There’s a new review of Magic Lessons for Margo that I really love.
Check it out!
“Beguiling and somewhat dreamy coming of age story for adults
Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2024
I read the first novel in this duo, The Adventures of Miss Vulpe, in 2017, so while I knew some of the backstory of this book, it wasn’t exactly fresh in my mind. It didn’t matter, though, because Magic Lessons for Margo is absolutely fine as a standalone.
Marga – who has reinvented herself as Margo now that she’s a med student in California, is the older, more rigid, less sophisticated sister of Ana, for whom she feels responsible. From their adventures in Madrid to a road trip through the southwestern United States (inspired by a runaway Ana) this tale of sisters is yet another “coming of age story for adults,” focusing on Margo’s discovery about herself, her sister, and their mysterious (and deceased) mother.
I enjoyed this revisit to Maria Elena Sandovici’s writing. Her descriptions are vivid, but not so much so that there isn’t room for each reader to project their own images onto her words. Her use of language is sublime – the sisters share voices that are similar but not duplicates – while other characters’ speech patterns are equally distinct.
The tone of this novel has a sort of Alice-in-Wonderland feeling to it, where you’re never sure if Margo’s perceptions are exactly accurate, but the emotional truth is never flat. It’s a contemporary story, but feels almost like a period drama because of this. The plot is well paced and intricate enough to maintain interest.
Overall, this is a beguiling tale of young womanhood, adventure, personal growth, and family secrets.
Goes well with: churros and hot chocolate at a sidewalk café.”
