Ami McKay's The Witches of New York is praised for its immersive historical detail and strong, magical feminist themes. Readers appreciate the richly developed characters and atmospheric setting. However, some criticism centers on the pacing, with parts deemed slow. Overall, it’s a compelling blend of history, magic, and social commentary.

Readers who enjoy The Witches of New York by Ami McKay are typically fans of historical fiction intertwined with elements of magic and the supernatural, akin to The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. These readers appreciate richly detailed settings, strong female protagonists, and a touch of witchcraft.

The Witches of New York by Ami McKay follows the lives of two witches, Eleanor St. Clair and Adelaide Thom, who run a tea shop, and a new witch, Beatrice Dunn, in Gilded Age New York. They face societal challenges and hidden dangers while navigating their magical abilities. References to the dehumanizing treatment of women and children and depictions of suicide are present in the book.

Mysterious / Fantastical / Dark / Unnerving / Contemplative

- The Witches of New York was inspired by Ami McKay’s own family history; her great-great-grandmother was reputed to be a witch in her Nova Scotian hometown.
- The novel incorporates historical events and figures from New York City in the late 19th century, weaving real-world elements into its fictional narrative.
- Ami McKay's exploration of themes like women's rights and societal expectations in The Witches of New York reflects her background as a playwright and journalist, often taking a deep dive into social history and personal stories.

Ami McKay

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Witches of New York and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Witches of New York Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Witches of New York Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “September 4, 1880: New Moon” - Part 2: “September 17, 1880: Full Moon”

Parts 1-2

The Witches of New York Parts 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “September 18, 1880: Waning Gibbous Moon” - Part 4: “September 25, 1880: Waning, Third Quarter Moon. Neptune, Saturn, and Jupiter Are Aligned.”

Parts 3-4

The Witches of New York Parts 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “October 3, 1880: New Moon” - Part 7: “October 9, 1880: Waxing Moon”

Parts 5-7

The Witches of New York Parts 5-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 8: “October 10, 1880: Waxing Moon” - Part 12: “January 21, 1881: Half Moon”

The Witches of New York

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Witches of New York?

Reading Age

Book Details