Title: Magic or Madness
Author: Justine Larbalestier
First published March 17, 2005
271 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781595140708 (ISBN10: 1595140700)
Rating: 3.52
Overview
Her name is Reason, and she has always believed that magic was nothing but a myth. But when her mother, Sarafina, has a mental breakdown, Reason is forced to go to her grandmother Esmeralda’s house in Sydney.
Esmeralda is a believer in magic and practices dark rituals that terrify Reason. However, when Reason arrives, she soon realizes that everything she thought she knew was wrong.
Esmeralda’s house is nothing like Reason expected, and she discovers that magic is real. As Reason grapples with her newfound powers, she must also confront the terrifying truth about her family’s past and the role she must play in the future.
Magic or Madness by Justine Larbalestier is a thrilling tale of self-discovery and the power of magic.
About the Author
Justine Larbalestier is a talented author of young-adult fiction from Australia. Her most popular work is the Magic or Madness trilogy, consisting of Magic or Madness, Magic Lessons, and the newly released Magic’s Child.
She has also written a Hugo-nominated non-fiction book for adults called The Battle of the Sexes in Science Fiction (Best Related Book, 2003) and edited another book called Daughters of Earth: Feminist Science Fiction in the Twentieth Century.
People have pronounced her surname in different ways, but according to the FAQ on her website, the correct pronunciation is Lar-bal-est-ee-air. However, Lar-bal-est-ee-ay or Lar-bal-est-ee-er are also acceptable.
In school, her friends used to call her Lavaworm, but only close friends are allowed to use that nickname now.
Justine was born and raised in Sydney and currently splits her time between Sydney and New York City. In 2001, she married fellow author Scott Westerfeld.
Editoral Review
Magic or Madness by Justine Larbalestier is a gripping young adult novel that explores the complex themes of magic, madness, and family. Larbalestier, an Australian author and academic, has published several books for young readers, including Liar and How to Ditch Your Fairy.
With Magic or Madness, Larbalestier creates a unique literary experience that blends elements of urban fantasy, family drama, and coming-of-age story. The novel follows the life of fifteen-year-old Reason Cansino, who has spent her entire life living off the grid with her mother in the Australian bush.
Reason’s mother, Sarafina, believes that the modern world is full of dangerous magic that can drive people mad. However, when Reason’s grandmother, Esmeralda, comes to take her away to New York City, Reason starts to question everything she knows about her family, her origins, and the nature of magic.
Larbalestier’s prose is both poetic and raw, creating a vivid and immersive world that is both beautiful and brutal. The novel’s themes of identity, belonging, and the pursuit of truth are universal, but they are also deeply rooted in the cultural context of Australia and New York City.
The characters are complex and flawed, with deep emotional scars and secrets that are slowly revealed throughout the narrative. One of the novel’s strongest features is its exploration of the relationship between magic and madness.
Rather than presenting a binary opposition between rationality and superstition, Larbalestier creates a nuanced portrayal of magic that acknowledges its potential for destruction and healing. The novel’s climax is both devastating and cathartic, highlighting the emotional stakes of Reason’s journey and the power of love and forgiveness.
However, the novel also has some weaknesses, particularly in terms of pacing and world-building. The transition between the Australian bush and New York City is a bit jarring, and Larbalestier could have done more to flesh out the rules and history of the magic system.
The novel’s ending also feels a bit rushed, with certain character arcs left unresolved. Overall, Magic or Madness is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of young adult fiction and urban fantasy.
Its themes are timely and relevant, and its characters are unforgettable. While it has some minor flaws, it is still an impressive work of literature that showcases Larbalestier’s talent for evocative storytelling.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Recommended for fans of Neil Gaiman, Holly Black, and Frances Hardinge.
