Week 2

Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness begins slowly, carefully creating the characters and setting. The initial Oxford setting is vividly drawn, and is what initially drew me to the book, since I spent a semester there in college. Harkness describes Oxford's Bodleian Library so beautifully, that I felt like I was there sitting in the stacks doing research again. The other locations throughout the novel add greatly to the story, and truly give the sense that magic exists in the world. In addition to creating a wonderful setting, Harkness also sets out to create a world inhabited by creatures (witches, vampires, and daemons), this world building also contributed to her creation of a vivid setting. Diana Bishop, the main character in Discovery of Witches, is a witch who denies her powers. Her entire character and background is laid out in the first parts of the book, making her easily understandable and at least somewhat relatable. Matthew Clairmont, the vampire is much more a mystery, and readers learn more about his identity throughout the novel and its sequel. This combination of well-drawn out and ever-changing characters, makes the novel all the more interesting.

The Smart One by Jennifer Close tells the story of the Coffey family, and therefore deals with multiple characters, each distinctly characterized. The changing perspectives of the story kept me interested, and moved the story along. Close's characterization of the Coffey family made it easy to identify with each of the characters throughout their respective stories, and to identify with the family as a whole. Each character's personality was consistent, but each was different, adding interest to the story. 



I posted recommendations on Linda S.'s post.