Grab Feminist Fantasy by the horns
Necrology
Fantasy
Creature Publishing
September 24, 2024
Paperback
380
“It’s amazing what the spirit can cope with to preserve the body. My spirit is a mighty oak that just won’t fall.” In a fantastical aftermath of the Salem witch trials, magical women known as the Dirty have signed a contract swearing off their innate magic in exchange for freedom from violence by non-magical Freemen. Two hundred years later, in a Catskills orphanage, headmistress Whitetail has sprouted antlers-proof of a violated contract. When her wealthy benefactor visits, proposing marriage, her appearance sparks abuse. Rushing to her teacher’s defense, eight-year-old Rabbit curses the Beard dead, and Whitetail’s arrested on trumped-up charges. As Whitetail awaits her trial and execution, Rabbit is groomed as the Freemen’s star witness and learns of the terrifying reality to which they aspire. With her magic at stake and a loose tooth in her mouth, Rabbit has little left to lose. And a revolution to gain.
Necrology by Meg Ripley is an eerie bit of feminist fantasy. Ripley builds out a beautiful bit of atmosphere with lyrical descriptions laid against a child’s raw pragmatism. Where my concerns lay are in the fact that the world building was as misty as the tone being set. When I’m in it it’s tangible and encompassing, but any attempt at a firmer grasp disproves this theory. I’m having a difficult time formulating my opinion on this book as a whole as my thoughts are quite contradictory.
I found there were short bursts that I found gripping and general moods were interesting but my enjoyment seems to be quite shallow. When asked about this book I found that I didn’t have much to really describe outside of the fact that women have magic and the men are evil. While heavy handed exposition is never good, the lack thereof isn’t much better. Spooky children named after animals and a woman with antlers pulls you in, but if Rabbit was named Rachel would this story have traction? I think Meg Ripley is a master at creating a vibe and that’s not a skill to be taking lightly. Necrology most definitely has an audience out there waiting to revel in it, I’m just still not sure if I plan on joining the party.
Gabi grew up moving around the world with her family, making books in English a bit of a luxury that had to be rationed. Nowadays she lives in East London, where books can be read as voraciously as she likes. Fantasy books will forever be her first love, and she’s always looking for the next series to consume both of her brain cells. Her days generally consist of working as a software developer, squeezing in a chapter at her desk, and pining after the Picadilly Waterstones.