The Witch of the Week is a weekly feature that showcases a different witch from history or mythology. Each week, we delve into the life and powers of a fascinating witch, exploring their role in society and the impact they had on witchcraft as a whole. This week's featured witch is Circe, a powerful enchantress from Greek mythology. Known for her ability to transform humans into animals, Circe is a complex and intriguing figure. She plays a significant role in Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey, where she turns Odysseus' men into pigs and tests his wit and bravery. Circe's powers are legendary, and her mastery of potions and spells sets her apart from other witches in Greek mythology.
Kaye Umansky was born in Plymouth in Devon, England. She went to Teacher's Training College, after which she taught in London primary schools for twelve years, specializing in music and drama. In her spare time, she sang and played keyboards with a semiprofessional soul band. She now writes full time and has written more than twenty-five books of fantasy, fiction, and poetry for children. She draws on traditional folktales and modern urban myths for her inspiration and has a sense of humor that is popular with children of all ages, from five to one hundred and five. She lives in London with her family. Among her most popular books are her hilarious Pongwiffy titles. Pongwiffy, Pongwiffy and the Goblins' Revenge, and Pongwiffy and the Spell of the Year, which won the Nottinghamshire Book Award, are available from Minstrel Books.
He graduated from Coventry University with a 1st Class Honours Degree in Illustration and Animation, and is represented by Plum Pudding Illustration Agency. With a host of weird and wonderful neighbours banging at the door, and a box of magical ingredients that must be used immediately, Elsie finds out that looking after Magenta s home might not be so easy, after all.
Circe's powers are legendary, and her mastery of potions and spells sets her apart from other witches in Greek mythology. She is often depicted as both alluring and dangerous, capable of both love and revenge. Her ability to transform humans into animals is seen as a metaphor for the dangers of indulgence and excess.
Witch for a Week!
Are you a fan of the spellbinding Pongwiffy series? Well, now it’s time for even more magic and mayhem in Kaye Umansky’s latest book, Witch for a Week, illustrated by Ashley King. Check it out!
OUT NOW!
When Elsie Pickles offers to house-sit the mysterious home of local witch Magenta Sharp, she isn’t quite sure what she’s got herself into. But not to worry – left with a talking raven and a scruffy dog for company, a magical tower that has a mind of its own and an instruction book called Everything You Need to Know, what could possibly go wrong? Hmmmm…a lot, actually!
With a host of weird and wonderful neighbours banging at the door, and a box of magical ingredients that must be used immediately, Elsie finds out that looking after Magenta’s home might not be so easy, after all. Does she have what it takes to be a witch for a week or will it all end in disaster?!
Meet the characters!
Allow us to introduce you to some of the quirky characters from this brilliant book…
Elsie Pickles: The book’s main character
Home: Lives with her family in the town of Smallbridge
Personality: Very sweet and a hard worker
Spends time: Helping in her parents’ shop, reading and baking
Magenta Sharp: The local witch
Home: An enchanted tower deep in Crookfinger Forest
Personality: Very impatient and ignores everyone (but more friendly than people think!)
Spends time: Running her business, Sharp Spells on Tap
Corbett: Magenta’s grumpy raven
Home: Magenta’s magical tower
Personality: Very moody, stroppy and sarcastic
Spends time: Shouting insults at other birds
Nuisance: A scruffy stray dog that befriends Elsie
Home: Anywhere outside
Personality: Very friendly – but often gets in Elsie’s way
Spends time: Looking out for Elsie and eating sausages
With a host of weird and wonderful neighbours banging at the door, and a box of magical ingredients that must be used immediately, Elsie finds out that looking after Magenta’s home might not be so easy, after all. Does she have what it takes to be a witch for a week or will it all end in disaster?!
Although Circe is often portrayed as a villain, she is also a symbol of female empowerment. In a patriarchal society, she stands as a powerful and independent woman who is not afraid to assert her own desires and control her own destiny. Her representation in mythology challenges traditional gender roles and offers a different perspective on women and witches. Circe's story continues to captivate and inspire audiences today. She serves as a reminder of the power that witches hold and the complexities of their roles in society. Through her story, we can explore the themes of power, transformation, and the blurred line between good and evil. In conclusion, the Witch of the Week showcases a different witch every week, digging into their history and significance. Circe, our featured witch this week, offers a fascinating look into the world of Greek mythology and challenges traditional gender roles. Her story serves as a reminder of the power and complexities of witches throughout history..
Reviews for "The Witch of the Week: Mysticism and Magick"
- John - 1/5 - I found "Witch of the week" to be incredibly boring and uninteresting. The plot was weak and the characters lacked depth. It felt like a generic fantasy story with no originality or creativity. I was expecting so much more from this book and was ultimately disappointed.
- Sarah - 2/5 - "Witch of the week" had a promising premise, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The story was predictable and the writing was mediocre at best. The characters were one-dimensional and I couldn't connect with any of them. Overall, it was a forgettable read that didn't leave any lasting impression.
- Mike - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Witch of the week" but it failed to deliver. The pacing was off, with long stretches of nothing happening followed by rushed and unsatisfying resolutions. The magic system was poorly explained and didn't make much sense. The protagonist was also rather annoying and lacked depth. Overall, it was a disappointing read that I wouldn't recommend.
- Emily - 1/5 - I couldn't get into "Witch of the week" at all. The writing style was dull and the dialogue felt forced. The plot was confusing and hard to follow, with too many unnecessary subplots. I didn't feel invested in the story or the characters, and I struggled to finish the book. It was a major letdown and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.