"Magic for Beginners" is a short story collection written by Kelly Link. The book was published in 2005 and has received critical acclaim for its unique blend of fantasy, horror, and contemporary fiction. The collection features nine short stories, each exploring different themes and characters. Despite the title, "Magic for Beginners," the stories are not strictly about magic or magicians. Instead, they focus on the lives of ordinary people who find themselves caught up in extraordinary circumstances. One of the standout stories in the collection is "The Faery Handbag.
A new ability of the Magical Charms is unveiled in "Confrontation". The Magical Charms react to emotions — they start glowing once their owner feels empowered by emotional support from others and lose power if their mood worsens. Once the person with the Charm gains enough confidence, the object expands into a large shield, one capable of purifying and warding away Megakumas upon contact. After purifying the Megakuma, the Magical Charm shield will revert back to its original form.
In Dearest Family , Shadow Moth boosts his own powers and gains the ability to create Megakumas, which can break through the barrier of the Magical Charms. Packed with over 300 dazzling beads and three premium charms - a mystical unicorn, a graceful fairy, and a bewitching wand - it s the perfect set for weaving tales and crafting dreams.
One of the standout stories in the collection is "The Faery Handbag." This story follows a young girl named Genevieve, who inherits her grandmother's handbag, which is rumored to contain an entire village in it. The story explores themes of family, loss, and the power of storytelling.
COWRIE SHELLS
Another notable story is "Stone Animals," which follows a family as they move into a new home that quickly becomes haunted by mysterious stone animals. The story is a haunting and atmospheric exploration of suburban ennui and the inevitability of change. Link's writing style is often described as dreamlike and surreal. She weaves together elements of fantasy and reality, blurring the lines between the two. Her use of language is imaginative and evocative, drawing readers into the strange and captivating worlds she creates. Overall, "Magic for Beginners" is a thought-provoking and imaginative collection of stories. Kelly Link's ability to seamlessly blend genres and create memorable characters makes it a must-read for fans of speculative fiction and those looking for something unique and different..
Reviews for "A Beginner's Introduction to Kelly Link's Magical Realism"
1. John Doe - 2/5
"Magic for beginners" by Kelly Link was completely underwhelming for me. The stories lacked depth and coherence, often leaving me confused and frustrated. The author seemed more interested in showcasing her unconventional writing style rather than crafting compelling narratives. The characters were flat and uninteresting, making it difficult for me to emotionally connect with any of them. Overall, I found the book to be a tedious and disjointed reading experience.
2. Jane Smith - 1/5
I cannot express how disappointed I was with "Magic for beginners" by Kelly Link. The stories were bizarre and muddled, with no clear plot or resolution. It felt like the author was trying too hard to be different and experimental, sacrificing storytelling in the process. The constant shifts in perspective and confusing timelines made it impossible for me to immerse myself in the narrative. I kept hoping that the next story would be better, but unfortunately, it only got worse. I regret wasting my time on this book.
3. Robert Johnson - 2/5
I had heard great things about "Magic for beginners" by Kelly Link, but I found it to be a disjointed collection of stories that failed to captivate me. The author's writing style was overly convoluted and abstract, making it difficult for me to follow the narratives. It seemed like many of the stories had potential, but they were let down by the lack of coherent structure and unsatisfying endings. I appreciate experimentation in literature, but this book just felt like a jumbled mess. Disappointing to say the least.