The April Witch is a short story written by Ray Bradbury. It was first published in 1952 and has since become one of Bradbury's most popular works. The story revolves around a young girl named Cecy, who possesses the ability to float and turn invisible. She is often referred to as a "witch" by her peers because of her unique abilities. Cecy is depicted as an outcast in her small town, as her abilities make her different from others. However, she doesn't use her powers for evil or to harm others.
However, she doesn't use her powers for evil or to harm others. Instead, Cecy uses her abilities to explore the world around her and experience new things. As April approaches, Cecy becomes increasingly restless and desires to break free from the confines of her ordinary life.
April Witch
Desirée (meaning "desired one") Johansson is the ironically named daughter of Ella Johansson—ironic because Ella abandoned her at birth. In the Swedish welfare state of the 1950s, Desirée's birth defects (cerebral palsy, epilepsy and physical deformation) meant a life in institutions. Now nearing 50, she is increasingly wracked by pain and seizures, and the only person she ever loved, her doctor, Hubertsson, is dying. But she is an April witch—a weak body with a strong mind—and when Hubertsson informs her of her mother's later foster children, she employs her paranormal powers of omniscience to learn about Ella, her "betrayer," and her three foster sisters, the "thieves" of the life that should have been hers. Though unable to walk or speak, Desirée follows their movements, and it is their stories that make up the bulk of this suspenseful, insightful novel. Margareta had been abandoned, while Christina and Birgitta's real mothers were abusive, and appeared irregularly in their childhoods with terrible results. The girls were separated as teens after Ella's stroke, for which difficult Birgitta is blamed: Christina and Margareta believe Ella discovered that Birgitta was the town slut, and that it nearly killed her. While Margareta has become a physicist and Christina a doctor, and Birgitta has evolved through drug addiction to alcoholism, none of them know about their other sister—yet. Journalist Axelsson caused quite a stir with this novel in her native Sweden, ripping into Scandinavian conformity like a latter day Ibsen, while Americans might see some resemblance to the spirit of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest . Readers who made Peter Hoeg a bestseller should certainly find a place in their hearts for Axelsson. (Apr.)
Forecast: Originally published in Sweden in 1997, this was a runaway bestseller and a winner of the August Prize (it's sold over 350,000 copies to date). Both Barnes and Noble and Borders are giving it special attention, and news from the independents suggests it will be a great handsell.
DETAILS share BUY THIS BOOK close DetailsReviewed on: 03/25/2002
Paperback - 432 pages - 978-0-8129-6688-6
"Here." And he danced her lightly out an open door and walked her quietly away from the hall and the music and the people.
She yearns to travel and see exotic places, and she believes that by floating and turning invisible, she can achieve this sense of freedom. Cecy's desires and dreams are beautifully portrayed in the story, as the author vividly describes her experiences and adventures. "The April Witch" is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of identity, independence, and the desire for freedom. It highlights the struggles of fitting in and the challenges of embracing one's uniqueness. Through Cecy's character, Bradbury creates a relatable and sympathetic protagonist that many readers can connect with. The story also delves into the human condition and the longing for something more. Cecy's desires and aspirations represent the universal yearning for self-discovery and fulfillment. Her journey serves as a metaphor for the human experience and the quest for finding one's purpose. As with many of Bradbury's works, "The April Witch" is a thought-provoking and imaginative story that captivates readers with its themes and engaging narrative. It showcases Bradbury's talent for storytelling and his ability to create relatable characters in extraordinary situations. In conclusion, "The April Witch" is a captivating short story that explores themes of identity, independence, and the desire for freedom. Through the character of Cecy, Bradbury showcases the universal longing for self-discovery and fulfillment. The story continues to resonate with readers, making it a timeless piece of literature..
Reviews for "The Aprul Witch Coven: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Witching Hour"
1. Hannah - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "The April Witch". The storyline felt disjointed and confusing, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the book. The characters were also poorly developed, leading to a lack of emotional connection with any of them. Additionally, I found the writing style to be overly descriptive, with excessive details that didn't add much to the overall story. Overall, "The April Witch" fell flat for me and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. John - 1/5 - "The April Witch" was a complete waste of time for me. The plot lacked depth and failed to captivate my attention. The protagonist's actions were often irrational and didn't make sense, leaving me frustrated and disconnected from the story. The writing style was also tedious and excessive, with long, convoluted sentences that made it difficult to follow the narrative. I couldn't find any redeeming qualities in this book and would advise others to skip it.
3. Emily - 2/5 - Unfortunately, "The April Witch" didn't live up to my expectations. The story lacked clear direction and left me confused about the overall message the author was trying to convey. The characters felt one-dimensional and their actions didn't always align with their supposed motivations. The pacing was also slow, making it difficult to maintain my interest throughout. Overall, I found "The April Witch" to be a mediocre read and wouldn't recommend it to those seeking a captivating and well-executed story.
4. David - 1/5 - "The April Witch" was a complete disappointment. The plot was uninteresting and predictable, offering no surprises or unique angles. I also found the writing style to be dry and lacking emotion, preventing me from connecting with the characters or their experiences. The overall execution felt rushed and underdeveloped, leaving me unsatisfied with the book as a whole. I wouldn't recommend "The April Witch" to anyone looking for a compelling or thought-provoking read.