Lighthearted and magical. Great for lovers of Sarah Addison Allen.
With charming magical realism and a distinct semblance to Sarah Addison Allen's Garden Spells, Heather Webber's Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe is a wonderful and heartwarming work. The story is emotional and somewhat mysterious, with a fabulous cast of characters reminiscent of a gathering in Stars Hollow.
The writing is natural and flowing, feeling almost comforting as the reader moves through the pages. The narrative is bifurcated, focusing on two primary protagonists, Anna Kate and Natalie. Though their stories intertwine, there are two distinct plots at work throughout the piece, with Anna Kate's story (appropriately) burning brighter. The alternating point of view works well in this particular situation, balancing out the narrative and lending a secondary eye to the reader to gather additional information.
The characters are very vibrant and memorable, each with a distinct personality curated in a way that creates a whole town within the pages. Each character has a part to play and contributes the the progression of the story. They are fantastic individuals, some quirky and comical, some stoic and quiet. Together, it is a perfect blend that makes everything feel quite natural and real. Unique, but still real.
The magical qualities of the narrative were endearing. There is obviously a fantastical element to the story, but rather than feeling fake and ridiculous, it is fun and enjoyable. I am drawn to works like this and find them incredibly enjoyable when written well. This one fit the bill. Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe is wonderful and magical and everything I love in a fantastical magical realism read.
The writing is natural and flowing, feeling almost comforting as the reader moves through the pages. The narrative is bifurcated, focusing on two primary protagonists, Anna Kate and Natalie. Though their stories intertwine, there are two distinct plots at work throughout the piece, with Anna Kate's story (appropriately) burning brighter. The alternating point of view works well in this particular situation, balancing out the narrative and lending a secondary eye to the reader to gather additional information.
The characters are very vibrant and memorable, each with a distinct personality curated in a way that creates a whole town within the pages. Each character has a part to play and contributes the the progression of the story. They are fantastic individuals, some quirky and comical, some stoic and quiet. Together, it is a perfect blend that makes everything feel quite natural and real. Unique, but still real.
The magical qualities of the narrative were endearing. There is obviously a fantastical element to the story, but rather than feeling fake and ridiculous, it is fun and enjoyable. I am drawn to works like this and find them incredibly enjoyable when written well. This one fit the bill. Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe is wonderful and magical and everything I love in a fantastical magical realism read.