Kim Liggett's The Grace Year

 

This is so not my usual genre of choice, I can't remember why I had it on my 'to read' list but I am kind of glad I did. 

It is described as a haunting, feminist, YA speculative thriller, and whilst it is a little eerie and has several twisted memorable moments it really isn't a full blown thriller...just my point of view. 

Imagine if you will, a place where females are feared for their magic, so much so that in the year that they turn 16, their "Grace Year", girls are marched off to an isolated camp in the wilderness. 

Why, you might ask, well it allows them to release their magic powers into the wild, and return "pure" without upsetting any of the males...and by upsetting I mean it won't tempt the said males to be lured away from their marriages...cos it's obviously the female's magic that makes them become unfaithful, right?

There's a great deal of good stuff in Liggett's tale, I personally just found the lack of background, the lack of history about this particular society disappointing. The reasoning behind the sending of 16 year old girls away is never really explored. 

The Library Enthusiasts Care for Collectables...

...another excellent workshop available at our local libraries is an opportunity to meet with an Objects Conservator specialist and learn how to care for your precious family items and antiques. 

Wanting to keep something precious, regardless of its monetary value, to pass it on to our future generations is how we stay connected to our past, and how we share our history. Having the skills and knowledge of how to look after these collectables ensures we can do this...