Being a Witch, and Other Things I Didn’t Ask for by Sara Pascoe

Published: February 28th 2017 by Trindles and Green

Read Date: May 5th 2017

Star: 3.5/5

Welcome to witch time travel. Meet Raya – witch of the book. Here is the story about her-

Blurb (in my words)–

Rachel aka Raya is 15 old teenage foster girl living with Angie under care of new social worker Bryony. Life was not so lovely for her, grandparents were the only one truly she ever loved. After their death it was difficult for her to live with her schizophrenic mother. She was having some visions but never tells anyone about it and she too have disorder like her mother. On a whim of living independent life she runs away from the foster care. After few unfortunate events she meets Pavel, who is integrator and tells her she is one too – a Witch! When her foster friend is hospitalized in critical state, she does her first time travel and ends up during the Essex Witch Trials period in 1645 England, along with talking cat, Oscar and Bryony.

What will this trio experience in 1645 the worst period for witch in history? Why they travelled to that period only? Will Raya learn to control her power? Will they return back to 21st century safely?

My view:

“Be careful what you wish for..”

A line from book exactly goes for the book.

This story is about a girl who never had proper relationship with anyone in life, who will learn to value people in her life and respect their love for her during her time travel.

Characters– I loved Oscar in this book. He was fun and wise cat. I really wish I have a talking cat.

Raya- I didn’t get her initially, she was so irresponsible and selfish, not ready to accept her witchy things and all. As she does her first time travel, I was interested to know her more. Her character develops very smoothly and steadily as the book progress.

Bryony- she was nice, her character was important in this book, but I think the whole focus was on Raya, maybe that’s why she gets less attention. When you picture a tutor in mind you want them little strict, smart, and influential but here she was exactly opposite. Well, I don’t want judge anything.

All secondary characters were nice too.

Few thing I liked about book were– The historical period and lifestyle of people linked with the main theme of the book. Social issues- racism and xenophobia pointed out remarkably during the time travel.  I felt the time travel that solely depended on the Raya’s wish was believable, I enjoyed that part the most. Raya’s past and her thoughts about life was well explained. Well thought out moral behind the story. All emotions in the book felt real.

The only thing I didn’t like was- What I said about Bryony in the characters that. Pace of the book, it had on and off effect on me. I feel, there was little more seriousness than the fun it required. Otherwise everything was fine. Something different than regular witch books.

Who should read it? This is a kind of a book that all parents wish their teens to read. Both adults and YA will enjoy reading this story.

Author: Sara Pascoe

Read more about author and book in interview with author⇒⇒ HERE.

*** Note: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Publisher and author. ***

What do you think about the book and my review? Have you read this book before? Share your thoughts in the comment-box below.

Happy Reading! 🙂

— BT&R