Being a Witch, and Other Things I Didn't Ask for
📘 About This Book
A young adult, historical fantasy, time-slip novel about an emotionally wounded, fourteen-year-old foster girl who runs away not knowing she's a witch. She accidentally time travels to the 1645 English Essex Witch Trials, and to 1645 Istanbul/Constantinople. Real English and Turkish historic figures are included. There is a talking cat.
📖 Summary
Sara Goldsmith Pascoe presents a captivating young adult historical fantasy novel in Being a Witch, and Other Things I Didn't Ask for, published in 2017. Spanning 380 pages, this inventive time-slip adventure centers on a fourteen-year-old foster girl who is deeply emotionally wounded and running away from her current circumstances. Little does she know, she is actually a witch. Her desperate escape takes an unexpected and extraordinary turn when she accidentally time travels across centuries and continents. The narrative thrusts her directly into the perilous environment of the 1645 English Essex Witch Trials, as well as the vibrant and complex setting of 1645 Istanbul, which was historically known as Constantinople. Throughout this dual-setting journey, the protagonist encounters a mix of ordinary individuals and real historical figures from both England and Turkey, grounding the fantastical elements in a rich tapestry of seventeenth-century history. As she navigates the dangers of a world that violently misunderstands her emerging magical abilities, she must also confront the internal trauma of her foster care background. Adding a touch of charm and unexpected guidance to her perilous odyssey is a talking cat, a delightful companion who offers perspective amidst the chaos of historical upheaval. The book weaves together themes of identity, belonging, and survival, challenging the young protagonist to accept parts of herself that she never asked for and never knew she possessed. Readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy fused with genuine historical periods will find much to explore in this imaginative tale of displacement and self-discovery.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Fascinating blend of historical fiction and magical time travel
Inclusion of real English and Turkish historical figures
Engaging and emotionally resonant protagonist dealing with foster care trauma
Unique inclusion of a talking cat adds a memorable touch of whimsy
⚠️ Cons
The heavy historical themes might require emotional maturity from younger readers
Navigating multiple historical settings can occasionally complicate the narrative pacing
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of Being a Witch, and Other Things I Didn't Ask for? +
The book was written by Sara Goldsmith Pascoe.
When was the book published? +
It was published in 2017.
How many pages does the book have? +
The novel spans 380 pages.
What time periods and locations does the protagonist visit? +
She time travels to the 1645 English Essex Witch Trials and to 1645 Istanbul, also known as Constantinople.
Does the book feature any fantasy elements besides time travel and witchcraft? +
Yes, the story features a talking cat who accompanies the protagonist on her journey.
