may be on the way as the last cast members have been gathered for a podcast. They will be asked questions about why the show ended and what was the accident? There have been no answers in decades as there are no tapes of the show or YouTube videos to find. One of the most popular children’s shows appears to only exist in the memories of the people who watched it. Mister is the second novel that I have read by White, and some themes link this book and the earlier Hide. These are both horror novels that have a sense of communal evil. Towns that have a strange secret that they do not reveal to the protagonists until it is too late. While Hide was an intense horror set in the bones of an old theme park, Mister is a more phycological affair and slower burn for it. This is a book about childhood trauma, but also the mysterious Mister Magic. White does a brilliant job of capturing the feeling that many of us have about half remembered children shows. Not the big hitters that are being remade into hit movies today, but the oddities that haunted the early morning schedule, before the parents even woke up. White extrapolates the thoughts that we had as children – are these shows real, what if I could be part of them. The remaining cast members of the Mister Magic show have all moved on, especially Val, who has spent the last 30 years hiding on a ranch with her father. Her memories are so distorted she cannot even remember being on the show. However, as the leader of the group, she may be the key. Can she trust her former cast members and the strange podcaster in charge of the interviews? There are not the moments of body horror and terror that were present in White’s first novel, but instead a growing sense of unease and the eerie. There is more than one way to scare a cat and White has shown that they are able to do both. This is a psychological tale as Val begins to remember some of her past and regret how she has lived her live, but we also start to see that her father may have been right to hide her. This is a novel for horror fans who enjoy a slow creeping novel that will sink its teeth into you, without you even realising.
Written on 7th August 2023 by Sam Tyler .
It showcases the importance of perseverance, friendship, and finding one's own voice..
Reviews for "The Role of Magic in Earwig and the Witch: Examining its Transformation in the Novelization"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Earwig and the Witch". The story just didn't capture my attention, and I found it difficult to connect with the characters. The pacing felt off, and the plot seemed to lack direction. Overall, it was a forgettable read for me.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Earwig and the Witch" as I'm a fan of Studio Ghibli, but I found the novelization to be underwhelming. The writing felt rushed and lacked the depth and charm that I usually associate with Ghibli films. The characters felt one-dimensional, and the dialogue was often awkward. It didn't do justice to the intriguing premise and left me wanting more.
3. Michael - 1/5 stars - "Earwig and the Witch" was a complete letdown. The story felt fragmented, and the transitions between scenes were jarring. The characters were uninteresting and lacked development, making it difficult to care about their journey. The writing style didn't engage me, and I found myself skimming through pages just to get to the end. Overall, it was a forgettable and disappointing read.
4. Lisa - 1/5 stars - I was excited to read "Earwig and the Witch", but it failed to live up to my expectations. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the story felt disjointed. The plot was confusing, and there were several unanswered questions that left me frustrated. The characters lacked depth and were difficult to connect with. I wouldn't recommend this novelization to fans of Studio Ghibli or anyone looking for an enjoyable reading experience.