Title: House of Ivy & Sorrow
Author: Natalie Whipple
First published April 15, 2014
360 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780062120182 (ISBN10: 0062120182)
Rating: 3.58
Overview
For Josephine Hemlock, hiding from the Curse that killed her mother has been her life’s mission. But when an enigmatic stranger shows up at her door, she realizes that her family’s nemesis has found her.
To protect her loved ones, Jo must uncover the identity of her attacker. The more she delves into her family’s secrets, the more she realizes how deep and dark the world of witchcraft can be.
As the clock ticks down, Jo finds herself trapped and desperate. Could the same Curse that killed her mother be the only way to save her family and friends?
House of Ivy & Sorrow is a gripping tale of magic, betrayal, and sacrifice that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Meet Natalie Whipple, author of several books featuring characters with cool mutations – something she unfortunately does not possess. However, she does have some impressive abilities of her own, like binge-watching anime and Korean dramas for hours, and a talent for eating copious amounts of sushi.
Natalie spent her childhood in the Bay Area before moving to Utah for high school, where she experienced a bit of culture shock as an anime-loving teenager. Despite this, she eventually fell in love with the Rocky Mountains and decided to stay in Utah to pursue a degree in English linguistics from BYU.
Today, Natalie resides in Utah with her husband and three children, and is known to frequent the local Asian market to stock up on ingredients for her attempts at cooking Thai curry, Pho, and “real” ramen.
Editoral Review
House of Ivy & Sorrow is a young adult debut novel by Natalie Whipple, first published on April 15, 2014, that weaves magic with family relationships and female empowerment. Whipple is a freelance writer and blogger who has written other novels, including Transparent and Blindsided.
The fantasy novel takes place in a fictional town called Brynna, where witches have been castigated for centuries. The story revolves around Josephine “Joe” Hemlock, a teenage witch who’s been warned about her family’s aloofness to Brynna’s political and social norms.
When her grandmother, who was the leader of the town’s witch council, dies, Joe struggles to prove that her grandmother’s death wasn’t her doingbefore she succumbs to it herself. What follows is a journey of self-discovery as Joe takes it upon herself to unravel the conspiracy that led to her grandmother’s death and also prevents any more from happening.
Whipple’s novel is commendable for being grounded in relationships, especially that of a young girl and her family. Joe’s relationships with her mother, grandmother, and other witches serve as the driving force that keeps the plot moving.
The setting is vividly described, and the characters are fleshed out with their own backstories and experiences that make them relatable. Whipple’s narrative is fluid and easy to follow, making the book a quick read.
Using magic as a metaphor, the book touches on themes of love, trust, and the courage to take responsibility. The Book also addresses the issue of how powerful women are often viewed as threats to society, highlighting the female solidarity that is necessary to overcome such obstacles.
Whipple’s work can, therefore, be considered historical, given its relevance to today’s political climate, which is clouded by patriarchal dominance in most societies. However, House of Ivy & Sorrow is not without flaws.
Although the story’s pacing is consistent overall, some parts linger unnecessarily. A few characters, such as Joe’s boyfriend, are not given enough time to develop and are reduced to being accessories to Joe’s main story.
Also, the author provides little explanation for the magical elements, which can be jarring for readers looking for details on how the magic works. Despite these minor drawbacks, this young adult novel is ideal for readers searching for an engaging and empowering story that centers around strong female characters.
It offers a unique and fresh take on the witch narrative that sets itself apart from other works in the genre. The House of Ivy & Sorrow deserves a rating of 4 out of 5.
This is a definite recommendation to any reader who wants to immerse themselves in a hollowing book that addresses the importance of female solidarity.
